statement by veterans on the anniversary of the terrorist attack outside kabul airport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2024  

CONTACT: Naveed Shah | Naveed@commondefense.us

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three years ago, at Abbey Gate in Kabul, we lost 13 brave service members during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. They gave their lives in the service of their country, ending a mission shaped by two decades of conflict and sacrifice. Today, we at Common Defense honor their courage and their commitment to safeguarding others, even in the face of overwhelming danger. 

As veterans, we carry the weight of their loss in our hearts. We know that this tragedy was not just a moment, but the consequence of decisions made by those who sent us into forever wars with unclear missions and no end in sight. As we remember those who fell, we also recommit ourselves to fighting for a country where sacrifice is never taken lightly and where we truly honor the cost of war — not just with words, but with actions that prioritize peace and accountability.

To the families and loved ones of those who perished at Abbey Gate: we stand with you, not just in remembrance, but in our ongoing fight for a more just and peaceful world. May we forever honor their memory through our continued service to one another and to our nation. Today, and every day, we honor our fallen:

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover

Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez

Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page

Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui

Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss

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Common Defense Civic Engagement is a grassroots, veteran-led organization that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.