Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Palmer for yielding me time to speak in support of H.R. 6409, the FENCES Act.

This commonsense legislation ensures that American communities and manufacturers are not penalized for pollution that they cannot control. Emissions from foreign countries, wildfires, and dust storms should not determine whether our States meet Federal air quality standards.

The FENCES Act restores the original intent of the Clean Air Act by clarifying that foreign emissions, whether natural or man-made, are excluded from compliance determinations and permitting decisions. It also allows States to account for these emissions earlier in the regulatory process, providing certainty and preventing costly delays.

For border communities like those that I represent in southern Arizona, this is about fairness. Our districts should not face economic penalties for pollution originating beyond our own borders.

The FENCES Act strengthens regulatory certainty, supports American jobs, and upholds our Nation's environmental standards. It is also widely supported by the business community and will ensure we are creating an environment in which industry can thrive.

I strongly believe that when we manufacture here in America, we do it better and cleaner than anywhere else in the world, and this legislation is essential in supporting American innovation and excellence across a wide variety of sectors, from mining to chips manufacturing.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Gila Valley Arts Council, an organization whose enduring commitment to the performing arts has expanded and inspired the lives of countless residents across southeastern Arizona.

Founded in 1985 by Cecilia Roudebush, Mary Hartung, Monika Ragland, and Mary Barnmann, the Gila Valley Arts Council was established to support and sponsor visual and performing arts in Arizona's Gila Valley. Over the past four decades, the Council has remained steadfast in its mission: to promote, support, and sponsor performing arts in southeastern Arizona, with a particular emphasis on reaching young people through its School Residency Program and public performances.

The Council's impact has been profound. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations across Graham and Greenlee Counties, the Gila Valley Arts Council has opened doors for students to experience world class artistry. In the 2025-2026 season alone, the Council reached a total of 4,689 students and community members.

A pivotal moment in the organization's history came in 1991 with the involvement of Dr. Jack Kukuk, whose long and distinguished tenure as Artistic Director expanded the Council's reach and elevated its programming for more than three decades. Through his guidance, internationally renowned performers graced stages in the Gila Valley, bringing global culture to the local community. Dr. Kukuk concluded his service as Artistic Director in 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy of artistic excellence and expanded opportunity for generations of students and residents to come.

The Gila Valley Arts Council's dedication to cultural enrichment has not gone unnoticed. In 1995, the organization was honored with the Community Award at the Arizona Governor's Arts Awards, recognizing its outstanding contributions to arts education and community life.

Today, the Council continues its work under the leadership of a dedicated Board of Directors led by President Tom Green. Together, the Board carries forward a legacy of service, creativity, and opportunity.

For 40 years, the Gila Valley Arts Council has brought inspiration to Arizonans, expanding horizons, nurturing young talent, and strengthening community through the arts. Their work reminds us that access to culture and creativity is a vital part of a thriving and connected society.

It is with great honor and deep appreciation that I recognize the Gila Valley Arts Council on this remarkable milestone and commend all those who have contributed to its enduring success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6247, legislation to designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 13355 North Lon Adams Road in Marana, Arizona, as the Mayor Ed Honea Memorial Post Office.

This bill honors the life, the service, and the enduring legacy of the former Marana mayor and my good friend, Mayor Ed Honea, a man whose life was defined by devotion to his community, to his country, and also to his family.

Mayor Ed unexpectedly passed away on November 22, 2024, at the age of 77, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of civic leadership that helped shape Marana from a small, rural town into one of southern Arizona's most vibrant and growing communities.

Mayor Ed's connection to Marana ran deep. He was a third-generation member of a prominent five-generation Marana family. He graduated from Marana High School in 1965 and remained deeply rooted in the community throughout his entire life.

His story is, in many ways, the story of Marana itself. I always said that he is Marana, and Marana is Mayor Ed Honea. His story is built on hard work, humility, faith, and a strong sense of duty to others.

