On the recordNovember 17, 2016
Mr. President, on behalf of Senator James Lankford and myself, it is my honor to pay tribute to the life and sacrifice of Department of Army civilian employee Michael G. Sauro who died 1 day after his 40th birthday on October 19, 2016, of wounds received from encountering hostile enemy fire near Kabul, Afghanistan. The son of Michael and Christine Sauro, Mike was born on October 18, 1976 in Chambersburg, PA. He graduated from Savanna High School in Savanna, IL, and went on to graduate with his bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. ``Whether it be sports, or his friends, or his family, he always went at it 100 percent,'' recalled a fellow Savanna High School graduate, ``He was very committed to the U.S. and service members, making sure they had what they needed to do their job.'' He was passionate about life and was always willing to step in and help. His infectious smile will be remembered by everyone that knew and loved Mike. Mike began his Federal civilian service in December of 1999 and spent his career working for the Defense Ammunition Center, McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, OK, and at its satellite locations at Fort Riley, KS, and Schofield Barracks, HI. While at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, he led the effort and was instrumental in revisions of the hazardous materials course. He worked to deliver the most robust training course available at over 50 locations in and outside the continental United States.…





