Veterans Pay Tribute to Soldiers Killed in Afghan Airport

Wreaths were placed in front of the “Lest We Forget” statue in Doughboy Park

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