Palm Coast Times

On Friday, U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-6) and his Republican colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, requesting posthumously advancing the ranks of service members killed during the 2021 Abbey Gate terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. The letter was led by Waltz, along with Mike McCaul (TX-10), Cory Mills (FL-7), Brian Mast (FL-21), and Darrell Issa (CA-48).

The congressmen expressed their deep sympathy and admiration for the families of the victims of the Abbey Gate attack, acknowledging the immense sorrow they have endured. They emphasized the importance of honoring their loved ones and supporting Gold Star families. In the letter, they stated, "Through our service to this great country, we think we can agree that the Gold Star families of our fallen must be cared for by providing them the lifelong benefits worthy of their sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

During their meetings with the families, the congressmen were surprised to learn that the Marines and soldier killed in the attack had not yet been posthumously promoted. They highlighted that 10 U.S.C. §1563 allows Members of Congress to initiate recommendations for honorary promotion. Therefore, they respectfully requested that the ranks of the fallen service members be posthumously advanced in accordance with federal law and regulations.

The fallen service members for whom posthumous promotions were requested are:

- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza of Rio Bravo, Texas

- Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee of Sacramento, California

- Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover of Salt Lake City

- Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss of Corryton, Tennessee

- Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez of Indio, California

- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum of Jackson, Wyoming

- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola of Rancho Cucamonga, California

- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui of Norco, California

- Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo of Lawrence, Massachusetts

- Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez of Logansport, Indiana

- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz of St. Charles, Missouri

- Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page of Omaha, Nebraska

The congressmen emphasized the solemn obligation to care for the survivors of brave servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. They urged the secretaries to promptly consider their request and assist in upholding this obligation.

The congressmen's letter serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these fallen service members and the importance of honoring their memory and supporting their families. Posthumously advancing their ranks would be a small but meaningful gesture to recognize their bravery and dedication to the nation.

Click this link to access more information: https://waltz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=768