Former soldier John Miller, 74, and his wife Marilyn, 66, expressed outrage at comments made by Donald Trump regarding British military involvement in Afghanistan. John, who served in the army in the Gulf and Germany, described Trump’s words as deeply hurtful. He highlighted the sacrifices made by his family, with one son serving two tours in Afghanistan and another tragically losing his life in Iraq.
In response to the backlash, President Trump issued a statement praising UK forces and acknowledging their bravery and sacrifices in Afghanistan. However, John noted the absence of an apology from Trump, which he found disrespectful to the memory of the 636 UK service personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Reflecting on his personal loss, John emphasized the impact of Trump’s remarks on him and his wife, especially considering their ongoing pursuit of justice for their son’s death in Iraq. He emphasized that the UK’s involvement in conflicts was largely in support of the United States and felt that Trump’s comments undermined the sacrifices made by British service personnel.
John shared the story of his son Simon, a Royal Military Policeman who was killed in Iraq, and expressed his pride in his other son Jon, who continues to serve in the military police despite the family’s tragic loss. He highlighted the continued search for justice for Simon’s murder and the challenges they have faced in holding the responsible party accountable.
The article also provided a brief overview of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Nato nations, including the UK, in the conflict. It noted the high number of military deaths suffered by the UK, second only to the US, highlighting the toll of the war on British forces.
Overall, the article shed light on the personal experiences and emotions of a family deeply affected by military service and loss, while also emphasizing the broader context of international conflicts and the sacrifices made by service personnel.