[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MICHAEL G. SAURO

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, on behalf of Senator James Lankford and 
myself, it is my honor to pay tribute to the life and sacrifice of 
Department of Army civilian employee Michael G. Sauro who died 1 day 
after his 40th birthday on October 19, 2016, of wounds received from 
encountering hostile enemy fire near Kabul, Afghanistan.
  The son of Michael and Christine Sauro, Mike was born on October 18, 
1976 in Chambersburg, PA. He graduated from Savanna High School in 
Savanna, IL, and went on to graduate with his bachelor's degree from 
Illinois State University in Normal, IL.
  ``Whether it be sports, or his friends, or his family, he always went 
at it 100 percent,'' recalled a fellow Savanna High School graduate, 
``He was very committed to the U.S. and service members, making sure 
they had what they needed to do their job.'' He was passionate about 
life and was always willing to step in and help. His infectious smile 
will be remembered by everyone that knew and loved Mike.
  Mike began his Federal civilian service in December of 1999 and spent 
his career working for the Defense Ammunition Center, McAlester Army 
Ammunition Plant in McAlester, OK, and at its satellite locations at 
Fort Riley, KS, and Schofield Barracks, HI.
  While at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, he led the effort and was 
instrumental in revisions of the hazardous materials course. He worked 
to deliver the most robust training course available at over 50 
locations in and outside the continental United States. Mike was the 
liaison between McAlester Army Ammunition Plant and the satellite 
training locations helping to ensure that the mission was accomplished. 
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant coworkers fondly remember him for his 
``sunny disposition as well as his genuine kindness.''
  Mission always came first for Mike. Regardless of the complexity of 
the task, he quickly comprehended requirements of the task and 
aggressively accomplished them in a professional, timely manner. He 
deployed three times--the first time in support of Operation Iraqi 
Freedom, the second in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and the 
third to support the mission to train, advise and assist Afghan forces. 
Mike's dedicated service and expertise made a difference around the 
world and saved lives. He is a testament to the values of the Defense 
Ammunition Center, the U.S. Army Combined Services Command, the U.S. 
Army Training and Doctrine Command, and the U.S. Army.
  Mike is survived by his parents Michael and Christine Sauro, his 
brother and sister-in-law Ben and Sarah Sauro, his sister and his 
brother-in-law Brienne and Lance Matthews, and their children, Dakota 
and William.
  Today we remember Michael G. Sauro, an American hero who gave his all 
for his country. Our Nation lost a great American, son, grandson, 
brother, uncle, and friend. Mike's service and sacrifice will never be 
forgotten.

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