Mackay Afghanistan veterans horrified by Taliban actions

Veterans who put their life on the line in Afghanistan ask if 20 years of sacrifice meant anything as they worry about their contacts hiding from the Taliban.

Mackay’s veterans are feeling horror, distress and anger at the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Afghanistan.

Mackay GP and veteran Dr Kerry Summerscales said many were asking whether 20 years of sacrifice — including the deaths of their comrades — was worth it.

“We discuss the fact there’s a whole generation of women who have more opportunity and expansive education and employment and they were protected from rape and other atrocities,” Dr Summerscales said.

“I don’t know whether those women will be that easily prepared to give it up.”

Mackay doctor and veteran Kerry Summerscales says Afghanistan veterans were distressed at the situation unfolding under the Taliban. Picture: Heidi Petith

Dr Summerscales, who served in the Australian Defence Force for 30 years including at Bougainville, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands, said veterans worried about the safety of “amazing” interpreters and other Afghans with whom they had formed relationships.

“Certainly around Australia they’ve been contacted by those interpreters,” she said.

“They’re not able to get to the airport or they’re outside the airport and can’t get in.”

FLEEING KABUL: The first Australian Defence Force evacuation flight departed Kabul with 26 persons on board around 1am local time on August 18. Picture: Department of Defence

She said contacts were hiding in bunkers waiting for an opportunity to dash to the airport while risking gunfire.

Dr Summerscales said it was extremely distressing for veterans to watch back footage of Afghans desperately clinging to aeroplanes for an escape only to fall to their death.

“The reason a lot of us joined (the force) is to fend for people who can’t fend for themselves,” she said.

“I don’t know if shock is the right word.

A DIFFERENT TIME: Australian Army officer Captain Anne Andrews speaks with members of the Afghan National Police in Kabul Afghanistan in August 2019 while deployed on Operation Highroad. Picture: Department of Defence

“I don’t think they were surprised (at the withdrawal) but what were we meant to do, stay there forever?

“I certainly don’t have any of the answers and I don’t think any of us have the right answer.

“(Were) we trying to impose a form of democracy in a country you can’t lay that over?

FAR CRY FROM NOW: Afghan and Australian staff from Kabul Garrison Command enjoy a joke during the Advisory Team transfer of authority ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2018. Picture: Department of Defence

“I think that’s where a lot will feel lost especially if they’ve had friends who’ve died over there or have died subsequently.

“This is an (Afghan) generation who had opportunity and education, is that comfort to (a veteran) who’s lost a family member?”

This story is part of the Daily Mercury’s campaign to find a Hub for Our Heroes with a revived Mackay RSL Club as well as a veterans and first responders centre at Kinchant Dam. To find out more email [e-mail]

Dr Summerscales said the best thing Australia could do right now was to check in with its veterans as well as Afghanistan migrants.

“Just say, ‘How are you going mate?” she said.

“There’s one T-shirt that’s already printed off that says the ‘Kabul Parachute Club’ and I think, ‘oh good lord’.

“I understand that dark humour because it’s laugh or cry, but it’s certainly not appropriate and certainly not for Facebook.

“I can only go by my deployments, I think we (veterans) get angry at the self entitlement and the lack of awareness about other nations and how lucky we have it here.”