House passes bill to award Congressional Gold Medal to 13 U.S. servicemembers killed in Afghanistan on August 26
This week the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill cosponsored by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. The bipartisan bill introduced alongside Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) and others passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support.
“Thirteen brave members of our military gave their lives in August while defending our operations and the freedom of Americans and allies evacuating Afghanistan. These men and women were heroes, and their sacrifices should not and will not be forgotten,” said Rep. Obernolte. “I was proud to introduce this bill alongside Rep. McClain and my colleagues, and I am even prouder to see it pass with unanimous support. Our fallen servicemembers have earned this honor and our utmost respect. My prayers are with their families.”
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements bestowed the United States Congress. The bill awards the recognition 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, who fell in the line of duty at Hamid Karzai International Airport when a terrorist bomb went off during the civilian evacuation of Afghanistan.
“I’m proud the House passed my bill that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 brave men and women who were taken far too soon. Their sacrifice for our country and its allies will never be forgotten and I’m encouraged by the overwhelming bipartisan support for this legislation” said Rep. McClain. “I urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill so we can properly honor these fallen servicemembers.”