Travis W. Atkins Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic
Floor Speech
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 900, as amended, a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bozeman, Montana, the Travis W. Atkins Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.
Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins was a Montana native and Army veteran. He was killed in action in Iraq in 2007 during an encounter with two enemy insurgents when he put himself between a suicide bomber and his fellow soldiers.
Staff Sergeant Atkins' quick and selfless actions saved the lives of those three soldiers and led to him being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. By naming the VA clinic in Bozeman after him today, we will further ensure that his life and legacy is forever remembered.
This bill was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Steve Daines and in the House by my friend and colleague Congressman Greg Gianforte, who will be the Governor of Montana very soon. It is also strongly supported by the other member of Montana's congressional delegation, the ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and another good friend of mine, Senator Jon Tester.
I am grateful to Senator Daines, Congressman Gianforte, Ranking Member Tester, and the many Montana veteran service organizations that sent in letters of support for this bill, for their efforts to honor Staff Sergeant Atkins' service and sacrifice through this legislation. These are the true heroes, Mr. Speaker. I know you know that.
Staff Sergeant Atkins was just 32 years old when he died. He left behind many loved ones, including his then 11-year-old son, Trevor. I send my prayers to Trevor and to all of Staff Sergeant Atkins' friends and family members who, I know, are still grieving his loss today.
I hope that it is a small comfort to them to know that, with the passage of this bill, Mr. Speaker, Staff Sergeant Atkins' memory will live on and serve as an inspiration to all the veterans who seek hope and healing in the clinic that will now bear his name.
I am proud to support this bill, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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