[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 200 (Wednesday, December 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1688-E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING STAFF SERGEANT PATRICIA SALAZAR

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor Staff Sergeant Patricia Salazar, who recently retired from the 
New Mexico Air National Guard after 25 years of distinguished service. 
Throughout her accomplished career, Staff Sergeant Salazar played many 
valuable roles in defense of our state and our nation.
  A native of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Staff Sergeant Salazar graduated 
from St. Michael's High School in 1980. She received an athletic

[[Page E1689]]

scholarship from the College of Santa Fe and graduated in 1984 with a 
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. She went on to receive a 
Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from 
California State University, Long Beach in 1986. After completing her 
graduate degree, Staff Sergeant Salazar returned to her home state and 
attended New Mexico State Police Training Academy. She then enlisted in 
the United States Air Force and completed her training in 1993.
  Staff Sergeant Salazar began her tenure with the New Mexico Air 
National Guard's 150th Security Forces Squadron at Kirtland Air Force 
Base in Albuquerque. After the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, 
she helped develop and initiate emergency evacuation plans for senior 
Pentagon leadership. In 2003, she transitioned to the New Mexico Army 
National Guard's 1209th Medical Detachment. From 2009 to 2011, Staff 
Sergeant Salazar was stationed in Kosovo and supervised a team of field 
medics during deployment and field operations. In 2012, she returned to 
Kirtland to serve with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th 
Special Operations Wing.
  I had the pleasure of meeting Staff Sergeant Salazar last year when I 
worked with the Army to ensure that her father, Staff Sergeant Joe 
Salazar, received the medals he earned while serving our nation in 
World War II. He served with the 497th Bombardment Group of the Army 
Air Forces from 1942 to 1945, earning several honors including a Bronze 
Star. Mr. Salazar was also a role model for his daughter when she 
enlisted and during her service overseas.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to salute Staff Sergeant Patricia Salazar for her 
25 years of service to New Mexico and the United States. It is hard-
working, service-minded individuals like her who continue to make our 
state and our nation so great. I wish her the best of luck in all her 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________