WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced he has cosponsored legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week.

The legislation, which was introduced by Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-10), will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Hospitalman Maxton Soviak, 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, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. 

“I am devastated for the families of the 13 servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week, including Max Soviak of Berlin Heights,” said Congressman Joyce. “These heroes gave their lives to protect their fellow Americans and our vulnerable Afghan allies as they fled the Taliban. Their deaths leave parents without children, children without parents, and spouses without their loved ones. We will never forget their service and will always honor their sacrifice. These brave men and women deserve every tribute we can give them.”

“These heroic men and women are gone far too soon, and we must honor them for their bravery in helping U.S. citizens and Afghan allies safely evacuate Afghanistan,” said Rep. McClain. “My heart aches for the families and loved ones of our servicemembers. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.”
 

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