Remembering the Tragedy at Abbey Gate
August 26, 2024 | Magnolia, TX
by Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-8)
Four years ago this past Tuesday, America witnessed one of the most tragic days in recent military history. On August 26, 2021, as our service members worked tirelessly at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the Biden Administration’s botched withdrawal, a suicide bomber’s attack claimed the lives of 13 Americans.
The names of those lost at Abbey Gate deserve to be honored and remembered. They include: 11 Marines — Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, of Massachusetts; Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, of California; Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, of Utah; Cpl. Hunter Lopez, of California; Cpl. Daegan W. Page, of Nebraska; Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, of Indiana; Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, of Texas; Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, of Missouri; Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, of Wyoming; Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, of California; and Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, of California; one sailor, Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, of Ohio; and one soldier, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, of Tennessee.
These service members died protecting others, even at the cost of their own lives. Please join me in praying for these heroes that we lost, as well as their family and loved ones.
Nearly 17 veterans tragically die by suicide each day. I want to make this very clear to the 15 million veterans in our nation: Help is available and just a short call away.
We’re doing everything possible to ensure you get the benefits you’ve rightfully earned. The Department of Veterans Affairs has already made great strides under the Trump Administration, reducing its claims backlog by over 37% this fiscal year while processing more than 2.5 million claims.
The following numbers and websites are critical to getting assistance:
VA-related questions: Call 1-800-698-2411 or visit ask.va.gov
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1
Veterans Homelessness: Call 1-877-424-3838 or visit va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter.asp
Benefits Resources: Visit www.va.gov
As always, my office is an essential resource if you are having issues with a federal agency. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to call my district office at (281) 305-7890.
Contact Congressman Morgan Luttrell
Magnolia District Office
18230 FM 1488, Suite 308
Magnolia,TX 77354
Phone: (281) 305-7890
Email