Story perspectives

Marine's Last Moment with Friend During Kabul Evacuation

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

On August 26, 2021, Marine Cpl. Kelsee Lainhart last saw her friend at Kabul airport while assisting an Afghan woman and her two young sons.
It occurred during the chaotic evacuation as thousands fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover.
The United States withdrawal from its longest war prompted the crisis.
Lainhart and Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee were responsible for searching women and children and sometimes turned away those lacking documentation.

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Story summary

On August 26, 2021, Marine Cpl. Kelsee Lainhart last saw her friend at Kabul airport while assisting an Afghan woman and her two young sons.
It occurred during the chaotic evacuation as thousands fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover.
The United States withdrawal from its longest war prompted the crisis.
Lainhart and Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee were responsible for searching women and children and sometimes turned away those lacking documentation.