NAPLES, Fla. - Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the tragic killing of 13 brave service members in Kabul, Afghanistan.
"Today, we pause to remember the lives of the 13 brave & selfless service members who tragically lost their lives at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Despite the monumental task ahead, these heroes looked danger in the eye & answered the call of duty. Their deaths fall directly at the feet of President Biden, who chose to build a legacy over enacting the appropriate plan to withdraw from the region.
"This rogue decision led to destabilization in the Middle East, hundreds of deaths, and a weakened presence on the world stage. These events led to my immediate call for President Biden to resign in disgrace, a call that was unfortunately unanswered. To make matters worse, Biden had the gall to check his watch multiple times when receiving these fallen warriors an act unbecoming of a human being—let alone the Commander-in-Chief. May we keep their families and loved ones close to our hearts during this difficult time."
SAY THEIR NAMES
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas
• Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, Calif.
• Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City
• Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tenn.
• Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, Calif.
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyo.
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif.
• Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Mass.
• Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind.
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Mo.
• Navy Hospital Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio
• Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Neb.
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