Gold Star Families from some of the 13 military members killed in an attack on the Kabul Airport, Afghanistan in 2021 gathered in California for a Congressional Forum on Monday.

Many expressed anger, disrespect, and hurt after sharing their testimony with President Joe Biden.

Darin Hoover is the father Sgt. Darin Taylor, 31, from Salt Lake City, Utah spoke at the forum. “Those who controlled our military should know that their deliberate decision led to a chaotic and frantic pullout from Afghanistan.”

Hoover then went on to criticize other leaders, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and General Mark A. Milley who is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also criticized Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

Hoover stated that it was “disgusting and ignorant” to say they were satisfied with the withdrawal.

He had a special message for Biden.

Be a man of maturity. Hoover told the group to “admit your mistakes and learn from them” so that it doesn’t ever happen again. “You need to all resign as soon as possible.” “You all need to resign immediately.” Our sons and daughter had more integrity than each of them put together. “You owe this to our families, the Gold Star Families who came before us, and to the veterans that gave so much to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.

Other loved ones also spoke. Most of them questioned why Biden had taken “zero responsibility” for the deaths of servicemen.

Christy Shamblin (the mother-in law of Sgt. Nicole L. Gee.

Shamblin continued to describe Gee, calling him “a bas-a** Marine”, who was ambitious and caring. She spoke about her favorite picture of Gee, the Marine holding a baby.

Shamblin stated that the photo was taken a few days before her death.

Other parents echoed Hoover’s and Shamblin’s words. The parents wiped away tears and demanded justice for the “chaotic” and “botched” withdrawal.

Cheryl Rex’s mother, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola said.

She added, “I hope that one day I will understand as a mother why my son chose to leave the earth.”

Coral Briseno is the mother of Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez shared similar sentiments. She said that her “green-eyed son” loved his country just as much as his family.

I want the truth. I want to know the truth. Briseno stated, “I want to know (why my child died) before I go to bed.” How many parents will have to endure this nightmare, if this administration is not changed? We must get to the root cause of this failure. We must implement laws that protect our Marines and soldiers. I’m tired of people telling me “What can I do?” The time to act now is now. (And) ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. I’ll fight until my last breath to find the truth. “I promised it to my child and I will make good on that promise.”

Alicia Lopez is the mother of Cpl. Hunter Lopez agreed. She said that it “would be a comfort to many grieving families.”

She thanked all those who allowed her to express her views.

She said, “This is a very important process for us – for our family – and I think there’s more to be revealed not only to families of those who have died but also to veterans and Americans in general.”

The congressman Darrell Issa organized the forum.

Since almost two years ago, the Gold Star Families have been waiting for answers and accountability regarding the death of their loved one in Afghanistan. They have waited too long. At every turn, the Biden administration has ignored them and shut them out. “This must stop now. The public needs to hear the stories of these heroic people and understand the negligence and lack of leadership which led to that tragic day two years back.

Issa stated that the majority of those killed belonged to the 2nd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment, which is based at Camp Pendleton.

In the release, it was noted that the Marines killed included:

Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza (20), of Rio Bravo, Texas

Sgt. Nicole L. Gee (23), of Roseville north of Sacramento in California

Staff Sgt. Darin T.Hoover, 31, from Salt Lake City, Utah who lived in Aliso Viejo California

Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, from Indio, California

Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum (20), of Jackson, Wyoming

Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola (20), of Rancho Cucamonga in California

Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui (20), of Norco, California

Cpl. Daegan W. Page (23), of Omaha, Nebraska

Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts

Cpl. Humberto A. Sánchez, 22, from Logansport, Indiana

Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz (20), of St. Charles (Missouri), Missouri

Other members of the group were Army Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, 23, from Coryton, Tennessee, and Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak. Ryan C. Knauss is a 23-year-old Corryton resident.