[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 31 (Thursday, February 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING TECHNICAL SERGEANT PATRICIA SALAZAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DEBRA A. HAALAND

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 18, 2021

  Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Technical Sergeant 
Patricia Salazar, who retired from the New Mexico Air National Guard on 
December 2, 2018 as a Master Sergeant after 25 years of distinguished 
service. Throughout her accomplished career, Technical Sergeant Salazar 
played many valuable roles in defense of our state and our nation. A 
native of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Technical Sergeant Salazar graduated 
from St. Michael's High School in 1980. She received an athletic 
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, Technical 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.
  Technical 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 11, 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, 
Technical 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.
  My predecessor, Representative Lujan Grisham, had the pleasure of 
meeting Technical Sergeant Salazar in 2017 when she worked with the Air 
Force 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.
  Madam Speaker, I want to salute Technical 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.

                          ____________________