Local veteran concerned for soldiers, allies in Afghanistan

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — President Biden addressed those who carried out the attacks in Afghanistan Thursday killing at least 13 U.S. military members.

“We will hunt you down and make you pay,” he said.

STORY: Kabul attack: US service member death toll rises to 13

Action News Jax spoke with local veteran, Air Force Tech Sgt. Aaron Woodson. He served overseas and tells us it’s hard to watch what’s unfolding.

“Dear soldier…,” he writes, “It is an honor and privilege for me to write this letter to America’s finest hero. From one veteran to another, I’ve been in your shoes.”

Aaron Woodson is sharing a poem he wrote to those risking their lives to save others in Afghanistan.

He knows firsthand what they’re facing, as he himself was deployed to the country while in the Air Force.

“It’s definitely déjà vu, but not in a good way…just seeing what’s going on there now there’s still unrest. There’s still disturbing images of just violence, threats; just a lot of uncertainty.”

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He explains how unsettling it is to know how many people are still suffering.

“We were hoping to see better results.”

On Thursday morning, at least 12 more U.S. service members and dozens of Afghans were killed in a suicide attack near the Kabul airport.

It’s tough for Woodson to watch.

“That’s like a family member. It breaks your heart it really does.”

Woodson hopes there won’t be any more casualties.

“We are praying for your safe return. God bless you. Salute.

Sincerely Tech Sgt. Aaron Woodson.”

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