13 fallen heroes Abbey Gate Kabul are remembered today following the devastating 2021 terrorist attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport. Furthermore, these thirteen exceptional individuals—comprising eleven Marines, one Navy corpsman, and one Army soldier—were actively working day and night under extreme conditions to safeguard evacuees and protect innocent lives. Consequently, their courage and selflessness represent the absolute finest values of our nation. For more details regarding ongoing remembrance, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To explore additional local tributes, please visit the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin.
Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover Jr.
As a dedicated 11-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover Jr., 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah, served proudly as a respected leader with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.
Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo
Remembered fondly for her vital service, Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was a courageous Marine who assisted vulnerable evacuees as part of the Female Engagement Team.
Sergeant Nicole L. Gee
Serving as a maintenance technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California, touched hearts worldwide through compassionate images comforting infants during the evacuation.
Corporal Hunter Lopez
Viewing the Marine uniform as a lifelong calling to protect others, Corporal Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California, was a dedicated infantry rifleman from a proud law enforcement family.
Corporal Daegan W. Page
Assigned to “The Professionals” of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Corporal Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, was a proud Marine remembered for a remarkably strong work ethic.
Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez
Answering the call to serve his country abroad with distinction, Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana, was a brave infantry rifleman.
Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza
Embodying true grit, dedication, and valor while standing post at the gates, Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas, was a steadfast young Marine.
Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz
Serving bravely on his very first deployment, Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri, was a courageous rifleman who gave everything in service to others.
Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum
Standing watch courageously at the checkpoints during the chaotic evacuation, Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming, was a dedicated infantryman and expectant father.
Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola
Deploying to Kabul to protect freedom and assist families in dire need, Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, was a deeply devoted Marine.
Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui
Spending his final hours directly aiding and protecting escaping families at the airport, Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California, was an exceptionally dedicated Marine.
Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak
Selflessly tending to the wounded under active fire, Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, was a courageous corpsman assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment.
Army Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss
Volunteering to protect his peers and execute the mission successfully, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee, was a specialized psychological operations soldier assigned to Fort Bragg.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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