On the recordMay 1, 2025
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, and memory of Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins. On April 1, a month ago today, Staff Sergeant Knutson-Collins tragically lost his life during a tactical training exercise in Lithuania that also killed three other members of the 3rd Infantry Division. Troy was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, graduating from Harper Creek High School in 2015. Troy had many hobbies, including woodworking, football, and gaming. After graduating high school, he actually played semi-pro football before he enlisted in the Army at age 20, where he served as an artillery mechanic. Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins was deployed to Korea twice and was serving in Lithuania when tragedy struck. In honor of his service, he will be returning back home to Battle Creek and will be buried at the Fort Custer National Cemetery tomorrow, on Friday. Troy is survived by his wife and five children, along with his parents, Robert and Tosha Collins, and six siblings. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we may all rise and honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins with a moment of silence. Rest well, soldier. Rest well. ____________________