He also answered the call to serve our Nation during the Vietnam war as a member of the United States Navy Seabees, where he developed the construction and leadership skills that would guide both his professional life and his years in civic service.

Even after his military service, he continued supporting fellow veterans as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5990.

Ed devoted 37 years of public service in Marana, serving three terms on the town council and later serving as mayor in multiple terms.

During his leadership, he helped guide the town through major growth and infrastructure expansion while working to preserve the strong sense of identity and community that makes Marana such a special place for everyone.

This designation is especially fitting because, before retiring in 2007, Mayor Ed Honea also worked for 29 years as a contractor for the United States Postal Service in Marana, faithfully serving local residents and businesses.

It is only right that a place tied so closely to daily community life should bear the name of a man who dedicated his own life to serving that same community.

Mayor Ed's service also extended far beyond Marana through leadership roles with the Pima Association of Governments, the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Arizona League of Cities and Towns.

Mayor Ed helped improve regional transportation, strengthen cooperation among local governments, establish the Marana Food Bank, and champion public spaces and resources that brought families together and supported those in need.

Mayor Ed lived a life of humility, service, and lasting impact. I am proud to have known Mayor Ed, or Ed as we all called him, and to call him my friend.

Naming this post office in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the people of Marana and the entire southern Arizona region.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6247.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act. The name of the bill itself is pretty self-explanatory.

As the Representative of a district with an international airport, a border with Mexico, many Border Patrol and CBP agents, ICE, HSI, other Homeland Security personnel, and a State that gets struck by devastating wildfires every single year where FEMA is essential, as well as the vice chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I am proud to lead this legislation to ensure that the men and women who keep our country safe are paid for their service and that we stop putting every single American at risk by funding our agencies responsible for our national security.

It has been said here before that this bill was drafted in a bipartisan basis with both sides having input on it and both sides making compromises to make sure that this bill passed and that we funded our Department of Homeland Security.

What my friends on the other side of the aisle are doing now is backtracking on those agreements that they made. That is unacceptable.

From TSA agents to the countless personnel working behind the scenes to protect our airports and national security, these professionals should never be caught in the middle of political gains, and we are grateful for the work that they are doing day in and day out.

This legislation is about doing what is right: making sure those who show up every day to defend our homeland can count on their paycheck and that the American people know whose side we are on.

Anyone who votes ``no'' and against this bill in just an hour or so should be embarrassed to go past a TSA agent at the airport on the way here or home knowing they just voted to continue their lack of payment.

This legislation ensures full funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Let me emphasize full funding. No area in Homeland Security should not be funded, including TSA, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, FEMA, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Shutting down DHS over a fight of funding is wrong. Our DHS bill is just about $97 billion. The ICE portion of this is roughly 10 percent, so my colleagues on the other side are shutting down the entire Department over a dispute of about 10 percent of the funding of this bill.

Make no mistake: This is a Democrat shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.

Give me all or you get nothing. Give me what I want or you get nothing. That is their posture. It is not complicated, Madam Speaker.

Today, we will see who votes to open it and who votes to close it. They can gaslight all they want, but the reality is that when they vote ``no,'' they will be voting to not pay our personnel.

For 41 days now, the ongoing DHS shutdown has disrupted critical operations, impacted the livelihoods of dedicated personnel, and weakened key components of our national security.

This bill is a necessary step to restore stability, support our workforce, and ensure the safety of the American people.

As of today, DHS employees have missed a full paycheck, and 400 TSA agents have flatout quit. You can't blame them for that. Due to staff shortages, security lines are longer, impacting travelers across the country.

I have never supported a Government shutdown of any kind, partial or full. The current Department of Homeland Security shutdown has been in effect since February 14, 2026, making it the longest partial shutdown in history, followed previously by the longest full shutdown in U.S. history, both caused by Democrats.

