Debbie Lesko

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Harold and Inez Richards, who are wonderful, loving, patriotic constituents of mine that live in Sun City, Arizona.

Hal and Inez's patriotism started years ago. Harold, also known as Hal, enlisted in the United States Air Force in May 1955. Inez and Hal, high school sweethearts, married in 1956. They raised two sons, Bruce and Eric, and like many military families, lived throughout the U.S. on military assignments.

Hal's military career included serving as the personal pilot for the Iowa Army National Guard's Regiment Commander, graduating from fixed wing flight school as number one in his flight class, serving two tours in the Vietnam war, including as 1st lieutenant assigned to the 1st Cav's CH47 battalion, serving as Inspector General for the 1st Army Headquarters located at Fort Meade, MD, and serving as Professor of Military Science at Sam Houston State University before military retirement in 1984.

After military retirement, Hal and Inez ran a successful business, owned by Inez, called EJR Enterprises that sold custom sportswear throughout the country. They ran the business until they moved to Arizona to take care of Hal's Uncle and Aunt and have been involved in the Luke Air Force Base Retired Officers Association and helping and supporting Arizona elected officials, like myself, ever since.

I thank Hal and Inez Richards for their lifetime of dedication to our country and for their friendship and kindness to me. May God continue to Bless them now and in future years.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize my consultant, Brian Murray, for his years of service to me, our state, and our Nation.

Prior to consulting, Brian worked on Capitol Hill for multiple members, including his last role as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Representative Rick Renzi. Brian also worked in the U.S. Senate as a staff member on the Senate Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space and on numerous statewide, congressional, and independent expenditure committees.

Brian was essential in my quest to become a member of Congress and served as a confidant throughout my tenure. No matter the challenge, Brian was already ready to fight and guide me through even the most difficult of days.

I cannot thank Brian enough for his commitment and dedication to me, my district, our state, and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize my longtime friend and consultant, Chad Willems, for his years of service to me, our state, and our Nation.

Chad Willems has managed hundreds of campaigns and public opinion surveys at both the local and national levels. His work has spanned various political offices, from school boards to members of Congress.

Before establishing himself in Arizona, Willems was heavily involved in California politics, particularly as a grassroots organizer and political fundraiser. He also served as the Executive Director of the Adam Smith Institute, a conservative/libertarian think tank, before transitioning to consulting.

Chad has been one of my closest confidants throughout my time in Congress and I am fortunate to have had his counsel during this important time.

I cannot thank Chad enough for his commitment and dedication to me, my district, our state, and our Nation.