As Americans reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by service members throughout the many wars in the nation’s history, it’s important to be reminded of the recent Kabul airport bombing during the August 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
The political conversation may have moved on but the families of these young Americans are likely to remain in mourning. Although people are free to express their opinions about the execution of the withdrawal, the nation mourns the death of these young Americans.
Here’s who they are, as noted in the Washington Post:
- Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss is 23, from Corryton (Tenn.).
- Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, Logansport, Ind.
- Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez (22), Indio, Calif.
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum (20), Jackson, Wyo.
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola (20), Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.)
- Marine Corps Cpl. Marine Corps Cpl.
- Marine Corps Sergeant. Johanny Rosario, 25, Lawrence, Mass.
- Marine Corps Lance Corporal. Jared Schmitz (20), of Wentzville (Mo.
- Max Soviak (22), Navy Hospital Corpsman, Berlin Heights, Ohio
- Marine Corps Lance Corporal. David Espinoza (20), Rio Bravo, Tex.
- Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee (23), Roseville, Calif.
- Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor, 31 years old from Utah
- Marine Corps Lance Corporal. Kareem Nikui, 20 years old, Norco, Calif.
While they had their whole lives ahead of them, these soldiers bravely gave up their fight for freedom while overseas serving the United States.
The situation should be an important reminder to Generation Z-ers like myself that giving up one’s life for their country is not some far and away ancient concept that no longer applies to them. I’m sure these soldiers had family and friends who were worried sick about their deployment, especially when the withdrawal was underway.
The members of this group came from many parts of the nation and were of different backgrounds. However, they all agreed to protect the U.S. as well as civilians abroad in the event of terrorist attacks. They were all aware of what it means to be American even though they didn’t realize it.
I never knew these soldiers, and I don’t know their families, either, except, as an American, it’s not difficult to feel a collective sense of empathy for them. It was only one year ago. Our culture is fast-paced and we must never forget this tragedy.
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