Congressional Hispanic Caucus Statement Honoring Service Members Lost Outside Kabul Airport

August 31, 2021
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last week, the United States lost 13 service members in an enemy attack outside the Kabul International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. The service members bravely supported non-combatant evacuation operations and Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Raul Ruiz, M.D. released the following statement on the terrorist attack:

"The entire Congressional Hispanic Caucus mourns the loss of the 13 servicemembers tragically lost in Afghanistan last week, several of whom were Hispanic," said Chair Dr. Ruiz. "Hispanics have long served in our armed forces, defended our nation and its interests, and represent the fastest-growing population in the military. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We will forever remember their honorable service to our country."

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus remembers:

  • Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts
  • Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California
  • Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California
  • Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska
  • Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana
  • Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas
  • Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri
  • Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming
  • Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California
  • Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California
  • Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio
  • Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.