[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 117 (Thursday, August 2, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5963-S5964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                       Captain Scott Patrick Pace

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to CPT Scott 
Patrick Pace, United States Army. Captain Pace returned with honor to 
his heavenly home on June 6, 2012. By all accounts, he lived a life of 
service, hard work, and faith.
  While learning about Captain Pace's life, I was struck by the 
description of those closest to him. They repeatedly described the 
Captain as someone who ``strived to do well.'' As a youth, he faced 
obstacles which would keep many from pursuing athletics. However, as a 
testament to his character, Captain Pace pushed himself and overcame 
this hurdle by becoming an accomplished athlete in basketball and 
swimming. His coaches described him as someone who ``took 
responsibility for himself and the team but never blamed his teammates. 
He's the type of player every coach wants . . . in fact ever coach 
wants five of him . . . Scott was a coach's dream and a leader. He'll 
be missed dearly in this community.''

[[Page S5964]]

  In addition, to his accomplishments in athletics, Captain Pace 
excelled in academics. He was at the top of his class in High School. 
He initially attended Brigham Young University, before being called to 
a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 
Cordoba, Argentina. After his mission, he was accepted to the United 
States Military Academy at West Point.
  At West Point, Captain Pace continued to set the example by not only 
graduating with a major in nuclear engineering, but continuing his love 
of athletics by playing varsity basketball, sprint football, and was a 
member of West Point's intercollegiate handball team. In fact, Captain 
Pace was named the most valuable player when West Point's Handball Team 
won the Division II National Championship.
  Upon graduating West Point, at the same time as his brother, Rick, 
Captain Pace chose aviation and became a OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter 
pilot and a platoon leader. He then served two back-to-back 
deployments, for a total of 20 months, in Iraq.
  When he returned in 2009, Captain Pace was assigned to Fort Huachuca, 
AZ. There he completed the Captain's Career Course and intelligence 
training. After completing his studies, he was assigned to Fort Bragg, 
where he became the commander of Fox Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry 
Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. It was in this leadership role, when 
his helicopter was shot down while engaging the enemy in Ghazni 
Province, Afghanistan.
  I was also quite taken by the comments of Captain Pace's teammates, 
fellow servicemembers, and friends who stated he always motivated them, 
not only to do their best, but to be their best, even when no one else 
was watching.
  Captain Scott Patrick Pace was an outstanding young man. He was among 
the best our Nation has to offer. I know I am joined by the entire 
Senate in extending our heartfelt condolences to Captain Pace's family. 
Elaine and I will always keep them in our prayers.

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