[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 137 (Tuesday, August 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1061-E1062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   GUNNERY SGT. SCOTT A. KOPPENHAFER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 20, 2019

  Mr. TIPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Koppenhafer of Mancos, Colorado. 
Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer was killed in combat on Saturday, August 10, 
2019 while serving alongside the Iraqi Security Forces in a planned 
operation in northern Iraq.
  Instead of pursuing a job in business following his degree completion 
at Adams State University, Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer decided to enlist 
in the U.S. Marine Corps. His decision to serve was made during an 
intense period of war against radical terrorists who continue to 
threaten our nation's liberties and freedom. Knowing the dangers that 
accompany serving in war, Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer heroically put aside 
his civilian life ambitions and instead chose to serve his country.
  As one of the world's most lethal fighting forces, Marines are also 
well-known for their motto, Semper Fidelis, or always faithful. Gunnery 
Sgt. Koppenhafer adhered to this motto and perhaps best exemplified it 
during his time in service which spanned nearly 14 years and three 
deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He built an impressive resume over 
that period which includes two Bronze Stars, a 2018 Marine Corps Forces 
Special Operations Command's Critical Skills Operator of the Year 
award, honor graduate for the special operations training school, and 
dozens of other prestigious military medals and decorations. Gunnery 
Sgt. Koppenhafer set himself apart from his peers by setting the 
example with his remarkable record and dedication to putting country 
over self.
  Madam Speaker, Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer's life was taken all too 
soon. His death not only impacts his brothers and sisters in the Corps, 
but he also leaves behind two children, his wife, and his parents 
Gerald and Carla. Among his fellow Marines and family members, his 
hometown of Mancos bears the immense weight of his loss. With a 
population the size of many high schools across the country, the loss 
of one from our small community is felt by all who live there. It is 
with a heavy heart that I, along with so many from the area, say 
goodbye to such an upstanding citizen and a true American hero. I send 
my deepest condolences to Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer's family and pray 
that God's grace provides them with the comfort they need to heal.

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