Veterans Pay Tribute to Soldiers Killed in Afghan Airport
By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com
Saint Sebastian’s Catholic War Veterans Post No. 870 gathered in Doughboy Park on Aug 25 to honor the 13 soldiers who died at Abbey Gate outside Kabul Airport by an ISIS suicide bomber three years ago. The group laid memorial wreaths in front of the “Lest We Forget” statue to honor Queens community members who served in World War I.
The soldiers are named below:
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover
Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo
Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee
Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez
Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page
Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui
Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak
Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss