[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 117 (Tuesday, July 8, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING STAFF SERGEANT TROY S. KNUTSON-COLLINS

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. President, today I honor the life and legacy of SSG 
Troy S. Knutson-Collins. He was a patriot that made the ultimate 
sacrifice serving his country while deployed to Lithuania this March. 
His dedication, honor, and courage live on through his children 
Braylee, Kendra, Emery, Leif, and Skadi; his wife Ayrelle; and his 
parents Robert and Tonja.
  Born in Battle Creek, MI, in 1996, Troy graduated from Harper Creek 
High School in 2015. He played semi-professional football before 
enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 20. Troy's dad says he was 
destined to work with tools from a young age, and he became a decorated 
mechanic for the Army stationed at Fort Stewart, GA. He deployed twice 
to South Korea and was on his deployment in Lithuania at the time of 
his passing.
  His pursuit of excellence earned him numerous awards, including two 
Army Commendation Medals, one Army Achievement Medal, two Army Good 
Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on 
Terrorism Medal, and the Master Technician Badge. He was described as 
an expert, an incredibly talented mechanic, and a warrior by his 
commanding officers.
  Troy was not only a dedicated servicemember but also a loving husband 
and a devoted father to his five children. He was a man of integrity, 
kindness, and unwavering love for his family and friends. He was a 
passionate football fan, a skilled woodworker, and always full of 
energy. He brought a bright light to the lives of those around him. His 
sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in the lives of his 
family, friends, and fellow servicemembers.
  We thank the more than 150 people from the U.S., Polish, and 
Lithuanian Armed Forces and other rescuers who took part in the 
recovery mission. We remember the lives of the three other soldiers of 
the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, who lost 
their lives alongside Troy: Jose Duenez, Edvin Franco, and Dante 
Taitano. These soldiers were a part of United States-led NATO Operation 
Atlantic Resolve to enhance deterrence along the alliance's eastern 
flank. It is a testament to the important mission they were all serving 
that multiple countries joined forces and worked tirelessly to bring 
them home.
  His loss is felt deeply by the soldiers in his unit, the Army 
community, his friends, and his family. His service and sacrifice serve 
as an example to us all. We are lucky to live in a country with 
tireless patriots like SSG Knutson-Collins. May his memory continue to 
inspire those who seek to serve and foster positive change in our 
world.

                          ____________________