Navy Corpsman Max Soviak and Marines Kareem Nikoui and David Lee Espinoza are the first names released to the public of those who died in the horrific suicide bombing at Kabul Airport yesterday.
The attack, which U.S. President Joe Biden blamed on ISIS-K, left 100 people dead, including 13 members of the U.S. military.
Soviak was in his early 20s, and his last post on social media was of he and fellow Marines. “It’s kill or be killed” he wrote. “Definitely trynna be on the kill side.”
According to the Telegraph, his sister Marilyn described Soviak as a “beautiful, intelligent, beat-to-the-sound of his own drum, annoying, charming baby brother.”
As for Kareem Nikoui, his father Steve spoke with The Daily Beast and discussed the gut-wrenching moment he found out the news.
Steve Nikoui said he knew the Marines contacted the families of anyone killed in action “within eight hours.” Right about 7:15 p.m. PT, “these young men walked up,” he said.
The grieving father said of his son: “He really loved that [Marine Corps] family. He was devoted—he was going to make a career out of this, and he wanted to go. No hesitation for him to be called to duty.”
As for Espinoza, he was 20 years old hailing from Rio Bravo, Texas. Local police lowered the flag to half staff while posting a statement on Facebook.
“Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the family of United States Fallen Marine, David L. Espinoza, as well as to his friends and fellow Marines. Semper Fi. Thank you for your service.”
Nikoui’s father went a step further and vented frustration with military leadership and the President.
“They sent my son over there as a paper pusher and then had the Taliban outside providing security. I blame my own military leaders… Biden turned his back on him. That’s it,” he told The Daily Beast.
He said the next step is to head to Dover, Delaware, to pick up his son’s remains.
Prayers for all those who lost loved ones in this horrific, senseless tragedy.