Congressman David Schweikert, Andy Biggs, Debbie Lesko, and Ruben Gallego joined 158 Members of Congress in introducing legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military service members who were killed in Afghanistan. Michigan congresswoman Lisa McClain introduced the legislation. Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked the crowds flocking to Kabul’s airport last Thursday, killing at least 60 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops.
The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.
Rep. Schweikert stated, “The bravery and selflessness of our men and women who put themselves in harm’s way for the preservation of our nation is unmatched. We must come together to pay tribute to the heroes who lost their life protecting Americans and Afghan allies while in Kabul. I stand with the families, the loved ones, and the friends of these exceptional service members. God bless our military.”
“These heroic men and women are gone far too soon, and we must honor them for their bravery in helping U.S. citizens, and Afghan allies safely evacuate Afghanistan,” said Rep. McClain. “My heart aches for the families and loved ones of our service members. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.”
