A New Bedford soldier has called home from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. His parents are relieved to hear from him but scared to death about what might happen to him there. The last time they had heard from their son, he was in Kuwait awaiting word about a possible deployment to Afghanistan.

Out of concern for his security and that of his family, I will refrain from releasing our soldier's identity or any more information about him until he is out of harm's way.

Our soldier's father has called the program several times. On Monday, he said his son hopes to transfer out of Kabul just as soon as the 82nd Airborne Division arrives in a couple of days. Dad said he looks forward to hearing about his son's experience when the time is right.

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Young men and women sign up all the time to defend their country when the need arises or to assist in rescuing other Americans when they are in crisis. They know and understand the risks involved, but it doesn't make it any easier for the family members on the home front when their loved ones get pressed into service.

The threat at Hamid Karzai International is real. Our New Bedford soldier and his colleagues in arms are in danger and need our prayers, as do the Americans and others still trapped behind enemy lines. I never thought I'd see the day when an American administration would leave fellow Americans behind. That is unfathomable to me.

The American military, including our New Bedford soldier, is the best there is. If there is a way to get those people out of there safely, they will do it. In the meantime, I pray for them and for a safe and speedy resolution to this mess.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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