Remembering the Fallen

A car explosion at an airport in Kabul killed at least 60 civilians, and 13 coalition members, as well as around 158 people injured. This attack was not done by the Taliban, though. This attack was claimed to be caused by Isis-K, another terrorist group. The Taliban had little part in it, as they were trying to use the airport to make the Americans leave. The attack started when two cars, rigged with bombs, went off. Then, gunmen and suicide bombers came in to kill more people. The US is currently sending drones to hunt for the perpetrator, much like what happened with Osama Bin Laden. Nearly 200 Afghans also died as a result of the attack. The government has identified the 13 U.S. service members who died, which included eleven marines, one soldier, and one navy medic. In their honor and devotion to America, the country mourns the loss of our military heroes and our Afghanistan allies.

More on the 13 fallen U.S. Service Members

Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts 

Even though only given two medals/decorations, the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Naval Support Activity Bahrain. A quote for her service states, “Her service was not only crucial to evacuating thousands of women and children, but epitomizes what it means to be a Marine: putting herself in danger for the protection of American values so that others might enjoy them,” Marine 1st Lt. Johh.

Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23 of Sacramento, California

Nicole L. Gee had been in Afghanistan to comfort Afghan children. Her picture with an Afghan baby went viral. She was very motivated and passionate in everything she did and she loved her job. Nicole was a great friend and a golden child. 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

 Darin’s military occupational specialty was 0369, infantry unit leader. Darin was awarded with the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Appreciation, Meritorious Mast, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according to a 1st Marine Division press release.

Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California

Hunter Lopez has around 12 awards and certificates. Including Cirtifiate Of Appreciation,  Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Letter Of Appreciation, Meritorious Mast, National Defence Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.  Other pending approval awards may include, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was decorated with medals/awards.

Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska 

Daegan won many awards and decorations. Some of his awards and decorations include Korean Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on terrorism Medal, and finally a Purple Heart. Page was raised in Red Oak, Iowa and joined the Marines after graduating from Millard South High School.

Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport

 Humberto A. Sanchez was a proud Mexican American. He grew up in Logansport, Indiana. Sanchez was one of the 17 students who joined the Marines after graduating from Logansport High School in 2017.

Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas

David’s awards and decoration 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

Jared’s 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

Rylee’s 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

His awards and decorations were inclusive of, National Defence Service Medal, And Global War On Terrorism Service Medal. Other pending approval awards and decorations consist of, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California

Kareem won many awards while serving in the Navy. Kareem was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio

Max loved his family, his community, and he was proud to be in the U.S. Navy. He was on the state champion wrestling team and he was also very proud. He was a wonderful son and well-liked in his community. Max earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a Flag Letter of Accommodation.

Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee

Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss was a sergeant deployed in Afghanistan in 2017. He has served the US since 2016, and is finally coming home. He loved his country, and his country loved him.