But the Folsom veteran says he has no regrets about serving his country — even knowing what he would endure, he says he would do it all again with pride.
He was critically injured in the August 26, 2021, bombing at Abbey Gate during the chaotic final days of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. The attack killed 13 American service members, including fellow Marine Sergeant Nicole Gee of Roseville.
Yet his commitment to service, he says, has never stopped — though it might look different today.
Tyler Vargas-Andrews"The entire world at that point was already watching Afghanistan start to collapse," Vargas-Andrews said.
"The best way to describe it is if I filled up this room with sand, that's how many people there were," he recalled. "Just people shoulder to shoulder, holding babies over their heads so they didn't suffocate to death."
The blast left him critically wounded. He tried to crawl from where he woke up on the ground at the airport and could not move. He remembers every nerve ending in his body feeling like it was on fire.
In those moments, he made peace with dying. Then he heard a fellow Marine calling his name.
His survival, though, came at an enormous cost.
The physical and emotional wounds of war
While the physical injuries have required years of treatment and adjustment, he says the emotional wounds can be even harder to navigate.
Among those killed in the attack was Sergeant Nicole Gee, a fellow Marine from Roseville.
"The greatest way that we can honor those who aren't here with us anymore is by living our lives to the absolute fullest," he said. "I have never stopped living."
Since then, he has used his voice to push for answers about what happened in Kabul.
He says the situation was nearly unimaginable.
Vargas-Andrews told CBS13 he continues to carry frustration that no one in the U.S. government or military has been disciplined for what happened that day.
In August 2026, the Department of Defense said its investigation remains open and ongoing as officials examine why certain decisions were made.
A message to veterans: Be proud of your service
Despite everything he has endured, Vargas-Andrews says he would still serve his country again and chooses to serve his country still, through his own advocacy for veterans and those with disabilities.
He says purpose and passion can still be found beyond the uniform, even through the most difficult experiences.
"It's just knowing that life is worth living. And for any veteran out there listening, happy Veterans Day. But, to add to that, be proud of your service."
Hence then, the article about folsom marine veteran who survived kabul airport bombing fights for accountability 5 years later was published today ( ) and is available on CBS sacramento ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Folsom Marine veteran who survived Kabul airport bombing fights for accountability 5 years later )
Also on site :
- DistroKid and Kobalt Partner on New Publishing Service for DIY Talent
- In 1999, a 25-year-old started a makeup brand with $250,000 from her parents; 15 years later, she sold it to L’Oréal for roughly $400 million
- Taylor Swift Will Be Honored With The Hollywood Reporter’s Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at Women in Entertainment Gala