[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMEMORATING JAMES ``RUSTY'' MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEBBIE LESKO

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 1, 2020

  Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the retirement 
of James ``Rusty'' Mitchell from the Department of the Air Force as a 
civilian employee out of Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
  Mr. Mitchell has been a well-loved and influential member of the 
military and veteran community for over 25 years. He began his career 
in the Air Force flying fighter jets and retired from Active Duty after 
22 years as the Commander of the 21st Fighter Squadron at Luke Air 
Force Base.
  During his time in service, Mr. Mitchell acquired a long list of 
achievements and awards to include the Defense Meritorious Service 
Medal, Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal, both the Air Force and Army 
Commendation Medals, and more. Professionally, he has been awarded the 
Air Force Practice Award and the Valley Peaks Community Partnership 
Award, to name a few. He also serves on the Board of Directors for 
Valley Partnership and WESTMARC.
  Mr. Mitchell has dedicated the last 17 years to serving the West 
Valley proactively--promoting the relationships between Luke Air Force 
Base, nine municipalities, Maricopa County, and the State of Arizona as 
the Director of the Community Initiatives Team with Luke Air Force 
Base. The relationships he built on behalf of Luke Air Force Base 
continue to be critical to accomplishing their mission of ``Training 
the World's Best Fighter Pilots.''
  I am certain that his efforts improving relationships with 
communities near bases that are tasked with flight operation missions 
has enhanced the compatibility of several military bases and their 
communities across the United States.
  On this day, we as a community would like to thank Mr. Mitchell for 
his service to his country. His impact will be felt not only in the 
West Valley, but also within the Air Force Community beyond his 
retirement.

                          ____________________