U.S. Republican Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) released the following statement after President Biden signed H.R. 5142, which will posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, including Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez of Logansport. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor that Congress can bestow.
“Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez and 12 of his brothers and sisters in arms paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor that Congress can bestow – and yet, even this great honor falls short of their exceedingly selfless sacrifice in service to our country. These courageous heroes stood in the face of danger to evacuate American citizens, partners, and allies from Afghanistan,” said Congresswoman Walorski. “I was proud to join in this bipartisan effort to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Cpl. Sanchez and his fellow fallen, and to ensure that they are never forgotten. As a nation, we are forever indebted to these heroes and their families.”
Shortly after the attack, Congresswoman Walorski introduced H.R. 5142 alongside Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-10) and more than 150 fellow original co-sponsors.
In September, Congresswoman Walorski honored the service and sacrifice of Cpl. Sanchez on the House Floor. Watch her full remarks here.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Ranking Member of the House Ethics Committee.
