“[Mr. or Mrs. Presidential Candidate], two American airmen died in Afghanistan on Sunday, bringing the total number of U.S. troops killed there this month to eight. If you are elected president, what is your plan for American military involvement in Afghanistan?”

Is it just me, or does that seem like a logical question to ask someone who wants to be commander-in-chief?

CNN, where I worked for almost five years, hosted the two most recent presidential debates. Of the 16 candidates on those primetime stages, the network’s transcripts show that only four Democratic and Republican contenders were asked questions about Afghanistan. Just one question – posed by Anderson Cooper to Lincoln Chafee, who is polling at less than one percent – dealt directly with the current situation in Afghanistan.

No questions from CNN panelists mentioned the fact that Americans are still dying in the conflict, which turned 14 years old last week. The military’s ongoing sacrifices in Afghanistan were equally invisible at the first primetime debate, which was hosted by Fox News.

While journalistic malpractice by the national media is not a new phenomenon, Americans should be equally disappointed with its politicians. During the two most recent CNN debates, which lasted a combined five and a half hours — give or take a few commercial breaks – “Afghanistan” was mentioned only six times by four candidates: Sens. Bernie Sanders and Marcio Rubio (twice each), Gov. Chris Christie and Hillary Clinton.

Since so many presidential candidates and national media figures have apparently lost interest in Afghanistan, perhaps the names and stories of the eight brave men and women who have lost their lives there this October will help wake them up.

Capt. Jonathan J. Golden, 33, Camarillo, Calif.

“Golden is survived by his wife, Danielle, and two children.” ~Los Angeles Times

Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Hammond, 26, Moundsville, W.V.

“‘He was just an all-around great guy,’ recalled his cousin…” ~WTRF-TV

Senior Airman Quinn L. Johnson-Harris, 21, Milwaukee, Wis.

“Those who knew him say he was a good student and stellar football player.” ~Fox 6 Milwaukee

Master Sgt. Gregory T. Kuhse, 38, Kalamazoo, Mich.

“Kuhse’s daughter posted to her Facebook page on Monday, saying that she ‘crumpled to the floor’ upon being notified of her father’s death…” ~WOOD-TV

Maj. Phyllis J. Pelky, 45, of Rio Rancho, N.M.

“The message I always got was her love for her country and kids — you could just see it,” [Jena] Rue said.” ~Albuquerque Journal

Capt. Jordan B. Pierson, 28, Abilene, Texas.

“‘He was very responsible. That’s why he went to the Air Force Academy,’ [Mike] Trammel said.” ~Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, McDonough, Ga.

“’She was awesome,’ [Master Sgt. Jason Jerrigan] said.” ~Clayton News Daily

Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29, Pensacola, Fla.

“‘A lot of people think and say that this generation is self-centered,’ [Joe] Grundin said. ‘Nathan is an example of the fact that they’re totally wrong …'” ~Pensacola News Journal

These eight selfless Americans had the courage to serve. Do those who want to inform and lead our nation have the fortitude to notice?

Our country’s military community still bears an extraordinary burden in Afghanistan, as evidenced by the ultimate price that these eight heroes paid for our freedom. We must remember their names.

Tom Sileo is a Senior Editor of The Stream. He is co-author of Brothers Forever: The Enduring Bond between a Marine and a Navy SEAL that Transcended their Ultimate Sacrifice.