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Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) spoke on the House floor to honor the life and service of Army Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins. In addition to his remarks, Congressman Huizenga held a moment of silence to honor the memory of Staff Sgt. Knutson-Collins. A transcript and video of the congressman’s comments as well as the moment of silence are available below.

Congressman Huizenga

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, and memory of Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins.

On April 1^st, a month ago today, Staff Sgt. Knutson-Collins tragically lost his life during a tactical training exercise in Lithuania that also killed three other members of the 3rd Infantry Battalion.

Troy was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, graduating from Harper Creek High School in 2015. Troy had many hobbies, including woodworking, football, and gaming.

After graduating high school, he played semi-pro football before enlisting in the Army at the age of 20, where he served as an artillery mechanic.

Staff Sgt. Troy Smith Knutson-Collins was deployed to Korea twice and was serving in Lithuania when tragedy struck.

In honor of his service, he will be returning back home to Battle Creek and be buried at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, tomorrow on Friday.

Troy is survived by his wife, his five children, along with his parents Robert and Tosha Collins, and his six siblings.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we may all rise and honor the memory of Staff Sgt. Troy Smith Knutson-Collins with a moment of silence.

Rest well soldier, rest well.


At the end of his remarks, Congressman Huizenga led the U.S. House of Representatives in a moment of silence to honor Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins.