Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed H.R. 5142 into law, which would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Garcia is a cosponsor of this bipartisan bill, which passed the House in October.
 
“On August 26, 2021, 13 families were changed forever. America grieved this loss alongside them. We will never be able to fully repay these patriots for the ultimate sacrifice they gave on behalf of their nation, but I am pleased that now we will honor these 13 heroes with the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Garcia. “While words and medals will never be enough, I hope this award solidifies to their families the gravity of our appreciation and honors their service to this nation.”  
 
The legislation awards the Congressional Gold Medal to 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, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.

Rep. Garcia continues to help evacuate Americans and Afghan allies still stranded in Afghanistan. Thus far, Rep. Garcia has helped evacuate 115 Americans and Afghan allies. Please call the Office of Rep. Garcia at (805) 760-9090 if you know of someone still stranded in Afghanistan.
 
Click here to learn more about Garcia’s work on behalf of Veterans & Military Families.