[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 124 (Wednesday, July 29, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO NARS DESAUTEL

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, the Gem State is made strong by the 
hard-working, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across our 
State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, volunteers, 
and public servants go above and beyond for the communities they call 
home. These people are pillars of our State and are essential to 
keeping Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Today, 
I am pleased to recognize Narcisse ``Nars'' Desautel as an Idaho 
Service Spotlight recipient for the month of July 2026.
  Corporal Nars Desautel's life has been defined by service, 
perseverance, and love of country. In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. 
Army. During World War II, Nars was stationed in the Philippines as a 
warehouse foreman, supporting military operations throughout the 
Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participating in the Luzon campaign. He 
stayed in the Army until the very end of the war, earning several 
awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater 
Service Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon with one 
bronze star.
  After WWII, Nars returned home and built a life rooted in family and 
hard work. In 1957, Nars relocated to Lewiston, ID, where he began a 
successful 25-year career with Potlatch Corporation. Even in 
retirement, Nars' commitment to serving others did not waver. Alongside 
his wife Kathleen, he spent more than a decade as a campground host and 
maintenance employee at the Kelly Forks Work Center in the Nez Perce-
Clearwater National Forest. There, he welcomed visitors and cared for 
Idaho's public lands until the remarkable age of 87.
  During fire season, Nars often went beyond his regular duties to 
drive trucks and assist with transportation to help keep 
recreationalists and firefighters safe. Kathleen supported these same 
efforts, working in fire camps to feed firefighters. Their children 
have many memories of the camps where their parents would run around 
caring for those protecting Idaho's lands from fire.
  Through it all, Nars has remained devoted to his family, which 
includes 9 children, 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 10 
great-great-grandchildren. Now a resident of the Idaho State Veterans 
Home in Lewiston, Nars continues to inspire those around him with his 
patriotism and joy. As he approaches his 106th birthday, Nars is a 
testament to the values Idahoans and the ``Greatest Generation'' 
embody: service to country, dedication to family, commitment to 
community, and gratitude for every day.
  On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Nars 
Desautel for being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for 
the month of July 2026. You reflect the very best of our State, and 
Idaho is stronger because of your actions.

                          ____________________