Rep. Katko Joins Effort to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Fallen Servicemembers

Press Release

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today cosponsored legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week. This bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-10) and cosponsored by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress's highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions. The bill would award this 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.

"I firmly believe we must posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. servicemembers who were killed in Kabul last week. This was truly a shocking loss for our nation," said Rep. Katko. "The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by Congress and should rightfully be awarded to the fallen servicemembers. These young men and women bravely gave their lives helping thousands of American citizens and our Afghan allies safely escape from a country overrun by the Taliban. I continue to pray for the families and loved ones of the fallen."

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