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What we know about US service members killed in Kabul airport attack
Nearly 200 people were killed in Thursday's explosion, including 13 U.S. troops.
Thirteen American troops were among the nearly 200 people killed in an attack at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday.
A detonation set off by an ISIS-K suicide bomber near the airport's Abbey Gate amid evacuation efforts killed at least 170 Afghans, including several children, as well as two Brits and the child of a British citizen, according to Afghan and British officials.
President Joe Biden called the U.S. service members killed in the attack "heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others."
Those killed included 11 Marines, as well as an Army soldier and a Navy medic, U.S. officials said.
"Those warriors who died gave their lives to save thousands of men, women and children, Americans and Afghans alike," Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of naval operations, said in a statement. "Their courage and selflessness represent the highest ideals of America. We pay solemn tribute to their sacrifice."
The names of the service members were released 24 hours after next-of-kin notifications, while some of those killed had also been identified by family and officials.
Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak
Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, was "very proud" to serve his country, his mother said in a statement to ABC News.
"He was very passionate about helping his fellow Americans and trying to get them home safely," Rachel Soviak said. "There are no words to describe the pain our family is feeling. There will forever be a hole in our hearts."
Soviak enlisted in September 2017 and was assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and based in Camp Pendleton, California. He served as a hospital corpsman, or medic.
"He was excited about the opportunities the Navy would offer him and planned to make the Navy a career," his family said in a statement. "We are incredibly proud of his service to our country."
He is survived by his mother, father and 12 brothers and sisters.
"Words cannot express how heartbroken we are with this news and we will miss Max tremendously," the family said. "Maxton was an awesome young man who was well liked in the community, as evidenced by the outpouring of condolences from teachers, coaches, employers, family and friends."
The family is praying for the troops to arrive home safely.
Soviak was a 2017 graduate of Edison High School in Milan, Ohio, where he played football and wrestled. School leaders remembered him as "full of life in everything he did."
"Max was a good student who was active in sports and other activities throughout his school career," Superintendent Thomas Roth said in a statement. "He was well respected and liked by everyone who knew him."
Marine David Espinoza
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, 20, was a native of Laredo, Texas, according to Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, who released a statement confirming his death.
"Mr. Espinoza embodied the values of America: grit, dedication, service, and valor," Cuellar said. "When he joined the military after high school, he did so with the intention of protecting our nation and demonstrating his selfless acts of service."
Espinoza was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
He graduated from Lyndon B. Johnson High School in Laredo in 2019.
"He was one of our best and brightest students," Principal Armando Salazar said in a statement. "We are eternally grateful for his service and ultimate sacrifice for our nation."
On Friday morning, the school observed a moment of silence as "Taps" played. His photograph will be displayed at the campus "to honor his memory," the school said.
Espinoza is survived by his brother, mother and stepfather, Cuellar's office said.
Marine Rylee McCollum
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming, knew he was going to be a Marine "his whole life," his sister, Cheyenne McCollum, told "Good Morning America" Friday.
The youngest of four siblings, he was a "funny kid" who was "too smart for his own good."
He had an "immense love" for the U.S. and enlisted the day he turned 18, his father, Jim McCollum, told "GMA."
"To see him do something that he believed in so deeply, I couldn't be more proud," his father said. "He's a hero. I love him."
Rylee McCollum was a dad-to-be himself, with his wife is due in September, his father said.
"He was hoping to come back right around the time the baby was born," Jim McCollum said. "He was excited. He would have been a great father."
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon had earlier confirmed Rylee McCollum was one of the victims, saying on Twitter he was "devastated to learn Wyoming lost one of our own."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rylee McCollum of Bondurant," he said.
McCollum was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
Marine Kareem Nikoui
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California, was among those killed in the attack.
Nikoui "always wanted to be a Marine," his father, Steve Nikoui, a carpenter in California, told the Daily Beast.
"He was devoted -- he was going to make a career out of this, and he wanted to go," Nikoui told the outlet. "No hesitation for him to be called to duty."
Nikoui was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
In an Instagram post, his mother shared a photo of Nikoui taken Sunday outside Kabul airport, writing, "I felt my soul leave my body as i was screaming that it can't be true! No mother, no parent should ever have to hear that their child is gone, that their child was one of the Marines killed today!"
Marine Hunter Lopez
Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, of Indio, California, was the son of two members of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in Southern California -- Capt. Herman Lopez and Deputy Alicia Lopez -- the department said.
The 22-year-old planned on "following his parents' footsteps" and becoming a deputy himself upon returning home from his deployment, Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a Facebook post announcing his death.
As a teen, Lopez was a Riverside Sheriff's Explorer Scout with the Palm Desert Station. After graduating from La Quinta High School, he joined the Marine Corps in September 2017, Bianco said.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
"Like his parents who serve our community, being a Marine to Hunter wasn't a job; it was a calling," the Riverside Sheriff's Association said in a statement. "He loved his family, and as we grieve for Hunter and his fellow Marines taken from us too soon, there are simply no words to express how deeply he will be missed."
His family is requesting all donations be made to the Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Relief Foundation in their name.
Army soldier Ryan Knauss
Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and attended Gibbs High School. The 23-year-old planned to move to Washington, D.C., after he returned to the states, his stepmother, Linnae Knauss, told ABC Nashville affiliate WKRN.
"He grew up in a Christian home, attended Berean Christian school through eighth grade and spent four years at Gibbs High," his grandfather, Wayne Knauss, told WKRN. "A motivated young man who loved his country. He was a believer so we will see him again in God's heaven."
