[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE GRANT A. COTTING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2009

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my 
congressional district, Army Private Grant A. Cotting. Today I ask that 
the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young 
man who died in service to his country.
  Grant grew up in Corona, California and attended Santiago High School 
for three years before graduating from Buena Vista High School in 2007. 
During his senior year, Grant was part of the ROTC program and hoped to 
have a career in the military. School officials and counselors remember 
Grant fondly--he was a quiet student who never hesitated to lend a hand 
to fellow students.
  Private Cotting enlisted in the Army after graduation and was 
assigned to the 515th Sapper Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th 
Maneuver Enhancement Brigade based at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. A 
sapper company handles demolitions, laying and disarming mines, and 
other combat engineering tasks. On January 24, 2009, Grant was killed 
in Kut, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Grant leaves 
behind his parents, Craig and Amanda, and four younger brothers, 
Branden, Nick, Scott and Lucas.
  As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we 
realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Grant, who 
bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is 
unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have 
faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The news of Grant's 
death was probably the hardest day the Cotting family has ever faced 
and my thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude for their sacrifice goes 
out to them. There are no words that can relieve their pain and what 
words I offer only begin to convey my deepest respect and highest 
appreciation.
  Private Cotting's family have all given a part of themselves in the 
loss of their loved one and I hope they know that their son and 
brother, the goodness he brought to this world, and the sacrifice he 
has made, will always be remembered.

                          ____________________