NEVER FORGET 26.08.2021
The Department of Defense announced the names of the 13 service members who were killed in action while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. They died Aug. 26, 2021, as the result of an enemy attack while supporting non-combatant evacuation operations in Kabul, Afghanistan. For the Marine Corps, the deceased are:
Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California.
Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California.
Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska.
Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana.
Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas.
Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri.
Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming.
Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.
The Marine Corps mourns the deaths of our 11 Marines, and joins together in grief with the Navy and Army over the loss of our teammates:
Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio.
Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corrytown, Tennessee.
“These fallen heroes answered the call to go into harm’s way to do the honorable work of helping others. We are proud of their service and deeply saddened by their loss,” said Gen. David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Thank you, Sgt Grit, for putting together a composite of faces to go along with the names. It is evident that your internet skills are much superior to mine. I had been trying to individually put faces to names, but then my mother-in-law passed away and I had to turn my attention to other things. It is hard to believe that it has already been a week since the incident occurred which took all of these brave, vibrant and young lives from the world. Surprisingly, I am puzzled and amazed that most don’t look near as young as I thought they would. With all but one still being in their early 20’s, I really expected to see more baby faces, but in reality most look very mature and some even hardened by their experiences. This prompted me to look back at the pictures of friends I had lost, and even myself before and after my first tour in country. Again, I was surprised to see faces that could fit together without ever knowing that they were separated by fifty years. They will all be forever young in our hearts and memories. None wanted to die, but we can rest assured that they all died doing exactly what they wanted to do. Even though, I’m sure, many were bitching about how much the Corps sucked and how many more days they had until release from active duty. Of course, there were also a couple of LIFERS like myself, I’m sure. May they all Rest in Peace and Never Forget 26.08.2021. Semper Fi!!!
Very proud of you all and thank you for your distinguished service.
Rest in Peace.
Semper Fidelis,
Dutch Van Fleet
US Marine
GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEMPER FI MARINES YOUR BROTHER IN ARMS
What a waste they were sent to do a job that was poorly planned and what appeared to be rushed, a total cluster. We were in plenty crazy situations in Vietnam but were never hung out to dry like that. Rest In Peace Marines.
Semper Fi.
Semper-Fi my brothers and sisters Rest In Peace God needed more guards to guard the gates of heaven thank you all for your sacrifice my thoughts and prayers are with you and you families Semper-Fi Us Marine brother
May these 11 of my Brothers & Sister Marines RIP along with the soldier & sailor THANK YOU for your service. to this country I hope you all are able to see that the majority of Americans are so grateful for your ultimate sacrifice and you’ll be always remembered as heroes Again May God Bless you all
Mike Cutting USMC Vietnam 3/7 68-69
RIP, young warriors. Your loss will never be forgotten by the brothers and sisters who, like you, answered the clarion call and went into harm’s way. Nor will it be forgotten by those Americans who cherish the values and traditions upon which The Republic was founded.
Semper Fi,
A Viet Nam War Veteran
GOD BLESS, SEMPER FI
What a waste of our fine young warriors at the hands of a illegal and incompetent administration. May they rest in peace and their family’s find comfort in knowing they were doing what they loved at the time of their death. SEMPER FI MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
2400 of our brothers and sisters have been killed in this war thousands wounded, billions of dollars wasted, Trump made a deal with the Taliban release 5000 soldiers , Trump wanted to invite the Taliban to the White House, Trump wanted our Soldiers home by May,21. Iraq was started by a
Republican President Bush, 4000 dead, thousands wounded,billions wasted on a lie,4000 died on 911 under Bushes watch, blame these Republican warhawks on all these deaths of civilians and Soldiers if you want to blame someone! Go back to Russia take Trump with you.
WTH is wrong with you Rene! This is a tribute page to our lost Marines and other service members. If you can’t do that, then just STFU.
Well said!!!!!!
Rene speaks for many of us. It is hard to admit we have been used by evil politicians. DC has been F**King things up for decades. We fight “enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC”. I can honor my Marine brothers and sisters and still realize we were stabbed in the back. Get your head out of your ass Marine and look at the real enemy. I still mourn for fellow Marines,personal friends, lost in a long lost war. You do not see tyranny coming because you cannot believe it can happen here. Itook an oath to defend the Country, the Constitution and my fellow Marines. Not to follow illegal orders from a failed government. Be prepared and Semper Fi. Paul Chacho Jr. SGT. 66-69
Do you belong on this site? What a hater you are. Get some help.
I don’t think politics should be included in remarks for those who died in vain for our country. What you say may be true but we only want to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. RIP brothers and sisters till we all meet in heaven.
