Congressman Tom McClintock Introduces Legislation to Honor Fallen Marine by Naming a Peak in the Sierra Nevada Range

February 13, 2015 - Rep. Tom McClintock, CA-04, today introduced H.R. 979, a bill to honor Marine SSgt Sky Mote, who was killed in Afghanistan on August 10, 2012.  The legislation will designate a mountain peak in the John Muir Wilderness, under which the Mote family gathered to camp every year, as “Sky Point.”  Every member of the California congressional delegation is a co-sponsor of the bill.  

“This bill would ensure that the memory and heroic deeds of Sky Mote will never be forgotten,” Rep. McClintock said. “Sky loved the outdoors and the beautiful mountains around his hometown. His selfless sacrifice would live on in the hearts and minds of his countrymen every time they gaze upon Sky Point.”

Mote, who grew up in El Dorado, California was awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, a Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons and three Good Conduct Medals.   

Sky Mote enlisted in the Marine Corps upon graduation from Union Mine High School in El Dorado. His nine-year service included a deployment to Iraq and two deployments to Afghanistan.

“By his decisive actions, heroic initiative, and resolute dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Mote gave his life to protect fellow Marines on August 10, 2012 by gallantly rushing into action during an attack by a rogue Afghan policeman inside the base perimeter in Helmand province,” the legislation states.