August 29, 2024 - WASHINGTON — On the third anniversary of the terrorist attack at the Kabul Airport, Speaker Johnson announced that Congress will honor the 13 American servicemembers killed in the attack by presenting their families the Congressional Gold Medal. 

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04)

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), as well as Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), and Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), who sponsored the legislation to posthumously award these servicemembers the Gold Medal, will deliver remarks at the ceremony on September 10 in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

“Three years ago, 13 brave American soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Abbey Gate explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan. America owes these heroes and their families an incalculable debt of gratitude, and we continue to mourn their losses and honor their memories,” said Speaker Johnson.

“Their stories of these 13 courageous souls are truly inspiring, as our nation lost brothers, sisters, husbands, and fathers, from every part of this country. And while their post ended that fateful day three years ago, their legacies live on through their families, friends and fellow soldiers.

“Congress has a duty to ensure these sacrifices are never forgotten, and it is my distinct honor to announce that Congress will bestow the families of these 13 heroes with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest award Congress can present to any individual or group. This bipartisan, bicameral honor is well deserved, and we thank Congresswoman Lisa McClain and Senator Steve Daines for leading the legislation to make this distinction possible,” Speaker Johnson concluded.

“Three years ago, 13 U.S. service members were killed by savage terrorists in Kabul.  Today, the grief of their loved ones is no less painful, but their heroic sacrifice will never be forgotten.  I am proud that the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice at Abbey Gate will receive the highest honor that Congress can bestow,” said Leader McConnell.  

“These men and women are the true heroes of our country, which is why we must never let their ultimate sacrifice be in vain,” said Congresswoman McClain. “It was my honor to lead the legislation posthumously awarding these fallen warriors the Congressional Gold Medal, and I look forward to joining their families, friends, and colleagues to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice to our nation.”

“Our country owes the 13 brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice at Abbey Gate during the withdrawal from Afghanistan three years ago a debt of gratitude we will never be able to repay,” said Senator Daines. “These heroes dedicated their lives to serving our nation and protecting our security and freedoms both at home and abroad. With this Congressional Gold Medal, we memorialize their ultimate sacrifice and honor their memory.”

Background:

On August 26, 2021, during the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal, a ISIS-K suicide bomber attacked the Hamid Karzai International Airport, tragically leaving 13 U.S. servicemembers dead. 

The following servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice that day and will be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal on September 10, 2024. Their bravery and courage will never be forgotten.

Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover

Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo

Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee

Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez

Marine Cpl. Daegan Page

Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez

Marine Lance Cpl. David Espinoza

Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz

Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum

Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola

Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui

Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton Soviak

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss

The Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor in Congress, will be awarded posthumously on September 10, 2024. The ceremony will take place in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol at 11:00 a.m.

Read the exclusive story about the ceremony in the Washington Reporter here.

Read the legislation here.
Source: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson