As our nation seeks to leave the war in Afghanistan behind, let’s not forget our troops’ sacrifice Col. (ret.) Michael Hudson (Getty Images/iStockphoto) When news broke that President Biden plans to withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021, ending a 20-year campaign that has tragically cost 2,300 American lives, many across the country breathed a sigh of relief. Redeploying our troops home from Afghanistan brings an end to our longest war, but it does not bring an end to each individual’s personal struggles. We can physically bring our troops home and out of harm’s way, but the full journey back will involve more than a change in geography.