Dear Friends,
Five years ago today, America tragically lost thirteen of its sons and daughters in the horrific attack at Abbey Gate in the final, chaotic days of the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Veterans On Duty honors the memory of those brave warfighters who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow servicemembers, allies, and countless civilians.
Five years on, Abbey Gate remains more than a tragedy.
When America projects weakness — when leadership falters, when readiness is underfunded, and when our adversaries sense hesitation — the cost is sadly measured in American lives. The thirteen heroes we lost that day are a permanent reminder that policy has consequences, and that those who wear the uniform are the ones who bear them.
The thirteen we lost at Abbey Gate deserved better. This anniversary, we renew our commitment to them — by fighting every day for the military strength and principled leadership that ensures the sacrifice of our fallen heroes is never made in vain.
Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover, U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, U.S. Marine Corps
Corporal Hunter Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps
Corporal Daegan W. Page, U.S. Marine Corps
Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, U.S. Marine Corps
Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak, U.S. Navy
Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, U.S. Army
Signed,
Veterans On Duty
