Press Releases

Yesterday, Congressman Neal Dunn (Florida-02) joined a bipartisan group of legislators in honoring the thirteen U.S. service members killed at Abbey Gate during America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The ceremony was hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), where they presented the Congressional Gold Medal to surviving family members. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by Congress.

Speaker Johnson opened the ceremony by naming the 13 fallen heroes, recognizing their courage and sacrifice while offering condolences to the assembled families. On September 3^rd, Congressman Dunn became an original cosponsor of H.R. 5142, the bipartisan legislation to glorify these fallen servicemembers. Following the ceremony, Congressman Dunn released a statement, offering his respect to the fallen and their families.

“It was an honor to be in attendance as Congress posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the thirteen brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country,” said Congressman Dunn. “My wife Leah and I had the opportunity to visit with the families of these fallen soldiers shortly after their funeral services and share our sympathies with them personally. These medals represent our endless gratitude for the courage and sacrifice these heroes displayed in their service. May we never forget their names and the eternal debt we owe to their families. Their legacies remain forever in our hearts.”

The fallen heroes honored at yesterday’s ceremony include: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Pichard, Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee, Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan Page, Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton Soviak, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss.