WASHIGNTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) joined Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-10) and 158 Members of Congress in introducing legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan.
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.
“The bravery and selflessness of our men and women who put themselves in harms way for the preservation of our nation is unmatched,” said Rep. Schweikert. “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 servicemembers. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.”
This legislation is co-sponsored by 158 members of Congress: