On Monday, October 25, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. The bill was initiated by Congresswoman Lisa McClain and co-sponsored by 325 members of Congress.
McClain said, “These 13 fallen warriors, along with many others, made the ultimate sacrifice. Each of them knew their duty, and they accepted the risks. Not many answer the call, but they volunteered anyways.”
Of the 13 servicemembers lost on August 26th, 11 were Marines, 1 was an Army soldier, and 1 belonged to the Navy.
- David L. Espinoza – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
- Nicole L. Gee – Marine Corps Sgt.
- Darin T. Hoover – Marine Corps Staff Sgt.
- Ryan C. Knauss – Army Staff Sgt.
- Hunter Lopez – Marine Corps Cpl.
- Rylee J. McCollum – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
- Dylan R. Merola – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
- Kareem M. Nikoui – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
- Johanny Rosario Pichardo – Marine Corps Sgt.
- Humberto A. Sanchez – Marine Corps Cpl.
- Jared M. Schmitz – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
- Maxton W. Soviak – Navy Hospital Corpsman
- Daegan W. Page – Marine Corps Cpl.
“We often forget about the families who have lost even more. To be a Gold Star Family is an honor no one wishes for. We owe our sincerest gratitude to the families who eagerly awaited these 13 servicemembers return. These families bear the greatest burden of their loved ones sacrifice, and we can never thank them in a way that will make up for their loss,” said McClain.
The Bill now moves to the Senate for approval.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
