WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the President signed into law legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers killed in the August 26 terror attack at the Kabul airport, including Wentzville native, Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) was an original cosponsor of this important legislation.

“No award will ever fill the void for the families of these incredible servicemembers, but it will ensure their names go down in history as defenders of freedom and American heroes,” said Luetkemeyer. “Our continued prayers are with the Schmitz family and the families of all 13 of these brave soldiers as they face the first holiday season without their loved ones. It is because of them that the rest of us are able celebrate Christmas safely and with the ones we love.”