U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Army Major Robert Bourgeau of Missoula County for his heroism on and off the battlefield.
Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, each month Daines highlights a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the recipient’s honor into the Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Month” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.
The following is the tribute Daines submitted to the Congressional Record to honor Army Major Robert Bourgeau:
TRIBUTE TO U.S. ARMY MAJOR ROBERT BOURGEAU OF MISSOULA COUNTY
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing U.S. Army Major Robert Bourgeau of Missoula County for his heroism on and off the battlefield.
Since graduating high school, Robert committed his life to military service. Growing up in Missoula, the uniform and the duty that came with wearing it inspired him. We all know being a member of the United States Armed Forces is more than a job, it is a noble calling to serve that translates beyond one’s time spent in uniform.
On October 3, 2022, at Torii Station in Okinawa, Japan, Robert demonstrated his steadfast commitment to putting others before himself. Around 2:00 p.m. that day, Robert and some of the students he instructed in scuba diving were at Mermaid’s Grotto, a diving spot in Okinawa, when they noticed a Japanese woman calling for help with her 11-year-old daughter and a U.S. soldier who were trapped in a rip current 100 yards off shore. As six-foot waves came crashing in on the endangered snorkelers, Robert made his way to the young girl as well as her mother who became engulfed in the waves in the process. He grabbed them both and swam as hard as he could until he reached the shore and brought them both to safety. His strength and energy were depleting, yet he made his way back out to the dangerous waves for the soldier and was able to direct him safely to shore.
Robert’s commitment to his oath to protect and serve sets him apart from his peers. Being willing to lay down his life for others is more than a choice, it is his duty. Robert is a proud husband, father and grandfather and I know his leadership and bravery are inspiring not only to his family, but people around the world.
It is my distinct honor to recognize U.S. Army Major Robert Bourgeau for his commitment to putting service over self. The Treasure State’s rich legacy of military service is carried on for generations because of brave men like Robert. Thank you for your service – you make Montana proud!
###
Contact: Matt Lloyd, Rachel Dumke, Blake Kernen