[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 88 (Thursday, May 20, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S3190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO LOGAN SCHONART

 Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I want to honor a Grand Forks 
firefighter for receiving a national honor by the VFW. Saving lives is 
what firefighters are called on to do as part of their job every day. 
But in the case of Logan Schonart, his lifesaving act went much beyond 
that.
  When members of the Grand Forks Fire Department heard Rick Aamot, 
their former batallion chief, was suffering from kidney disease and 
needed a new kidney, they were concerned enough to look into how they 
could help. Because it can take years to find a donor, they joined in 
the search to find one. Schonart was among those who took a test for 
compatibility, and his test showed he was a match. Having worked 
together for nearly a decade before Aamot retired, Schonert thought 
enough of him to step forward and offer to be his donor.
  Schonert was not looking for publicity about his successful kidney 
donation to Aamot, but he spoke out about it to encourage others to 
consider doing the same if the opportunity presented itself. In 
recognition of his generous lifesaving act, Schonart was named the 2020 
North Dakota VFW Firefighter of the Year and earlier this month was 
named the 2021 National VFW Firefighter of the Year. The award was 
presented May 7 at the Grand Forks Fire Station.
  Mr. President, I congratulate Logan Schonart on this national honor 
recognizing a firefighter who exceeds professional expectations and 
demonstrates community service and professional achievement. As the 
2021 National VFW Firefighter of the Year, he sets an extraordinary 
example for all of us demonstrating what selfless sacrifice looks 
like.

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