[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 98 (Wednesday, July 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN PERCIN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KURT SCHRADER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2013

  Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of John Percin, Jr. 
one of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshot firefighters killed June 30th 
while fighting a wildfire near the town of Yarnell, Arizona. A funeral 
mass to honor his life will take place, July 12th, for family, friends, 
and parishioners at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
   John Percin Jr. grew up in West Linn, Oregon among a community that 
witnessed a young man active in his school, excelling at numerous 
sports, and demonstrating a strong compassion for others. After 
graduating from West Linn High School, Mr. Percin pursued a career with 
the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite firefighting force based in 
Prescott, Arizona. Hotshots demand only the most physically fit 
candidates to face the most strenuous firefighting tasks. Through 
rigorous physical and mental training each Hotshot gains the skills and 
attributes necessary for this demanding and dangerous work. A Hotshot 
needs to be a problem solver, able to make difficult decisions in 
stressful situations, and work as part of a team; I think we witnessed 
these attributes on display June 30th from Mr. Percin and each of the 
courageous crewmembers who put their lives on the line to protect 
others.
   John Percin Jr. demonstrated a level of courage and bravery that 
belies his young age. At only 24 years of age Mr. Percin had the drive 
and passion to perform the critical work of fighting fires and I am 
humbled by his commitment to our country. We in Congress express our 
gratitude to Mr. Percin and convey our deepest respect and sympathy to 
his family; their son's sacrifice for others will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________