[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         TRIBUTE TO HEATH GUNNS

 Mr. RISCH. Madam 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. 
Through my Idaho Service Spotlight, I recognize these exceptional 
Idahoans whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the 
Gem State. Today, I am pleased to recognize Heath Gunns as an Idaho 
Service Spotlight recipient for the month of September 2026.
  Heath Gunns understands the sacrifice and mental weight of service. A 
Marine veteran and former police officer, Heath found peace from the 
stress of a life dedicated to protecting others in the outdoor 
landscapes of North Idaho. For Heath, the beautiful rivers, lakes, and 
lands that make Idaho special are a safe haven and a place where he can 
serve his community once again.
  In 2023, Heath started Spoken Outdoors to provide first responders 
and veterans space to reconnect with nature and reflect. Under his 
leadership, the nonprofit has hosted guided river tours, fishing 
excursions, and recreational events across the country for those who 
have spent their careers in public safety. Heath knows firsthand the 
lasting effects of serving our country and believes each and every one 
of our first responders and veterans deserves not only our gratitude, 
but also opportunities to heal. Since 2024, Spoken Outdoors has 
supported more than 500 first responders, veterans, and servicemembers 
as they work to recenter after traumatic events during their service.
  Heath's work has made a meaningful difference for Idaho's first 
responders. Following the tragic Canfield Mountain incident in 2025, 
Spoken Outdoors hosted the Shield and Flame event, providing those 
involved in the rescue efforts with a day of wellness and support on 
the Kootenai River. Spoken Outdoors also organized river trips on the 
Kootenai and Grand Ronde Rivers, giving 80 first responders an 
opportunity to gather and spend a day fishing.
  Heath finds Spoken Outdoors helps not only first responders, but the 
broader community as well. Each event offers first responders with the 
chance to create meaningful relationships and better navigate their 
experiences, helping them recognize they are not alone in their 
struggles. In turn, their families and communities benefit from more 
resilient first responders with renewed hearts of service.
  On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Heath for 
being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of 
September 2026. You reflect the very best of our state and Idaho is 
stronger because of your actions.

                          ____________________