Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, this week, I had the privilege to speak to the parents of Special Forces Soldier Aaron Butler from Monticello, Utah. From the time Aaron was in the first grade, he wanted to join the military and serve our country. After a legendary career as a four-time State wrestling champion at Monticello High School, Aaron joined the Utah National Guard. Within a few years, he was one of just four soldiers who graduated with honors from the Army Green Beret Special Qualification Course. Throughout his service, Aaron's teammates and superior officers regarded him as a natural leader with an unmatched work ethic. He was tough and dedicated. He loved our country, and he took his responsibility to protect it seriously. On August 16, 2017, Aaron was serving as a staff sergeant in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group of the Utah National Guard on his first combat deployment that should have ended in October. Tragically, an explosion occurred while he was clearing a booby- trapped building in Afghanistan, killing Aaron and injuring 11 teammates. His family, seven siblings, parents, and fiancee, as well as his teammates, were devastated. His hometown and the rest of our State mourned this tragic loss. His sister said that if Aaron had given his own eulogy, he would have said: I came. I lived. I killed bad guys. I died. Aaron and his courageous sacrifice will never be forgotten.…”