U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Braden Matzinger for his compassionate heart and entrepreneurial spirit in helping our state recover from a devastating wildfire season.
Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here.
Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve
The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
MONTANAN OF THE WEEK
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing a young Montanan named Braden Matzinger for his compassionate heart and entrepreneurial spirit in helping our state recover from a devastating wildfire season.
The 2017 wild fire season has impacted many communities in Montana. The fires consumed nearly 1.3 million acres of land. Over the summer, two firefighters lost their lives while protecting the people of the Treasure State. The bravery and commitment demonstrated by all the folks involved with the firefighting effort has generated a sense of unity and support from Troy to Alzada. That sense of unity can be found in the actions of 9-year old Braden Matzinger of Bozeman. Braden has raised donations for the Montana Wildfire Relief Fund at the last two Montana State University home football games. He sweetened his approach to charitable fundraising with a cup of free lemonade for all those making a donation. At the two football games he raised over $600 in donations.
Sometimes life throws us lemons. How we respond is a reflection of our character. The Montana values of charity, compassion, and entrepreneurship are alive and well in the character of our next generation of youngsters, and Braden is a prime example. Thank you Braden for seeing an opportunity to help, making a plan, and following through with your plan. And to Braden’s parents, Jeff and Katie, thank you as well for raising such a high quality young man.
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