Memorial Day Weekend ‘13 Fallen Service Members From Afghanistan’
Soldier’s Creed “ stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called it "a painful milestone."
On Aug. 26, 2021, 13 American military members were killed outside an airport in Kabul, Afghanistan in what Austin described as "a horrific terrorist attack."
Remembering The Fallen . . .
Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, assigned to 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
Marine 1st Lt. John “Jack” Coppolasaid told the Boston Globe in a statement. “She is a hero, and her legacy will never be forgotten.”
Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California, assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Her military awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals.
Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
His military occupational specialty was 0369, infantry unit leader.
His awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Certificate of Commendation (Individual), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Appreciation, Meritorious Mast, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California, a rifleman.
His awards and decorations include a Certificate of Appreciation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, a rifleman.
His awards and decorations include the Korean Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana, a rifleman.
His awards and decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas, a rifleman.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri, a rifleman.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming, a rifleman.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, a rifleman.
His awards and decorations National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
For the Navy, the deceased is:
Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal, Flag letter of Accommodation. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
For the Army, the deceased is:
Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee. Knauss was assigned to 9th PSYOP Battalion, 8th PSYOP Group, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
May we honor all the fallen soldiers this Memorial Day Weekend. Visit a National Military Cemetery tomorrow in your region and give gratitude to all the veterans.
RIP. God Bless America. Keep Our Soldiers From Harms Way.
Heroes! Truly upsetting to see them in their youth... such amazing protectors, HEROES AND HEROINES, ALL. 💔
Agree!!! Biden and blinken and all admin are responsible for their deaths!