[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 147 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4792-S4793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO SHAUN SULLIVAN

 Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I am honored to recognize Shaun 
Sullivan of Hampton as September's Granite Stater of the Month for his 
extraordinary commitment to public service and nearly two decades of 
work supporting vulnerable children in Rwanda.
  Shaun's commitment to serving others began in New Hampshire. After 
attending Lakes Region Community College to learn about fire science 
and emergency services, he served as an on-call firefighter in 
Merrimack. He then spent a decade fighting wildfires across the 
country, including 6 years on a specialized ``hotshot crew'' in 
California and as an Alaska smokejumper that tackled the biggest and 
most severe

[[Page S4793]]

wildfires. And during his off seasons from firefighting, Shaun went to 
Rwanda, often staying for months at a time.
  Shaun first traveled to Rwanda in 2008, eager to experience another 
culture and find a meaningful way to help others. When he returned in 
2010, he began teaching English to adults and looking for an 
opportunity to volunteer with children. Through local connections, 
Shaun was introduced to Ubaka U Rwanda, a home for homeless children. 
Many of the children had experienced profound hardship, and the home 
offered them the stability and care they needed to build a brighter 
future. Shaun quickly became part of the family, spending his days 
tutoring the children, playing soccer, cooking and sharing meals, and 
helping children with their studies. He has now traveled to Rwanda 17 
times, forming relationships that have lasted for years and watching 
children he once knew grow into adults with careers and families of 
their own.
  Over the years, Shaun has worked tirelessly to raise money and build 
a community of support for Ubaka U Rwanda. His early fundraising 
efforts in California included organizing running challenges with 
fellow firefighters to raise money and awareness for the home. Since 
returning to New Hampshire, Shaun has continued raising money with the 
support of members in his community. His dedication has inspired others 
to become personally involved, with fellow New Hampshire fire fighters, 
friends, and family members traveling with him to Rwanda and some 
returning year after year. Shaun now holds his running fundraiser in 
Rwanda, completing most of a marathon himself before running the final 
miles alongside the children he has worked for years to support.
  Today, Shaun continues to serve as a firefighter in Portsmouth while 
returning to Rwanda each year. Nearly two decades after his first trip, 
Shaun remains committed to raising awareness and support for Ubaka U 
Rwanda so that the home can continue providing vulnerable children with 
a safe place to grow and thrive. Shaun's compassion and commitment to 
serving others both at home and abroad are why I am proud to name him 
September's Granite Stater of the Month.

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