Honoring The Fallen: Remembering The Marine Corps' Sacrifice In Afghanistan

The War in Afghanistan, which lasted from October 2001 to August 2021, resulted in the deaths of 2,459 US military personnel. Of these, 1,922 were a result of hostile action. The war also saw 20,769 American service members wounded in action, with 18 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operatives and 1,822 civilian contractors killed.

The highest number of fatalities recorded in a single incident was on August 6, 2011, when a CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter was shot down in Wardak province, killing 30 Americans, including 22 Navy SEALs, seven Afghan soldiers, and a civilian interpreter.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan was marred by a deadly attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul in August 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 13 US troops, including 11 Marines, one Navy corpsman, and one soldier.

The US Department of Defense lists 2,459 service members as having died

The War in Afghanistan was a conflict that lasted from October 2001 to August 2021. During this time, the US Department of Defense lists 2,459 service members as having died. Of these, 1,922 were due to hostile action, 534 non-hostile, and 3 are listed as having an undetermined status.

The US military deaths include members of the US Marine Corps, US Navy, and US Army. The US Marine Corps suffered a notable number of casualties during the war. In August 2021, during the final days of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, 11 Marines, one Navy corpsman, and one soldier were killed in a suicide bombing attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. This incident marked one of the deadliest days for American forces during the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

The attack at the Kabul airport resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members and wounded several others. It was carried out by a single explosive device that detonated in a crowded area, killing at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 US troops. The device used ball bearings to inflict catastrophic injuries, and the deaths were not caused by gunshot wounds, as initially believed.

The US service members killed in the Kabul attack were honored posthumously with the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing their sacrifice and bravery in supporting the evacuation of US citizens and allies from Afghanistan.

The War in Afghanistan resulted in significant casualties for the US military, with thousands of service members wounded in addition to those who lost their lives. The conflict also took a toll on the mental health of many veterans, leading to psychological problems and, in some cases, suicide.

11 Marines, one Navy corpsman and one soldier were killed in a Kabul attack

On August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing attack took place during the evacuation process at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack killed 11 Marines, one Navy corpsman, and one soldier, along with approximately 170 Afghan civilians. This tragic incident marked one of the deadliest days for American forces in the 20-year-long war in Afghanistan.

The attack was carried out by an ISIS-K suicide bomber who detonated an explosive device near Abbey Gate, resulting in the tragic loss of lives. The investigation revealed that the explosion of ball bearings caused wounds resembling gunshot injuries, initially leading to the belief that it was a complex attack involving both a suicide bomber and an ISIS-K gunman. However, the subsequent inquiry concluded that no gunshot wounds were sustained by those who perished or were injured.

The deceased Marines include Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo (25), Sergeant Nicole L. Gee (23), Corporal Hunter Lopez (22), Corporal Daegan W. Page (23), Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez (22), Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza (20), Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz (20), Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum (20), Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola (20), and Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui (20). The Navy corpsman who lost his life was Hospital Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak (22), and the fallen soldier was Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss (23).

These brave men and women embodied the values of service, dedication, and valor, putting themselves in harm's way to safeguard others. Their sacrifice will forever be etched in our memories, and we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and the entire nation as we mourn this immense loss together.

13 US service members were killed in an Afghanistan attack in August

On August 26, 2021, 13 US service members were killed in a suicide bombing attack during evacuations at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. This attack was one of the deadliest days for American forces in the 20-year war in Afghanistan. The bombing took place just days ahead of the US's planned full withdrawal from the country, which had been overtaken by the Taliban.

The 13 service members killed included 11 Marines, one soldier, and one Navy corpsman. They were supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel and were evacuating US citizens and Afghan allies from Hamid Karzai International Airport. The deceased Marines were members of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently forward-deployed with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command.

The names of the fallen service members were released 24 hours after their families were notified. They were:

• Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, assigned to 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
• 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.
• Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California, a rifleman.
• Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, a rifleman.
• Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana, a rifleman.
• Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas, a rifleman.
• Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri, a rifleman.
• Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming, a rifleman.
• Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, a rifleman.
• Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.
• Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.
• Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee, assigned to 9th PSYOP Battalion, 8th PSYOP Group, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

The families of the fallen service members have demanded accountability and answers from the Biden administration regarding the US withdrawal and the attack. They have also called for further investigation into what happened during the withdrawal. The Defense Department concluded that the attack was caused by a single explosive device that killed at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 US service members by directing ball bearings through the crowd.

18 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operatives also died in Afghanistan

The war in Afghanistan, which lasted from October 2001 to August 2021, claimed the lives of many military personnel and civilians. Among the casualties were 18 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operatives who died while serving in Afghanistan. Their deaths reflect the heavy toll that the agency has endured during its secret and prolonged involvement in the conflict.

The CIA's casualties in Afghanistan are comparable to those incurred during the Southeast Asia conflicts of the previous century. The agency's memorial wall in its headquarters bears testament to this toll, with at least 18 stars honouring the fallen in Afghanistan. This number is expected to be higher than the official tally, as the CIA's operations are often clandestine in nature.

One of the most devastating incidents for the CIA occurred on December 30, 2009, at Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost province, Afghanistan. A suicide attack by Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi, a Jordanian doctor and alleged informant, resulted in the deaths of seven CIA officers and contractors, as well as individuals from Jordanian and Afghan intelligence services. This attack, known as the Camp Chapman attack, was the deadliest for the CIA in over 25 years and had a profound impact on the agency's operations.

The CIA operatives killed in the Camp Chapman attack included Jennifer Lynne Matthews, the base chief and a respected al-Qaeda expert; Scott Michael Roberson, the CIA base security chief; Darren James LaBonte, a CIA case officer; Elizabeth Curry Marie Hanson, a CIA targeting analyst; Harold Brown Jr., a CIA case officer; Dane Clark Paresi, a security contractor and former Green Beret; and Jeremy Wise, another security contractor.

The loss of these operatives underscores the dangers and challenges faced by the CIA in Afghanistan. The agency has played a significant role in the conflict, often working on the front lines and conducting paramilitary operations. The deaths of these 18 CIA operatives serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by those serving in dangerous and complex environments.

1,822 civilian contractors died in Afghanistan

The War in Afghanistan, which lasted from October 2001 to August 2021, claimed the lives of many military personnel and civilians. Among the casualties were 1,822 civilian contractors who died in Afghanistan. These contractors played a crucial role in supporting military operations and providing essential services. They came from various countries, including the USA, the UK, Nepal, Ukraine, Canada, and India.

The United States Department of Labor confirmed the deaths of 1,822 civilian contractors in Afghanistan as of March 31, 2021. This number represents a significant portion of the overall American fatalities in the war, which stood at 2,459. Of these American fatalities, 1,922 were a result of hostile action, and 20,769 service members were wounded.

The civilian contractors who lost their lives in Afghanistan were employed in a range of areas, including security, translation, transportation, and IT. They worked alongside military personnel and played a vital role in the war effort. Their contributions were often overlooked, but their sacrifices were no less brave or significant.

The true toll of the war extends beyond these numbers, as the mental health and well-being of veterans must also be considered. Many veterans have struggled with psychological problems that developed during their service, and some have tragically taken their own lives.

The civilian contractors who died in Afghanistan were an integral part of the war effort, and their sacrifices should not be forgotten. Their contributions helped to support military operations and provided essential services that saved countless lives. As we remember the military personnel who gave their lives, we must also honor the memory of the civilian contractors who stood by their side.

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