Without immediate funding to DHS, these challenges will continue to escalate, further straining our workforce and jeopardizing our national security.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to put hardworking Americans first by supporting my Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative in southern Arizona for receiving the 2026 Electric Cooperative Purpose Award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Electric cooperatives are unique. They are owned by the people they serve. Every customer is a member-owner. Every member has a voice. Decisions are made locally by neighbors who understand their communities' economic realities. This creates accountability, transparency, and a relentless focus on safety, reliability, and affordability.

In 2022, when global fuel prices surged, families and small businesses across Cochise County felt the impact. Energy costs rose sharply, pressuring household and business budgets. SSVEC's board and leadership team needed to protect the very members who own the cooperative while maintaining long-term stability, and that is exactly what they did.

They responded with ingenuity and resolve, launching direct communication with members, working with its cooperative partner AEPCO to establish a fuel hedging program, and directing 100 percent of its annual operating margin to buy down more than $8 million in member fuel bank debt. That action delivered immediate bill relief.

Behind the decision were employees who stayed focused on service to their members during a period of uncertainty. Now, SSVEC is stronger and better positioned to manage future volatility. Families and businesses in southern Arizona saw how local ownership translates into local solutions.

I congratulate the board of directors, the employees, and the member- owners of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. I thank them for their commitment to protecting affordability and serving rural Arizona.

Salpointe High School Girls' Soccer Wins 4A State Title

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Salpointe High School girls' soccer team on winning the 2026 4A State Championship title.

The Lady Lancers were led by Coach Jessica Rushton, a Tucson native who graduated from Salpointe in 2008. Rushton continues her coaching career at Salpointe following time spent at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy.

Despite the loss of their beloved and longtime coach, Kelly Pierce, only a few months before the start of the season, the team gave all they had under the leadership of Coach Rushton and earned yet another State championship title.

After an intense game, Salpointe defeated Mesa High School with a score of 5-4. Senior keeper Ani Jimenez was named the 4A championship MVP after an amazing save that sealed the Lancers' victory.

I congratulate Coach Rushton, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our entire community very proud.

The Lancers should enjoy their victory. They have earned it. Here is to another successful season and to many, many more to come.

Three Members of Cienega High School Wrestling Win State Championship

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cienega High School wrestling team and its three 2026 State champions.

For the first time in Cienega history, the Bobcats have three State wrestling champions.

Daesiah Varner became Cienega's first-ever three-time State champion. Varner made history by becoming the first wrestler in the school's program to finish an entire season undefeated, going 36-0 and finishing her run with the State championship.

The other two champions, AJ Berryhill and Luke Ferguson, beat the record for the most wins in a season with a total of 50.

This championship caps off an amazing season of growth and commitment for the entire team, where each student worked day in and day out to improve their skills and strength.

I congratulate Coach Cole Hickey, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our entire community very proud.

The bobcats should enjoy their victory. They have earned it. Here is to another successful season and to many, many more.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman and my colleague, Representative Wittman, for this time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Chiricahua National Park Act.

I also thank my colleague from Maryland because these were not easy words to pronounce: Chiricahua, javelinas, and so on. Arizona threw her a curveball on this one, but she did very well with all of that.

For more than a century, the remarkable landscape of Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona has inspired visitors from across the country. Known as the Wonderland of Rocks, this extraordinary area protects towering volcanic rock formations, deep canyons, and one of the most biologically diverse mountain ranges in the entire Southwest.

For the people of Cochise County and southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua is more than a beautiful landscape. It is a source of pride, a place where families enjoy the outdoors, and a very important part of the region's identity.

This legislation simply redesignates the monument as a national park, recognizing its national significance without expanding its footprint or changing existing land management.

Just as important, this bill supports economic opportunity in rural Arizona. The redesignation would help raise Chiricahua's national profile, attract more visitors, and strengthen tourism across southeastern Arizona. That is why this effort is widely supported by the local business community, along with local leaders and stakeholders who see the potential for responsible economic growth tied to outdoor recreation and conservation.

Arizona is already home to world-renowned parks like Grand Canyon National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Petrified Forest National Park. With this legislation, we would add another extraordinary landscape to this list.

