On Friday, Mike Garcia (R-Santa Clarita) released a statement applauding the passage of bill H.R. 5142, which awards the congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. Military service members killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 26.

President Joe Biden signed the bipastrian bill into law after it passed the House in October, which Garcia served as a cosponder for. 

“On August 26, 2021, 13 families were changed forever,” Garcia said. “America grieved this loss alongside them. We will never be able to fully repay these patriots for the ultimate sacrifice they gave on behalf of their nation, but I am pleased that now we will honor these 13 heroes with the Congressional Gold Medal.”

The legislation awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.

“While words and medals will never be enough, I hope this award solidifies to their families the gravity of our appreciation and honors their service to this nation,” Garcia said.

According to Garcia’s website, he has helped evacuate 115 Americans and Afghan allies. The website urges people to call the Office of Rep. Garcia at (805) 760-9090 if you know of someone still stranded in Afghanistan.

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