WASHINGTON – A Gold Star family from Wentzville was in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz was among 13 troops killed in the Abbey Gate attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021. He was 20.
His parents, Mark and Jaclyn Schmitz, and the near dozen other Gold Star families made a point to be present for the inauguration. Trump had met with the Schmitz family shortly after Jared was killed, offering condolences and promising to get answers on the attack if he were re-elected president.
Mark and Jaclyn were unable to witness the inauguration itself after the program was moved indoors. But they did get to see Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance and speak with them.
The couple, along with other families, were present at Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony.
“Any time that the families can get together, we’re a strength in numbers. And we unite as one,” Mark Schmitz said. “And so, we have had the opportunity to meet with President Trump as well as J.D. Vance. The Trump children were in attendance as well. And that means the world to us.”
Jaclyn Schmitz said meeting with Trump’s family at Arlington National Sunday is an experience she will never forget.
“We got to say each of their names and just share a minute about them. It was so sad, but also very touching,” she said.
The Schmitzes have also used the trip as an opportunity to spread the word about The Freedom 13, a non-profit created by Mark Schmitz to honor Jared and the troops killed at Abbey Gate.