Madam Speaker, this is a commonsense, bipartisan step that protects a national treasure in my district while supporting rural communities.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Chiricahua National Park Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 10th Anniversary of the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana.

Before becoming the 100th state Veterans' cemetery in the Nation to be built under the Department of Veteran Affairs cemetery grant program, the memorial's founders spent years advocating for its construction. Paul Marsh, together with Norman Ross and Wendell Hague, were instrumental in their incredible legacy and service to Arizona's veterans to make this cemetery come to fruition.

They found support in the town of Marana, especially the Kai family, making the dream of a veterans' memorial in Marana a reality. I want to personally thank and recognize the Kai family for their generous donation of the land where the cemetery sits.

Ten years after their donation and the construction of this beautiful memorial, nearly 4,000 veterans have been laid to rest.

To the Board of Directors, their foundation, Tom Shambo, and all staff who made this moment possible--I thank them. With nearly 80,000 veterans in our congressional district, their work has allowed for a wonderful and hallowed resting place for our local veterans.

To all veterans and active service members--I thank them for their commitment to keeping our Nation free and all of us here safe. Their sacrifices have allowed us to enjoy this beautiful Nation we call home, and the many freedoms we have here unlike anywhere else in the world.

I Congratulate the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana on 10 years. I know this memorial will continue to be a pillar of our community for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Morenci High School boys' wrestling team on winning the Division IV wrestling title for the 2025-2026 season.

The Morenci Wildcats totaled 214.5 points to win the Division IV title and were led by three teammates who each placed first overall in their weight classes.

Jacob Goodwin won the 159-pound championship with a total of four victories, with a total of three pins, as well.

Emerson Montes won the 152-pound title and secured a major decision in the championship match.

Caden Woodall won the 167-pound championship, with two pins during his run for that championship.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Casey Woodall, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and community very proud. The Wildcats should enjoy this victory. They earned it. Here is to another successful season and many more to come.

Sahuarita High School Boys' Wrestling Win Division III State Title

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sahuarita High School Boys' Wrestling Team on winning the Division III wrestling title for the fifth consecutive season.

The Mustangs are only the fifth program in Arizona Interscholastic Association history to reach this milestone. The team won the State title with a total of 239 points, 92 points ahead of the runners-up.

In addition, the Mustangs had five team members who took first place in their individual weight classes. Sophomore Marcus Killgore and senior Sebastian Serrano each won their individual weight class championship, earning both of them their second straight State titles. Additionally, senior James Buck and juniors Nathaniel Gallardo and Sergio Macias also won the title in their individual weight classes.

This win also marks the seventh consecutive year that the Mustangs have finished as State champions or as runner-up.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Paul Vasquez, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and community very proud. The Mustangs should enjoy their victory. They have earned this one. Here is to another successful season and many more to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize the 35th anniversary of the Gulf War and liberation of Kuwait.

Each year, a ceremony to commemorate this anniversary is held at the Arizona Heroes Memorial in Oro Valley.

While I cannot join in person this year, I would like to take this time to honor those who served in our armed forces in the Gulf War and fought to bring peace to the nation of Kuwait.

I thank each veteran who served in these operations. Their dedication to our Nation and the fight for peace is remembered every day and will never be taken for granted.

It is because of men and women like themselves that we are able to live in a free country.

We know that freedom is not free. Our freedom has been fought for by countless men and women who have answered the call.

I thank every veteran who served in the Gulf War, including Desert Storm, or the liberation of Kuwait for their fearless and selfless decision to fight so that freedom may reign.

I thank each man and woman who lost their life fighting in these operations for their love of country and willingness to lay it all on the line to keep our Nation safe. They paid the ultimate price, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Saying ``thank you'' is nowhere near sufficient, but these two words are our best attempt at expressing our utmost gratitude for their heroic acts in service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 57.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1458, the VETS Opportunity Act of 2025, a bill I introduced to modernize veterans' education benefits and align them with today's workforce needs.

As I represent nearly 80,000 veterans in southern Arizona, I know firsthand when servicemembers transition to civilian life, they bring discipline, leadership, and a strong work ethic, but too often the system limits how they can use the benefits that they earned. This bill changes that by modernizing the GI Bill and expanding access to high- quality certificates and technical training programs, possibly offered in a hybrid format, that lead directly to good-paying jobs in high- demand fields.

Not every veteran wants or needs a traditional 4-year degree. Many want fast, skills-based training that connects them to careers in the trades, healthcare, technology, and other critical fields. This bill recognizes reality, and it gives veterans the flexibility to choose the path that works best for them and their families.

Furthermore, this legislation includes clear protections to ensure the program operates efficiently and that veterans' benefits are used responsibly as well. Programs like this one must be accredited, approved by the VA, and provide regular and substantive interaction between instructors and students.

The VETS Opportunity Act is about modernizing our VA benefits and programs to empower veterans, strengthen the workforce, and honor the promise this country made to those who served. By strengthening education benefits, we empower veterans, build a stronger workforce, and drive a stronger economy.

This bill turns service into opportunity and commitment into careers. That is what our veterans deserve, and that is what our communities need.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1458 and vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Catalina Foothills High School boys' swim team for winning the D2 State championship.

The Falcons finished with a total score of 386, with senior Connor Daggett winning gold.

The team finished first in three races: the 200-meter medley, with Nicholas Dinsmore, Mathew Murray, Ariston Elsesser, and Connor Daggett finishing with a time of 1:39.891; the 50-meter freestyle with Connor Daggett finishing with a time of 21:42; and the 200-meter freestyle relay, with Nicholas Dinsmore, Aidan Kastner, Ariston Elsesser, and Connor Daggett finishing with a time of 1:30.831.

In addition to finishing first in multiple races, the Falcons also placed in the top five for several others.

To Coach Ed Walter, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible: Congratulations. Their hard work has made their school and our community extremely proud.

Falcons, enjoy your victory. You earned it. Congratulations again.

Tanque Verde Boys' Swim Team Wins D3 State Championship

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tanque Verde High School boys' swim team for winning the D3 State championship.

The Hawks finished with a total score of 257, placing first in the 200-meter freestyle relay and in the top five for multiple other events, including the 200-meter medley relay and 400 freestyle relay.

The team's time of 1:31.81 on the 200-meter freestyle won them first place, with a team made up of Jackson Eftekhar, Grayson The, Wade Olsson, and Zachary Duerkop.

To Coach Porter Olstad, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible: Congratulations. Their hard work has made their school and our community extremely proud.

Hawks, enjoy your victory. You have earned it. Here is to another successful season and many, many more.

Cienega High School's Marching Band Wins Championship Title

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cienega High School's marching band on winning the Arizona Marching Band Southern Regional Championship.

The Bobcats broke the program's record for the highest score in a regular season show. They also brought home the highest score in music performance, visual performance, general effect, and percussion performance.

I also congratulate them on coming in as State silver medalists at the Arizona Marching Band Association's State championship. Through the long hours of hard work and dedication, the Bobcats achieved this outstanding accomplishment.

To Director Reed Bailey, each member of the band, and all parents and staff who made this win possible: Congratulations. They have made their school and our community very proud.

Bobcats, enjoy this victory. You earned it. Congratulations on yet another successful season.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brigadier General Keith Connolly, who sadly passed away on Christmas Eve.

Keith lived a life defined by service, by family, and by purpose. He was married to his wife, Pat, for 65 years, and together they raised four children and were blessed with nine grandchildren and four great- grandchildren, with another expected this spring.

A devoted husband, father, and friend, Keith chose a life of service to his country. He served with distinction for 33 years in the United States Air Force as a general officer and a fighter pilot, flying more than 4,800 hours and serving across the United States and overseas, including in Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. He was awarded two Legions of Merit and seven Air Medals for combat missions, primarily in the Pacific theater.

After retiring to Tucson in 1990, Keith continued serving veterans at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, volunteering more than 23,000 hours over 26 years, helping veterans navigate VA claims. He also recruited and mentored volunteers, assisting thousands through tax assistance programs, and he shared his passion for aviation through the Pima Air & Space Museum.

In 2016, Keith was inducted into the Arizona State Veterans Hall of Fame in recognition of his many years of volunteer service.

It was an honor to recognize General Connolly as part of the initial Veteran Servant Leader Award that I have the pleasure and the honor of conducting every year.

General Keith Connolly's life reflected deep love for his family, his community, and his country. His legacy of service will endure.

Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his service and may he rest in peace.

Recognizing Mica Mountain Football State Championship

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mica Mountain High School's football team on winning the championship for the second year in a row.

Number 7 Mica Mountain Thunderbolts defeated number 1 undefeated Arcadia High School with a score of 42-17. Mica Mountain started the season 2-2 and ultimately finished 12-2. It was the first time a southern Arizona school repeated as champions among the big-school ranks since 1976 and 1977.

Head Coach and Mica Mountain Assistant Principal Jay Campos led the Thunderbolts to their second consecutive State championship and the first of his coaching career.

Evan Wheeler finished with 194 yards and three touchdowns which earned him both offensive and overall MVP.

Sergio Raygada had an 18-yard pick six and was named the defensive

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor my friend Dr. Calvin Baker, an education giant in our community who sadly passed away on December 26 of this past year.

It is nearly impossible to put into words what Cal meant to our community. I am so sorry for Nancy's loss. Cal Baker was a truly devoted husband, father, friend, and a transformational leader in public education.

For 32 years, Cal served as superintendent of the Vail School District dedicating his life to students, educators, and families across southern Arizona. During his tenure, Cal pioneered K-12 education in Arizona, guiding Vail's growth from fewer than 400 students to nearly 14,000 students by the time he retired in 2020. His legacy lives on through the Calvin Baker Leadership Center, a lasting tribute to his service and vision.

Cal is remembered for his strength, his wisdom, his faith, and deep love for his family and his community. Throughout his entire health battle, he kept a positive attitude and always, always had a smile to give. Though he is no longer with us, his impact will be felt for generations.

In a loving message, his family described Cal as a man of ``grit and perseverance,'' words that perfectly capture his life's work and his heart, as well.

Laura and I were honored to know Cal and are heartbroken by his passing. We are keeping his lifelong bride, Nancy, the love of his life; their family; and all who loved in him in our prayers.

We lost one of the greats. We thank Cal. May my friend rest in peace.

Honoring Stuart ``Stu'' Carter

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Stuart ``Stu'' Carter, a veteran, a pillar of the Sierra Vista community, and a friend to so many, who sadly passed away in November of 2025.

Stu Carter exemplified a life of service. He was a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel. He dedicated more than 45 years to military and Federal service. Even after retiring, Stu continued giving back, combining his passion for cycling with a deep commitment to supporting fellow veterans.

In 2017, Stu founded VeloVets Sierra Vista, a nonprofit that provides disabled veterans with adaptive bicycles and a supportive community to help them regain mobility and also connection. Laura and I were honored to ride with Stu and the VeloVets in 2024 and again this past December for the inaugural Stu Carter Memorial Ride held in his honor.

Through VeloVets, Stu became a vital resource for veterans living with physical injuries and PTSD. He also served as the President of Cochise Bicycle Advocates, helping secure grants that brought dozens of bikes, bike racks, and bicycles to Sierra Vista and improved cycling safety and accessibility.

Beyond cycling, Stu served numerous organizations, including the Air Force Association of Arizona, the Sierra Vista Commission on Disability Issues, the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation, and the Volunteer Interfaith Caregiving Program. He is remembered for his compassion, organization, and tireless dedication to others, as well.

Stu Carter's legacy of service will live on in these veterans and in our community that he so faithfully served.