University of Health and Performance reposted this
It's hard to have spent so long in Afghanistan throughout OEF and see it all washed away with an expedited exit and an attack of this level that went unanswered and unpunished. As the United States pulled out, scores of my friends and team mates who served in theater felt an immense sense of loss. We were chalking up our time spent in combat as nothing more than a political science experiment that was pissed away due to campaign promises. The Abby Gate bombing is an immense tragedy and loss of American life. The worse thing we can do here is to forget their names and not learn from the mistakes we've made. War is not to be taken lightly and should not be for political gain. My only hope is our politicians will learn from what I consider one of the greatest losses in our nation's history. The loss of these Americans could have been avoided and these service members could still be alive today. The policy makers, politicians and commanders need to be held accountable for this.
Today marks three years since we lost the 13 U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan. Their bravery and commitment to our nation and mission will never be forgotten. We honor their memory and stand in solidarity with their families, friends, and fellow service members who continue to bear the weight of this tragedy. Remember their names - 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 Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss