Recognizing the Life of Matthew Wade Bute

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Staff Sergeant Matthew Bute, a veteran and member of the Mississippi Rifles--the 155th Infantry Regiment in the Mississippi National Guard. He passed away September 10, 2021 in his home in Gulfport, Mississippi. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss.

Matthew grew up in DeKalb, Illinois and graduated from Long Beach High School in Mississippi. He was an outstanding student and athlete-- a defensive outside linebacker on the football team. In his civilian life, Matt worked for Inland Dredging and was known for his hard work. In the Mississippi National Guard, he was a dedicated leader and a selfless Soldier. He was a devoted friend and model of Army leadership.

SSG Matthew Bute served as a Dismounted Infantry Squad Leader in 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard. He was responsible for training a squad of infantry Soldiers. His military career began in 2012 and he has served in the Mississippi Guard for 9 years. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in May of this year. He deployed under the command of my current Legislative Director, Major Rodney Hall Jr., in support of Operation Spartan Shield and served in Kuwait and Iraq. Most recently, SSG Bute volunteered to protect our Nation's Capital during Operation Civil Unrest in Washington, D.C.

Left to cherish his memory are his older brother Brad and his nieces, Brooklyn and Rainee. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jennifer Holmes, and younger brother, Nathan Thumm.

SSG Matthew Bute was a brave Soldier, a remarkable leader, and an outstanding friend to many. I am grateful for his service to our state and nation.

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