TRIBUTE TO SHAUN SULLIVAN

On 2026-09-17, Senator Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO SHAUN SULLIVAN" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO SHAUN SULLIVAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 147 (Thursday, September 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 147 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4792-S4793] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO SHAUN SULLIVAN Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I am honored to recognize Shaun Sullivan of Hampton as September's Granite Stater of the Month for his extraordinary commitment to public service and nearly two decades of work supporting vulnerable children in Rwanda. Shaun's commitment to serving others began in New Hampshire. After attending Lakes Region Community College to learn about fire science and emergency services, he served as an on-call firefighter in Merrimack. He then spent a decade fighting wildfires across the country, including 6 years on a specialized ``hotshot crew'' in California and as an Alaska smokejumper that tackled the biggest and most severe [[Page S4793]] wildfires. And during his off seasons from firefighting, Shaun went to Rwanda, often staying for months at a time. Shaun first traveled to Rwanda in 2008, eager to experience another culture and find a meaningful way to help others. When he returned in 2010, he began teaching English to adults and looking for an opportunity to volunteer with children. Through local connections, Shaun was introduced to Ubaka U Rwanda, a home for homeless children. Many of the children had experienced profound hardship, and the home offered them the stability and care they needed to build a brighter future. Shaun quickly became part of the family, spending his days tutoring the children, playing soccer, cooking and sharing meals, and helping children with their studies. He has now traveled to Rwanda 17 times, forming relationships that have lasted for years and watching children he once knew grow into adults with careers and families of their own. Over the years, Shaun has worked tirelessly to raise money and build a community of support for Ubaka U Rwanda. His early fundraising efforts in California included organizing running challenges with fellow firefighters to raise money and awareness for the home. Since returning to New Hampshire, Shaun has continued raising money with the support of members in his community. His dedication has inspired others to become personally involved, with fellow New Hampshire fire fighters, friends, and family members traveling with him to Rwanda and some returning year after year. Shaun now holds his running fundraiser in Rwanda, completing most of a marathon himself before running the final miles alongside the children he has worked for years to support. Today, Shaun continues to serve as a firefighter in Portsmouth while returning to Rwanda each year. Nearly two decades after his first trip, Shaun remains committed to raising awareness and support for Ubaka U Rwanda so that the home can continue providing vulnerable children with a safe place to grow and thrive. Shaun's compassion and commitment to serving others both at home and abroad are why I am proud to name him September's Granite Stater of the Month. ____________________