[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 56 (Tuesday, March 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE EXEMPLARY SERVICE OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR CHRISTOPHER 
                POCCIA DURING THE PEAK/CALF CANYON FIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2023

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Command 
Sergeant Major Christopher Poccia for his service to the people of San 
Miguel and Mora counties during the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
  The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire started on April 6, 2022, when a 
U.S. Forest Service prescribed burn got out of control. The fire burned 
341,735 acres between April and late August in the southern Sangre de 
Cristo Mountains. It was the largest wildfire in New Mexico history. In 
northern New Mexico many residents were displaced.
  Command Sergeant Major Christopher Poccia was deployed to San Miguel 
and Mora counties with his National Guard unit for Task Force Wildfire. 
He distinguished himself as a trusted helper to community members who 
told me how grateful they were for his service during a time 
devastation and uncertainty. His kindness, positive attitude, and 
willingness to serve will have a lasting impact for generations to 
come.
  Every day, Christopher and his team worked at the improvised shelter. 
They delivered supplies, helped people to find assistance, and ventured 
to evacuated areas to assist those afraid to leave. He is an example of 
service, and service is an act of love. During his more than 90-day 
deployment, Christopher was away from his family. Today we also honor 
his wife Allison, his children Alec, Bella, and Jack, for the sacrifice 
they endured in his absence.
  Christopher has returned to his work serving his community as a 
sergeant with the Albuquerque Police Department, where he is an 
exemplary model of leadership. At every turn he is at service to others 
and an example of how we can always look for the gaps where help is 
needed--and fill those spaces. We honor him and the other guardsmen and 
women of the National Guard who gave the most precious gift they had--
their time--to help their neighbors during this crisis. They are 
heroes.
  In line with the acts of service originating with the local 
community, President Biden signed my bill, the Hermit's Peak/Calf 
Canyon Fire Assistance Act. This law provides $3.95 billion in relief 
to victims of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
  Sacrifice and heroism are cornerstones of America's history. Thanks 
to Command Sergeant Major Poccia, his team, and others like him, New 
Mexicans received the help they needed to survive and begin their 
journey to recovery. I thank and honor him for his selflessness 
dedication to service.

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