[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT JUSTIN MAHANA

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to recognize Sgt Justin 
Mahana for his courageous act to help others. After driving from Las 
Vegas to Lake Havasu, AZ, to help a coworker whose car had broken down, 
Sergeant Mahana stopped at a gas station to check that his own car was 
ready for the trip back to Nevada. While there, Sergeant Mahana 
witnessed a car crash into a median, leading him to investigate the 
accident and pull the driver out of the car as it lit into flames. It 
gives me great pleasure to recognize his bravery and his commitment to 
others both in this moment and throughout his life.
  Sergeant Mahana, a 17-year veteran, joined the U.S. Air Force because 
he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. His job entails 
the maintenance and upkeep of military vehicles that are used by 
pararescuemen when conducting combat search and rescue missions, as 
well as humanitarian relief operations. Both his commitment to the Air 
Force, as well as his daily actions, prove his regard for others.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to Sergeant Mahana for his courageous 
contributions to the United States of America and to freedom-loving 
nations around the world. His service to his country and his bravery 
earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly 
defended our Nation.
  His commitment to helping those around him, as well as serving the 
country, demonstrates his unwavering selfless character. His actions 
represent only the greatest of Nevada's values, including a sense of 
community and an obligation to help others.
  As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize 
that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave 
individuals who serve our Nation, but also to ensure they are cared for 
when they return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for 
our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation.
  During his tenure, Sergeant Mahana has demonstrated professionalism, 
commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of 
the Air Force. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am 
proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing Sgt. Justin Mahana for all of his accomplishments and 
wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________