[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                Sergeant First Class Matthew Mcclintock

  Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I rise with sorrow and regret to pay 
tribute to SFC Matthew McClintock. Sergeant McClintock was a native of 
my home State of New Mexico. He died on January 5 in Helmand Province, 
Afghanistan, from injuries sustained from small arms fire. He was only 
30 years old.
  In answering the call to serve--a call he answered fearlessly 
multiple times--Sergeant McClintock's brief time on this Earth ended 
far too soon. It is difficult to imagine the grief his family and 
friends are feeling, but I just want to say to them that the memory of 
this American hero among those whose lives he touched, among those 
whose lives he tried to protect, and in a nation's gratitude, his 
memory will always endure.
  Sergeant McClintock served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He joined the 
Army in 2006 as an infantryman and was assigned to the First Calvary 
Division in Iraq. He began Army Special Forces training in 2009 and was 
assigned to the First Special Forces Group. He was deployed to 
Afghanistan in 2012. He left Active Duty in 2014 and was later assigned 
to Alpha Company, First Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group of the 
Washington Army National Guard and was again deployed with his unit to 
Afghanistan in July of last year. That is the official record, but it 
does not begin to tell us the day-to-day risks, hardships, and 
challenges Sergeant McClintock and his fellow soldiers encountered and 
the remarkable bravery and determination they gave in return.
  Our Nation has the finest military on Earth because of the dedication 
and true grit of Americans like Matthew McClintock. Words cannot take 
away the pain of those who grieve for Sergeant McClintock. Words cannot 
fully express the gratitude our Nation owes to this valiant soldier. We 
can only remember--and must always remember--the sacrifice that SFC 
Matthew McClintock made in service to our country.
  We should not forget or take for granted that our men and women in 
uniform continue to defend our Nation every day. They put their own 
safety at risk to protect the safety of others. They stand watch in 
faraway lands always at the ready.
  Today we remember and we grieve that some of them, like Sergeant 
McClintock, tragically do not come home. His watch is over, but his 
fellow soldiers and his family now stand it in his place.
  President Kennedy said that ``stories of past courage . . . can 
teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But, they 
cannot supply courage itself. For this, each man must look into his own 
soul.''
  In the face of great danger and great risk to himself, Matthew 
McClintock went where his country sent him, time and again, and he 
served with honor and distinction. I am inspired by his courage and the 
heroic actions of others like him.
  MG Bret Daugherty, the commander of the National Guard, spoke for all 
us when he said:

       Staff Sergeant McClintock was one of the best of the best. 
     He was a Green Beret who sacrificed time away from his loved 
     ones to train for and carry out these dangerous missions. 
     This is a tough loss . . . and a harsh reminder that ensuring 
     freedom is not free.

  Sergeant McClintock leaves behind a wife, Alexandra, and a young son, 
Declan. I hope they will find some comfort now and in the years ahead 
in Sergeant McClintock's great heart and great courage. He was truly a 
hero. He loved his country, and he made the ultimate sacrifice 
defending it.
  To his family, please know that we honor Sergeant McClintock's 
service, we remember his sacrifice, and we mourn your loss.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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