Gratitude - Abbey Gate
On August 26, 2021, U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews experienced a life-altering event during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA). As a sniper stationed at Abbey Gate, he witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of leadership failures, culminating in a suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians. The physical and emotional burdens from that day remain with him and his fellow service members, serving as a stark reminder of true hardship and the resilience required to bring light to the darkest moments.Below is a revised and detailed account of Vargas-Andrews’ congressional testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 8, 2023, focusing on a humanitarian moment amid the chaos at Abbey Gate and the moment of the suicide bombing. These excerpts, drawn from credible sources, highlight his personal experiences, shared in a personal capacity, not representing the U.S. Marine Corps or the Department of Defense. Additional information about his current endeavors as a business owner and his ongoing recovery is included at the end.
A Moment of Humanity
"During the chaos at Abbey Gate, I saw a young girl, maybe seven or eight years old, pushing through the desperate crowd, holding her younger brother’s hand and cradling a lifeless baby in her arms. She reached our position, exhausted and terrified. The baby’s face was blue, not breathing. My heart dropped. I shouted for a medic, scanning the crowd for anyone who could help. We found one, and by some miracle, the medic revived the baby. The girl, sobbing, clung to my uniform, pleading for ‘abba’—her father. I climbed onto an SUV overlooking the razor-wire fence, lifted her up, and held her high, hoping her father might see her in the sea of people. Her trembling body and raw fear stuck with me. In that moment, despite the violence and disorder around us, I felt a desperate need to hold onto something human, to do whatever I could for her."
The Devastation
"The explosion came without warning—a blinding flash and a massive wave of pressure. I was thrown 12 feet, slamming into the ground. I knew instantly it was a suicide bomb. Opening my eyes, I saw devastation: Marines dead or unconscious, scattered around me. The crowd of hundreds pressing against us moments before had vanished. My body was torn apart by 100 to 150 ball bearings and shrapnel, ripping through my abdomen, arms, and legs. Blood was everywhere, and the pain was indescribable, my body in shock. I fought to stay conscious, surrounded by the chaos and the ringing in my ears. The 11 Marines, one sailor, and one soldier killed that day—their faces, their loss—stay with me. No one has been held accountable for the failures that led to that moment."
These accounts reflect Vargas-Andrews’ vivid testimony of a fleeting act of compassion amid the desperation at Abbey Gate and the catastrophic impact of the August 26, 2021, suicide bombing, which left him severely wounded, having lost his right arm, left leg, and parts of internal organs. He underwent 43 surgeries and received 54 units of blood, with 13 ball bearings and two pieces of shrapnel still embedded in his body. For the full testimony, refer to the House Foreign Affairs Committee archives or C-SPAN footage from March 8, 2023.
Today, Tyler Vargas-Andrews exemplifies resilience as he rebuilds his life post-injury. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his injuries, he has embraced entrepreneurship, co-founding Flatline Hardgoods, a company focused on crafting high-quality knives with two friends. This venture reflects his lifelong interest in knives, which began in childhood when he would save money to buy them. He is also exploring plans to open an adaptive gym, aiming to create a space that supports veterans and others with disabilities in pursuing fitness and recovery.
NOTE: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
