Mum of Fallen Soldier Criticises Trump Comments
Angie Moore, whose son Pte Gregg Stone was killed in Afghanistan, said she was disgusted by Donald Trump’s remarks. He claimed British soldiers “stayed a little off the front lines” during the conflict.
Pte Stone’s Sacrifice
Pte Stone, 20, of The Yorkshire Regiment, died in Helmand province in June 2012. He was part of a mission to rescue an Afghan police officer kidnapped by the Taliban. Moore recalled the moment she learned of her son’s death: “He has returned me to the moment I got a knock on my front door from the Army telling me my son was dead.”
At the time, Pte Stone and his platoon were stationed at a remote checkpoint in Nahr-e-Saraj, fighting constant skirmishes with Taliban forces. His comrades risked their lives to carry him to safety, with one soldier carrying him across a river under gunfire.
Outrage at Trump’s Words
Trump made his comments to Fox News, saying he was “not sure” NATO would support the US if needed. He added, “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan. And they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.”
Moore responded strongly, saying, “Trump is disrespectful, inconsiderate and unfeeling. He does not give a damn. It’s the suits who start the wars, and it’s the young men and women who go out and fight.” She also noted that the statement insulted the 400-plus families who lost loved ones in Afghanistan.
Historical Context
The UK joined the US in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. In total, 457 British service personnel died during the conflict. Many more suffered life-changing injuries while fighting on the front lines alongside NATO allies.
