Recognizing Final Flight of A-10 At Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Floor Speech
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Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the last official A-10 flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.
On July 29, the 357th Fighter Squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan ``Clutch'' Rutter, and the 355th Operations Group commander, Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Dwyer, will mark the end of a phenomenal 50- year chapter of A-10 operations in Tucson.
This spring, Davis-Monthan also celebrated the graduation of the final class of the A-10C Thunderbolt II student pilots from the 357th Training Squadron, marking the end of A-10 training at the base.
These milestones bear historical significance and represent a longtime connection between the A-10, Davis-Monthan, and the Tucson community.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog, has great military significance not just in Tucson but across the Nation. Designed during the Cold War to combat Soviet tanks in Europe, this aircraft is the Air Force's only one built exclusively for close air support, or CAS.
The A-10 has served the U.S. military for decades. While it will no longer be in use at Davis-Monthan, this aircraft will continue to be an essential asset of our Nation's military.
I thank Lieutenant Colonels Rutter and Dwyer, for their outstanding leadership at Davis-Monthan. I congratulate both lieutenant colonels, the 357th Fighter Squadron, and everyone at Davis-Monthan on an extraordinary 50 years of A-10 operations.
The last official A-10 flight on July 29 will be remembered as a significant milestone at Davis-Monthan, and our community will proudly remember this incredible 50-year chapter in our city's history. Honoring Life of Linda Barber
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Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor a dear friend, Linda Barber, who tragically passed in June. She was surrounded by her family and was certainly welcomed home by her husband, Jim, whom she missed dearly and spoke of often.
My wife, Laura, and I are incredibly saddened by this loss to our community.
Linda was deeply loved and involved in Pima County politics for several decades. From serving as a precinct committeeman since 1972, being a legislative district chairman, president of several entities, chairman of the Pima County party, a vice chair of the State party, and office manager of the Arizona Governor's Office, she dedicated her life to making a difference in Arizona.
Linda truly cared about our community and the people around her. She was always there for us. She was a great friend to our family and a big supporter of all of us, as well as many in our community.
I am beyond grateful for Linda's leadership, her friendship, and the example she set for those who knew her.
Laura and I are keeping the Barber family and their loved ones in our prayers. As we all grieve this devastating loss, we always remember her smile and kind heart.
Linda gave so much to those around her. She will be greatly missed, and her legacy will live on through all of those she impacted, which are many.
May my dear friend Linda rest in peace.
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