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Congressional Daily Record
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September 17, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextMs. 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
wildfires. And during his off seasons from firefighting, Shaun went to Rwanda, often staying for months at a time.
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.
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.
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.