[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 5, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SSGT. SKY MOTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TOM McCLINTOCK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 05, 2014

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine Staff 
Sergeant Sky Mote, a man who faithfully served and then made the 
ultimate sacrifice for our nation. He was recently awarded the Navy's 
second highest commendation for valor, the Navy Cross.
   Growing up in El Dorado, California, Sky enjoyed 4-H, Civil Air 
Patrol, and loved camping with his family. At Union Mine High School, 
he lettered in track and cross country. From an early age, Sky was 
motivated to join the military by a deep desire serve his country. Upon 
graduation, he promptly enlisted in the Marine Corps.
   Sky spent nine years serving his country in the United States Marine 
Corps, including a deployment to Iraq and two deployments to 
Afghanistan. To those who knew him, it is no surprise that Sky not only 
served, but served with gallantry and meritorious distinction. Sky was 
awarded 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.
   On August 10, 2012, Sky was serving with the prestigious 1st Marine 
Special Operations Battalion as an Explosive Ordnance expert in Helmand 
Province of Afghanistan. During an attack inside the base perimeter by 
a rogue Afghan policeman, SSgt. Mote rushed into action rather than 
escaping to safety. Sky's courage and initiative in engaging the 
gunman, while exposing himself to mortal gunfire, halted the enemy 
assault and undoubtedly saved lives that day.
   Sky Mote will be deeply and sorely missed. He leaves behind his 
mother and father, as well as four brothers. The United States is 
blessed to have young men of character and heroism to defend our 
freedoms.
   Mr. Speaker, SSgt. Sky Mote lived and died as an embodiment of the 
virtues that built and continue to preserve our country and it is my 
privilege to rise to honor his memory today.

                          ____________________