Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 979 will designate a mountain peak in the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra National Forest in California as Sky Point in recognition of fallen Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Sky Mote. Sky served our country honorably as a U.S. marine for 9 years. He had one tour of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. As a member of the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. However, on August 10, 2012, Sky's battalion received heavy gunfire from an attacker dressed as an Afghan police officer. Jumping into action, Sky exposed himself to the gunfire in order to distract the shooter and draw his attention away from his fellow Marines. In his final act of valor, he engaged the attacker in the open, allowing his comrades to find safety. For his heroic actions, Sky received the Navy Cross, a Purple Heart, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, a Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, and three Good Conduct Medals. The mountain peak this bill seeks to name in his honor was very special to him. Every year, creating lasting memories, Staff Sergeant Mote and his family would set up camp beneath its point on hunting trips to the area. By designating that mountain peak ``Sky Point,'' we will honor Sky Mote's memory and ensure his selfless sacrifice for his country and fellow Marines is not forgotten.…”