U.S. Representative Drew Ferguson (GA-03), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement after the introduction of legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 American military servicemembers who were killed in a terrorist attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26, 2021:
“These American heroes answered the call of duty to defend our nation, our allies, and our freedoms. They made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure safe passage and evacuation for thousands of innocent American civilians and Afghan allies on the ground in a dangerous and impossible situation. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I’m honored to join this effort to bestow the highest honor presented by Congress to these brave patriots. We will never forget the legacy left by each of these dedicated servicemembers.”
The bill, introduced by Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Congress. Ferguson is an original cosponsor of the bill, which will posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to:
- Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, TX
- Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, MO
- Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, WY
- Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, CA
- Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, OH
- Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, CA
- Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, IN
- Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, NE
- Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, TN
- Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, CA
- Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, MA
- Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, UT
Click here to view the bill text.
Original source can be found here.
