Podcast Summary: "Remembering Taylor Hoover (feat. Kelly Barnett)"
Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley
Host: Savannah Chrisley
Guest: Kelly Barnett
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Introduction
In this heartfelt episode of Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley, Savannah welcomes Kelly Barnett, the mother of Taylor Hoover, one of the 13 fallen soldiers from Afghanistan. The episode delves deep into Taylor’s life, his service in the Marine Corps, the tragic circumstances of his death, and Kelly’s relentless pursuit of accountability and support for veterans.
Meeting Kelly Barnett
Savannah begins by recounting her first meeting with Kelly at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on August 26, 2021, highlighting the emotional impact of their encounter.
Savannah [01:04]: “I was just eating, and then Kelly came up and we started talking. I could barely have a conversation without crying.”
Kelly confirms the date and reflects on how recent the loss still feels.
Kelly Barnett [02:07]: “It seems like yesterday.”
Taylor Hoover's Early Life and Service
The discussion shifts to Taylor’s upbringing and his decision to join the Marine Corps at age 20, foregoing a potential football career. Kelly describes Taylor as a mature and happy child who was deeply committed to his family and friends.
Kelly Barnett [02:26]: “He was such a good kid… a friend for life.”
Savannah inquires about Taylor’s motivations for joining the Marines, emphasizing his desire for brotherhood and protection.
Savannah [04:02]: “What was his biggest motivation to join the Marine Corps?”
Kelly Barnett [04:02]: “He wanted to protect. That’s on his gravestone, his headstone. Our protector.”
Navigating Military Leadership Through Administrations
Kelly discusses how Taylor’s faith in the Marine Corps leadership wavered during the Obama administration, leading him to reenlist under President Trump’s administration with hopes for positive changes.
Kelly Barnett [05:08]: “During the Obama administration, he lost a lot of faith... When Trump was elected, Taylor reenlisted because he knew President Trump would make some changes.”
However, the withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden-Harris administration deeply affected Taylor and ultimately led to his tragic death.
Kelly Barnett [06:47]: “The Doha agreement had conditions they didn't keep. They pushed the withdrawal to September to align with 9/11... Our guys were trapped.”
The Tragic Day of August 26, 2021
The conversation intensifies as Kelly recounts the harrowing events of August 26, 2021, when Taylor was killed during the chaotic evacuation from Kabul. She describes the emotional moment she received the devastating news.
Kelly Barnett [12:12]: “I was at my daughter's, watching the news... I thought he was invincible until I saw the Marines at my door.”
She details the lack of immediate communication and the subsequent confirmation of Taylor’s death.
Kelly Barnett [14:34]: “Nothing can prepare you for that.”
Political Accountability and the Aftermath
Kelly expresses her frustration with the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the withdrawal, accusing them of politicizing the tragedy and failing to meet the agreed-upon conditions of the Doha Agreement.
Kelly Barnett [16:50]: “I believe we've gotten all the answers. I'm after accountability now.”
She criticizes the administration for delaying the withdrawal and not providing the promised support and acknowledgment to the families of fallen soldiers.
Kelly Barnett [19:35]: “We wanted an apology... We wanted them to look us in the face and say we're sorry. Nothing.”
Founding the Taylor Hoover Memorial
In honor of her son, Kelly shares the establishment of the Taylor Hoover Memorial Foundation. The foundation focuses on scholarships based on honor, courage, and commitment, and provides service dogs to veterans, aiming to support those who have sacrificed for the country.
Kelly Barnett [27:07]: “We started scholarships based on honor, courage, commitment... We’ve given five service dogs to veterans.”
Mental Health Advocacy for Veterans
Kelly addresses the critical issue of mental health support for veterans, highlighting the inadequate treatment provided by the VA and emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health facilities.
Kelly Barnett [29:06]: “Mentally, there's just no help for them. It just needs to be revamped.”
Savannah echoes the sentiment, advocating for proper mental health treatment instead of merely prescribing medications.
Ongoing Struggles and Seeking Accountability
Kelly outlines her ongoing fight for accountability, expressing her disappointment with the administration's response and her determination to hold those responsible accountable. She mentions reaching out to political figures like Pete Hegseth to push for further investigations.
Kelly Barnett [31:08]: “My biggest struggle is being without my son... We need accountability.”
Sophia references recent calls to remove officials who mishandled the withdrawal, aligning with Kelly’s demand for justice.
Community and Support Initiatives
The episode highlights the community events organized by the foundation, such as the annual 5K run in West Memphis, Arkansas, aimed at raising funds and awareness for veterans’ support.
Kelly Barnett [33:48]: “We have a 5K every year on August 30th... All funds go to our veterans and scholarships.”
Savannah expresses her admiration and commitment to supporting the foundation’s efforts.
Concluding Thoughts
In closing, Savannah and Kelly emphasize the importance of remembering and honoring fallen soldiers like Taylor Hoover. They discuss the need for systemic changes in military leadership and veterans' support systems to prevent future tragedies.
Savannah [44:20]: “I just have an enormous amount of respect for your son and every man and woman that's fighting for our country.”
Kelly Barnett [44:15]: “Until people are held accountable, we're going to continue to see this happen over and over again.”
Key Takeaways
- Taylor Hoover's Legacy: A dedicated Marine whose life was tragically cut short during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
- Advocacy for Accountability: Kelly Barnett’s relentless pursuit of accountability from political and military leaders.
- Support for Veterans: Establishment of the Taylor Hoover Memorial Foundation focusing on scholarships and mental health support.
- Political Frustration: Critique of the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the Afghan withdrawal and its impact on military families.
- Community Engagement: Active efforts to engage the community through events like the annual 5K run to support veterans.
Notable Quotes
- Savannah [01:04]: “I could barely have a conversation without crying.”
- Kelly Barnett [02:26]: “He was such a good kid… a friend for life.”
- Kelly Barnett [16:50]: “I believe we've gotten all the answers. I'm after accountability now.”
- Kelly Barnett [29:06]: “Mentally, there's just no help for them. It just needs to be revamped.”
- Savannah [44:20]: “I just have an enormous amount of respect for your son and every man and woman that's fighting for our country.”
Supporting Kelly's Mission
Listeners are encouraged to support the Taylor Hoover Memorial Foundation through donations and participation in community events. The foundation is dedicated to honoring Taylor’s memory and providing tangible support to veterans in need.
Upcoming Event:
- 5K Run: August 30th in West Memphis, Arkansas
A family-friendly event with music, vendors, and activities to raise funds for scholarships and service dogs for veterans.
Conclusion
This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military families and the urgent need for accountability and comprehensive support systems for veterans. Kelly Barnett’s story is one of love, loss, and unwavering dedication to ensuring that no soldier is forgotten.
Note: To support Kelly Barnett’s foundation and attend upcoming events, listeners can visit the Taylor Hoover Memorial Foundation’s website or scan the QR code provided in the podcast.