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Minot AFB Spouses Pay Respects to Fallen Troops

  • Published
  • By Courtesy Writer: Abigail Kinder, Northern Sentry
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

The current events in Afghanistan have sent shockwaves and heartbreak throughout the military community as men and women from every branch are being called to action. One spouse decided to light a fire in the hearts of the people at Minot Air Force Base and spark a show of solidarity for those service members and their families.

After noticing a post on Facebook about spouses placing boots tied in black ribbons on their porches to honor the fallen troops of the recent attack on the Kabul Airport, she was inspired to do the same thing here in Minot. She shared the post to the Minot AFB Spouses page and encouraged others to follow suit. The support from the spouse community was overwhelming and within hours, porches all over Minot AFB were covered in boots, black ribbons to symbolize mourning, American flags, and mementos to honor the fallen troops.

On Aug. 26, 2021, 13 service members (11 Marines, one Army, one Navy) were identified as those killed in action during an attack on the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan. Their names are Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Sgt. Johanny Rosariopicharo, Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, and Cpl. Daegan W. Page. 

Because of their bravery and the dedication of all of the troops involved in Afghanistan, well over 100,000 people have been evacuated from the country, but many are still waiting in anticipation to see their family members return home safely. It is in times like these that the military community must rally together to support, uplift, and honor our fellow troops and families.