Brad Finstad

Mr. FINSTAD

Mr. FINSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember U.S. Army Sergeant Cade Wolfe of Mankato, Minnesota, who was tragically lost in a helicopter crash in the eastern Mediterranean Sea during a routine air refueling mission last Friday. Cade knew early on that he wanted to serve his country. He was raised in a proud, patriotic family with a mom and dad who served in the Army and a brother who would also go on to serve. For Cade, serving in uniform wasn't just a calling. It was a family tradition. After he graduated from Mankato East High School, Cade enlisted in the Army as a helicopter repairman before going on to serve in Army Special Operations Forces, providing helicopter support. Cade died doing what he loved, serving the country that he loved with fellow soldiers that he loved. He was truly one of southern Minnesota's bravest heroes. Last Friday's accident is a sobering reminder to all of us that our servicemen and -women put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. While Cade's remains have yet to be recovered, I am continuing to pray for his wife, Danielle, his parents, his brother, and all those across Minnesota's First District who knew and loved Sergeant Wolfe. Mr. Speaker, his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. FINSTAD

Mr. FINSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Keith Mortensen, who is retiring on July 31st after 30 years serving as an officer with Mankato Public Safety. A proud son of southern Minnesota, Officer Mortensen earned his degree in law enforcement from Mankato State University and went on to serve in the Mankato Department of Public Safety, first as road patrol and eventually as a school liaison officer. Last year, Officer Mortensen was awarded the Minnesota Juvenile Officer of the Year award for his work as a school resource officer, specifically for his work fostering relationships with area youth. He created ``Cops and Bobbers,'' a summer program that connects local kids with law enforcement officers through the fun of fishing. Because of the leadership and dedication of Officer Mortensen, the program has now helped more than 400 young adults and will serve future generations of students for years to come. I want to thank Officer Mortensen for his years of service and the example he has set for all of us in southern Minnesota. I congratulate him on his retirement, and I wish him the best of luck in this next chapter.

Mr. FINSTAD

Mr. FINSTAD. Mr. Speaker, due to unforseen personal obligations related to a house fire at my personal residence, I was unable to attend votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 249, YEA on Roll Call No. 250; YEA on Roll Call No. 251; YEA on Roll Call No. 252; YEA on Roll Call No. 253; YEA on Roll Call No. 254; YEA on Roll Call No. 255; and YEA on Roll Call No. 256.

Mr. FINSTAD

Mr. FINSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Blair Nelson, a friend and dedicated public servant who unexpectedly passed away on May 30. Those of us who knew Blair knew him for his devotion to his family and his selfless commitment to serving others. In 2010, Blair was elected to the Waseca County Board of Commissioners, where he found his true calling in public service. During his nearly 13 years as county commissioner, Blair paved the way for many projects, but he was especially proud to bring the Waseca County Veterans Memorial to completion. Blair served on the executive board of directors for the Association of Minnesota Counties. Just 3 months ago, I was fortunate enough to give Blair and his colleagues a tour of our U.S. Capitol, something I will always remember when I think of him. Blair's big personality, sense of humor, and positive spirit made him a friend to many across southern Minnesota. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, coach, mentor, and friend. He will truly be missed.

Mr. FINSTAD

Mr. FINSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2023 NCAA DIII Women's Hockey Champions: the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties from St. Peter, Minnesota. Last week, the team won their first-ever national title in Amherst, Massachusetts in a triple-overtime match. The Gusties claimed the win with a 2-1 final score. The championship game lasted more than 101 minutes, setting a record for the longest title game in NCAA DIII history. The Gusties' win marks the first NCAA title for a women's hockey team in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and the first for any team in the West region. The team has been nothing but impressive all season, winning every major title and breaking a program record for wins in a season with a record of 27-3-0. The national title is the first for Gusties Head Coach Mike Carroll, who currently ranks as Minnesota's second-winningest college hockey coach, with 492 total career wins. It is my honor to recognize this year's NCAA DIII Women's Hockey Champions today. Thanks to the tireless leadership and encouragement from Coach Carroll, the team's staff, families, classmates, and community--these talented young women earned a state championship title and all of us across the First Congressional District are incredibly proud to call them our own. Congratulations to Coach Carroll and his team on an unbelievable season.

Mr. FINSTAD

Mr. FINSTAD. Madam Speaker, blizzard conditions caused airport cancellations in my home state of Minnesota on November 29, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 486 (S. 4003); YEA on Roll Call No. 487 (S. 3846); and NAY on Roll Call No. 488 (H.R. 5455).