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., said she was praying for his family "during this time of unimaginable pain and loss."
"Ryan embodies American heroism -- saving people he had never met before, in the face of persistent evil," Blackburn wrote on Twitter. "We will never forget his sacrifice in service to his country. While no words could ever be enough, I join Tennesseans -- and all Americans -- in extending my deepest condolences to Ryan's family."
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett confirmed Knauss' death as well.
"Ryan gave his life outside that airport helping people he didn't know get to safety," Burchett, who represents Tennessee's 2nd District, said in a statement. "This is what true heroism looks like and Ryan's sacrifice will never be forgotten. The Knauss family is in my prayers."
Knauss, of Corryton, Tennessee, was assigned to the 9th PSYOP Battalion, 8th PSYOP Group, and based in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
Marine Jared Schmitz
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20, was a native of Wentzville, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis.
"On behalf of all Missourians, we want to honor Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz for his sacrifice and recognize his service to our nation in the defense of freedom," Missouri Gov. Mike Parson wrote on Twitter. "He put his life on the line protecting our service members and allies. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his bravery."
Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt said, "Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz lost his life as he bravely and selflessly worked to save others. He is a hero – to our state, our country, and all the people he helped get to safety. My gratitude and prayers are with his family and fellow Marines."
The Troy, Missouri, Police Department wrote of Schmitz: "We are extending our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz of Wentzville Missouri. Lance Corporal Schmitz paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving at Hamid Karzai International airport in Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Schmitz your heroism and bravery will never be forgotten."
Schmitz was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
Marine Darin Hoover
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
A family member told ABC Salt Lake City affiliate KTVX that Hoover "died a hero doing what he always wanted to do and was proud to do: Serve his country."
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he was "devastated" to learn of Hoover's death.
"Staff Sgt. Hoover served valiantly as a Marine and died serving his fellow countrymen as well as America's allies in Afghanistan," the governor said in a statement. "We honor his tremendous bravery and commitment to his country, even as we condemn the senseless violence that resulted in his death."
The governor said he spoke with Hoover's parents on Friday and told them "Utah mourned with them."
"When I asked how we could help, his dad simply replied, 'Just promise me Utah will never forget my son,'' Cox said.
Marine Johanny Rosariopichardo
Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo, 25, was from Lawrence, Massachusetts.
She was assigned to the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Naval Support Activity Bahrain. In May, her unit honored her for her "hard work and valuable contributions to the mission!"
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren called the Marine, who has also been referred to by the surname Rosario, a "hero."
"A daughter of Lawrence, her courage saved thousands of lives and her selfless service represents the best of our country," Warren said on Twitter. "My heart aches for her loved ones. We will not forget her sacrifice and we will fulfill our sacred obligation to them forever."
Lawrence Mayor Kendrys Vasquez said he was "saddened" to hear of her death.
"I have been in touch with the family of the Lawrencian killed in action to extend mine and my family's most sincere condolences and offer all of the aid that my administration can provide as they grieve this great loss," he said in a statement. "At this time, the family's most immediate wish is to be given privacy and that their loved one be recognized as the hero that she was."
She attended one semester of Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in the fall of 2014 before joining the Marines, according to ABC Boston affiliate WCVB.
"While we knew her only briefly, it's clear that Johanny lived the BSU motto 'Not To Be Ministered Unto, but To Minister' in her service to our country," President Frederick Clark Jr. said in a statement to WCVB. "Indeed, as a criminal justice major at BSU, Johanny, even at an early age, had a commitment to justice and public service. Her humanitarian efforts on the frontlines alongside her fellow Marines speak to that commitment. She and they truly represent the best among us."
Marine Nicole Gee
Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23, was from Sacramento, California.
She was a maintenance technician assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
A few days before the attack, she posted a photo to her Instagram of herself holding an infant in Kabul with the caption, "I love my job."
The photo was also one of several shared by the Department of Defense on Twitter that it said showed "U.S. military service members comfort infants" at the Kabul airport.
Her last post pictured her at the airport standing next to a line of evacuees, captioned, "Escorting evacuees onto the bird."
Sgt. Mallory Harrison said Gee was her best friend and "sister forever" in a tribute on Facebook.
"She was a Marine's Marine. She cared about people," Harrison wrote. "She loved fiercely. She was a light in this dark world. She was my person."
Marine Daegan Page
Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, "loved the brotherhood of the Marines," his family said in a statement to ABC Omaha affiliate KETV.
His family described him as an animal lover, hockey player and "diehard Chicago Blackhawks fan."
"He loved hunting and spending time outdoors with his dad, as well as being out on the water," his family said. "To his younger siblings, he was their favorite jungle gym and to his friends, he was a genuinely happy guy that you could always count on."
"Nebraska will long remember Corporal Page's heroic service to his country, and we mourn his passing," Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said in a statement.
Page was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
Marine Humberto Sanchez
Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, hailed from Logansport, Indiana.
He was a graduate of Logansport High School.
"We are forever indebted to the service men and women who risk it all to protect others," the Logansport Community School Corporation said in a Facebook post. "We will never forget the names of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Our deepest condolences are with the Sanchez Family and the entire Cass County community."
Sanchez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
Marine Dylan Merola
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, 20, was from Rancho Cucamonga, California.
He was a graduate of Los Osos High School, where students honored him by wearing red, white and blue at Friday night's football game, ABC San Francisco station KGO reported.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and based in Camp Pendleton, California.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss as a Marine based on an official's statement. We apologize for the error.
ABC News' Alondra Valle and Zunaira Zaki contributed to this report.
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