[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 71 (Friday, April 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF RITA BROCK-PERINI

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                           HON. RUBEN GALLEGO

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2022

  Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and celebrate 
the life of Rita Brock-Perini, who passed away in April. Rita was the 
first woman in her family to join the military, and she dedicated her 
life to service and inspired many--including myself--to do more in 
support of our Nation's veterans.
  Rita was born in Phoenix in 1938 as one of ten children. After 
graduating from St. Mary's High School, she earned her nursing degree 
and spent ten years working as a nurse before becoming a captain in the 
Air Force Nursing Corps, serving during one of the most violent periods 
of the Vietnam war. As one of the more experienced nurses, she cared 
for not only the soldiers wounded in war, but for her fellow nurses as 
well. Rita left the Air Force in 1971 to take a job with the American 
Red Cross, continuing her service to those in need.
  Even after retiring in 2003, Rita never lost her passion for service. 
She became Vice President of the Veterans Medical Leadership Council 
(VMLC), an organization dedicated to ensuring quality care for veterans 
in Maricopa County. At VMLC, Rita managed the Returning Warriors 
program, which worked with the local VA to provide emergency services 
to veterans.
  I am lucky to have been able to consider Rita a friend. She was one 
of the first people to welcome me to the American Legion when I moved 
to Phoenix as a young veteran, and I will never forget her kindness and 
support. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and our 
community. She will be greatly missed.

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