[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 217 (Thursday, December 16, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S9256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT CARLOS SANCHEZ

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize SMSgt Carlos 
Sanchez for his dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force and the Senate 
as a Legislative Defense Fellow. Carlos has served as a vital part of 
my team since January 2021. He has been a trusted adviser on issues 
relating to the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
and the Department of Homeland Security.
  Carlos enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2002. His continued service 
is a reminder of the sacrifices necessary to maintain the opportunities 
available to us as U.S. citizens.
  Carlos's effort and passion to serve distinguished him as a valuable 
member of my legislative team. His determination was evident and helped 
lead to passage of the transformative SAVE LIVES Act, which allowed the 
VA to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all veterans and their spouses. 
When preparing for a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing earlier 
this year, Carlos posed a question that led to the introduction and 
passage of this critical legislation.
  Carlos was also instrumental in the final months of the effort that 
led to the recovery of World War II combat pilot Lt. Henry Donald 
Mitchell. After years of work by Lt. Mitchell's brother, Bob Mitchell, 
and my office to locate and return this Fort Smith native home, Carlos 
helped ensure the authorities could access and correctly identify Lt. 
Mitchell.
  His desire to serve his fellow airmen was demonstrated through his 
work in coordinating the first visit by Chief Master Sergeant of the 
Air Force JoAnne Bass to Little Rock Air Force Base. Because of that 
experience, I believe the needs of our airmen and their families were 
further elevated and will result in an even higher prioritizing of 
getting them the resources and support needed to successfully execute 
their mission.
  Carlos's steadfast dedication to serve and support the people of 
Arkansas has been inspirational. While in Arkansas, he spoke with and 
listened to the concerns of Arkansan veterans and their families, then 
worked tirelessly to ensure their concerns were heard and issues were 
resolved.
  We have been very fortunate during Carlos's time in my office. I also 
want to thank his wife, Laura, and his daughters Sophia and Isabella, 
for their support of Carlos's time in uniform. As the son of an Air 
Force master sergeant, I understand service to the Armed Forces is a 
family affair and is impossible without their sacrifice and 
unconditional support.
  Carlos, thank you for your continued service to the U.S. Air Force 
and for all your heartfelt, committed work as a member of my staff. It 
was our privilege to have you as a part of our team, and our office 
will always welcome you. I know that you will remain an asset to our 
military and veterans in addition to any other endeavors you pursue, 
and I wish you and your family the best.

                          ____________________