Four Years After the Afghanistan Withdrawal: Remembering Our Fallen Soldiers

Four years ago this week, the Biden administration conducted its chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan — a disaster of epic proportions. On August 26, 2021, 13 brave U.S. servicemembers were killed by a terrorist at Abbey Gate, right outside Kabul International Airport.

We must never forget these young Americans — heroes who gave everything in service to our nation.

Their names are:

· Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza;

· Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee;

· Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover;

· Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Christian Knauss;

· Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez;

· Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum;

· Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola;

· Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui;

· Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page;

· Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario;

· Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez;

· Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz; and

· Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak.

This tragedy didn’t have to happen; it was a direct result of the Biden administration's failure to plan for the withdrawal. And as the old saying goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

During my tenure as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I conducted a three-year investigation into the failed withdrawal and released a report detailing my findings. As the report revealed, the Biden administration prioritized optics over security at every step of the way — putting servicemembers, State Department employees, and innocent Afghans in mortal danger.

While we remember and mourn those who died on that tragic day, we must also continue working toward answers and accountability to ensure this never happens again. Click here to read the report.