Honor The Fallen – 888th Tigersharks

On August 26th, 2021, the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, was attacked. Below I am listing the names and accomplishments of the 13 fallen soldiers we lost that day. As a veteran, things like this hit me hard. They hit all veterans and active duty hard. It is an important thing, when this happens, to say the names of those we lost out loud and give each one of them a moment of silence. I would like to ask everyone when you read this to please give them the honor and respect they deserve.  

This simple act is a thing that can be seen in Star Trek episodes and movies when they lose a crew member. The one that most sticks out in my mind is when Spock was lost. He made the sacrifice for everyone else to save the ship. As he was launched into space, everyone aboard gave a moment of silence and reverence for their fallen comrade.   

Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Assigned to 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Naval Support Activity, Bahrain. “Her service was not only crucial to evacuating thousands of women and children, but epitomizes what it means to be a Marine: putting herself in danger for the protection of American values so that others might enjoy them,” Marine 1st Lt. John “Jack” Coppola said told the Boston Globe Saturday in a statement. “She is a hero, and her legacy will never be forgotten.” 

Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California

Assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Gee entered active duty in the Marine Corps in 2017, according to a Facebook post from II Marine Expeditionary Force. She was a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, a subordinate unit of Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Her previous assignments include recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina; School of Infantry–East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Aviation Accession & Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida; and Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School in Twentynine Palms, California, according to II MEF. Her military awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals. 

Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah.

His military occupational specialty was 0369, infantry unit leader. His awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Certificate of Commendation (Individual), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Appreciation, Meritorious Mast, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according to a 1st Marine Division press release. 

Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California

A rifleman. His awards and decorations include a Certificate of Appreciation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Appreciation, Meritorious Mast, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 
 

Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska.

A rifleman. His awards and decorations include the Korean Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 
 

Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana.

A rifleman. His awards and decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 
 

Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas

A rifleman. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 
 

Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri.

A rifleman. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 
 
Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming.
A rifleman. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 
 

Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California.

A rifleman. His awards and decorations National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 
 

Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 
 

Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal, Flag letter of Accommodation. Additional awards pending approval may include Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 

 

By 1LT Rob Wade – 888th Tigersharks – Officer-In-Charge

Ref – www.militarytimes.com