Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) has joined 157 of his colleagues as original cosponsors of a bill led by Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-10). The legislation would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the thirteen American servicemembers who were killed in the line of duty assisting the evacuation of American citizens and allies last week in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The honors would be awarded 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.
“These thirteen heroes gave their lives in service of the American people,” said Rep. Emmer. “Congress must come together to recognize their profound bravery and sacrifice by bestowing them with its highest honor.”
About her bill, Rep. McClain said: “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. My heart aches for the families and loved ones of our servicemembers. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.”
The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress’ highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.
You can read the text of the bill in its entirety, here.
The honors would be awarded 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.
“These thirteen heroes gave their lives in service of the American people,” said Rep. Emmer. “Congress must come together to recognize their profound bravery and sacrifice by bestowing them with its highest honor.”
About her bill, Rep. McClain said: “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. My heart aches for the families and loved ones of our servicemembers. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.”
The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress’ highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.
You can read the text of the bill in its entirety, here.
###