Well said Joseph. Please, let’s just honor the memories of these and all who VOLUNTEERED to stand the wall!! God bless and Semper Fi.
Rene,
I am very pissed at your rant. What President Bush did was called for and I’m glad he did, as both an American and a Marine. President Trump was doing a good job. But this is a tribute for the Marines who were killed on 8/26/21.
I want to thank all the Marines everywhere along with every veterans who served in peace time or war time.
I agree with you, Sir. It is painful how the illegitimate Biden administration handled this withdrawal. President Trump did NOT make a deal to release Taliban prisoners, as fake news like to spread to their unwitting consumers. President Trump’s end to the endless wars of the UniParty Presidents: Bushes, Clinton, Obama, was to be conditions based. The US was to keep Bagram Air base for it’s strategic importance vs China, Pakistan and Iran. Under Trump’s plan, civilians were to go first, then our military equipment, then disable the bases we were not keeping, then withdraw our military not staying at Bagram, in an organized withdrawal. Our yound Heroes lives are not wasted. They confirm they are the BEST of us and are who make this country a great and good country.
We will remember the 13, you make us all proud. I know you look down at love ones still serving and protecting.
God be with them always and with their loved ones
Bless them all??????????????????????????????Thanks for your services brothers and sisters,thank you for defend our freedom and protect our rights?❤️?❤️??❤️??❤️??god bless the marine corps !!!!!!always blessed and in our hearts forever
When someone thanks me for my service I tell them don’t thank me because I came back to my life , instead thank those who didn’t come home. All of us owe our lives and happiness to those who lost everything . God now has brave Marines close to him for their ultimate sacrifice .
May God hold them close with his love of brave men and women guarding America freedom and justice.
Msgt. USMC Vietnam 2 tours.
For me the problem lies with the Afghan military we spent 20 years training. We knew the Vietnamese army was weak, but they TRIED, the damn afghannies didn’t even try. Tuck tail and ran, surrendering men and equipment. I’m butt hurt, as a two tour veteran of Viet Nam, and a 5 1/2 year veteran of the Corps, it saddens me to see so many L/CPL’s die for nothing. God bless the CPL’s and Sgt’s also and especially the CORPSMAN…. I am saddened…..
Semper Fi and Rest in Peace. I know you will be guarding Heaven Gates.
MSgt, USMC(Ret)
“Marines die, that’s what we are here for; but the Marine Corps lives forever and that means we live forever.”
GSgt. Hardman
These Marines guard the gates of heaven now. I will report to them when my shift begins.
May your souls rest in eternal peace May Joe Biden and his band of idiot generals live with the shame of what they have done. May they go straight to hell.
Rest In Peace!
OOH RAH!
STAND TALL
FIGHT HARD
BE BRAVE!
God bless the Marines. Though our hearts are heavy, we will meet again. Your tour of duty with the highest command has begun. Our Navy Corpsman too has earned his reward in Heaven. God bless our Army soldier. You did well and earned your peace with God. May you all RIP in eternal Honor.
R.I.P. Brothers and Sisters! May the Lord wrap his arms around all of the Families and give them Comfort and Peace! Semper Fi Brothers and Sisters! You will not be forgotten!! Lcpl. Pete Guinn 0311, Ashau Valley Vietnam
“SEMPER FI”- definition to the utmost. We all know possibilities going in; but we Do Not expect our
Commander NinComPoop-in-Chief
to make rational Tactical decisions.
This President thinks he is Playing
War with little green plastic men & women.
God Bless All who served !!!
Michu
(Viet Vet) USMC ’69-’75
May you all RIP and continue at heavens gates. May prayers go out to your familes.
Semper Fi–Winston Pelfrey USMC 64/68
It is so sad and UNCALLED for that some Brothers could NOT just wish their condolences and NOT make it political.
These U.S. SERVICEMEN DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY !!! HONOR THEM !!!!
Not your own political statement
Can’t ignore the treason in our government anymore. I fought against communism. I will fight it here at home also. Semper Fi to my dead brothers and sisters who were killed obeying those who stabbed them in the back. They would not let us win either. Remember: “All enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC”. My sincere condolences to the families. Paul Chacho Jr. SGT E5 66-69.
Why did you just make a political statement!
Sgt. Adam’s
I did not make a POLITICAL STATEMENT! I made a STATEMENT that it was SAD that it was article of HOMAGE WAS made POLITICAL. We service members have ALWAYS remained A-POLITICAL . HENCE WE STAY OUT OF POLITICAL JUDGEMENTS.
We defend this country not RIP IT APART . I MADE NO STATEMENT BLAMING ONE PARTY OR THE OTHER. UNLIKE OTHERS.
SO RIP SOMEONE ELSE FOR MAKING IT POLITICAL. NOT I FOR CALLING IT OUT.
SO SAD IT TAKES A CPL. TO REMIND YOU OF THIS SARGEANT!!
May They All Rest In Peace…?
Our rotten lying Commander in Chief has The Blood of my Brothers on his hands, we never let antone behind in Vietnam, I mourn for these Heros.
Could not have said it better. Semper Fi. Paul Chacho SGT 66-69.
Semper Fi to all my brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending Americans who needed it most. Those 11 Marines, Navy Corpsman, and Army Ssgt will all be sharing a drink with Chesty.
Sgt David Brents 86 to 92 94 to 96 98 to 2000
May God hold all of our Marines in hands!
God bless each and every one of them and their families.
Their loss is our loss! ?
I’ve never been a big commenter. But I’m asking would it be possible if you figure out a way to do a climative t-shirt..
You are the ones that gave all my brothers and sisters. Stand proud.
We have the watch now.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Heavens gates were open for these great warriors.❤️
HEARTBREAKING – God Bless them and their families.
All I can or want to say is Semper Fi, God bless the families that are in mourning.
Semper Fi my brothers and sisters, Lcpl R.E. Huizenga Vietnam
Yeahh, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear ?no evil. For I am a UNITED STATES MARINE! GANGWAY!! MAKE A HOLE!! MARINES COMING THRU!! SEMPER FIDELIS!
Rest In Peace my brothers and sisters, soldier and sailor
One day we will all join you in heaven, to help guard those gates. Semper Fi,
Former Sgt. William T. Minor
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?
Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isaiah 6:8
God Bless these warriors. They are the best our country has to offer. We will never forget your sacrifice.
SF
Thank you for this comment!
May god be with the Marines ,Navy and Army personnel who lost there life doing a difficult job in the recent days in Afghanistan . May god also give strength and guidance to their families and friends . We should also honor and never forget those who served over the last 20 years who lost their life and for those that were wounded protecting America and trying to make a difference in the world . It is my honor to support our troops. Sgt. Williams USMC
My God welcome them all through Heavens’ gates and may he bless their families and provide them comfort. May God hold those responsible to his judgement, the Terrorist, the Politicians – all of them.
Semper Fi my Marine Brothers and Sisters.
Lima 3/1, 2nd Platoon – Vietnam
It is a sad day when brave Marines and other service men give their lives up for ujust wars that are meaning less and unproductive . And that the mothers and fathers have to give up their sons and daughters for stupid wars that the U.S. keeps getting us into.
they will!!
Semper Fi………so young………God Bless…..
God bless all our fallen heroes and their families.God bless all our Gold Star Families, only they know the real sorrow of the loss of a husband or wife brother or sister or son or daughter.
Semper Fi
Cpl Norden USMC. 1960-1964
Rest In Peace my bother(s) and sister(s), for there is no better honor than to die for freedom and justice! Never forgetting that you served as the worlds finest a United States Marine! Til we meet at the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
Semper Fi!
Arnold Ramirez
Retired MSgt. 0369
VietNam 66-68
I am a Marine Mom, so I hope it does not offend that I leave a comment. My heart goes out to the families of the thirteen precious lives lost so needlessly in Afghanistan recently. They died in honorable service, they were told to go, and they went. It offends me as a Marine Mom and a patriotic American that the circumstances surrounding the loss of their lives was so chaotic, because of the unforgivable decision of the Commander-in-Chief to put any of our bravest men and women in such a hopeless situation. I pray for the families, and I offer my thanks for their loved ones who died doing their duty, bravely, and with all the capability of finely trained and dedicated service men and women. My ire is inconsolable for the politician who placed our finest young service men and women in such a dangerous, ridiculous situation. It makes me both angry and ashamed to even think of it, I cannot bear to see our president anymore. I pray for all our service men and women, both current and former, and hope you know how often I think of your service with the utmost respect and pride. Thank you, thank you. For the gold star families, I do not have the words to say to express my sincere sympathy for your great loss. You have my thanks for your son or daughter who answered the call, volunteering, and giving everything they had. Most humbly, Rita L. Wall,Marine Mom
May you all rest in the arms of our Savior and may your families know peace knowing that you’re with him. My thoughts and prayers are with your families. My dad, who was a Marine, will guide them in Heaven. Thank You ALL For Your Service.
I would love for you guys to make a poster that I can put on my refrigerator that’s in my man cave, so that every time I have guest over they can see it . As a wounded Vietnam Veteran I Do Not Want Them Forgotten , like they did us.
Thank You ?? for your consideration.
Keep up the good work.
Take Care
Be Safe
God Bless the USA ??????????????