[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ARNOLDO GUTIERREZ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize someone who 
made a resounding impact on both me personally and also the Tucson 
community: My mentor, my pastor, and my friend, Arnoldo Gutierrez.
  Throughout his life, Pastor Gutierrez played many roles, from Air 
Force veteran to pastor and loving father and grandfather.
  Having served his Nation during the Vietnam war, he taught me how to 
live my faith, how to live a life of public service, and how to live a 
life with a strong sense of true patriotism. While he and his 
generation fought a thankless war in Vietnam, Arnoldo Gutierrez 
remained an unwavering patriot and was the perfect example of the 
American Dream.
  He immigrated to the United States when he was 3 years old. He was a 
standout high school athlete who enlisted in the United States Air 
Force in his senior year of high school. He met the love of his life 
while he was serving in Spain, Belen.
  He retired after 21 years of service, founded a church in south 
Tucson, and continued his service to his community that way.
  Today, I extend my deepest appreciation to Arnoldo Gutierrez and all 
those who served our Nation. He passed away Thanksgiving weekend of 
2017. Not a day goes by when I don't remember him and the lessons he 
taught me.
  Today he is laid to rest in Tucson, Arizona, but I know his legacy 
will live on forever in our community and in all those whose lives he 
touched.
  In honoring Arnoldo Gutierrez, we not only recognize his 
contributions but also recognize the sacrifice and bravery of all our 
veterans. May he rest in peace.


               Recognizing SkillsUSA Region 6 Competitors

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
outstanding southern Arizona high schoolers who showcased their 
construction skills at the SkillsUSA Region 6 construction competition.
  Hosted at Catalina High School, this event welcomed 120 high school 
students eager to put their skills to the test. These students worked 
over the weekend in seven distinct construction-related categories, 
from plumbing to cabinetmaking.
  SkillsUSA, a national organization dedicated to promoting career and 
technical education, hosts competitions annually at local, State, and 
national levels. The competition wasn't limited to construction alone. 
Other SkillsUSA events span various categories, from robotics to media 
arts, and took place throughout the entire weekend in Tucson.
  Participating high schools came from all across southern Arizona, 
including Benson Unified School District, Bisbee Unified School 
District, Douglas Unified School District, Duncan Unified School 
District, Sierra Vista Unified School District, Pima County JTED, Pima 
Unified School District, and many more.
  It is inspiring to see the dedication and talent of these hardworking 
students. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.

                              {time}  1230


                  University of Arizona Mining School

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
University of Arizona San Xavier Mining Lab where our next generation 
in the mining industry is growing and learning.
  The School of Mining and Geological Engineering dates back to 1885, 
standing as one of University of Arizona's founding programs. This lab 
has notable achievements, including being ranked first nationally in 
metallurgical engineering and fourth nationally in mining engineering 
programs. In addition, it also has a commendable track record of 100 
percent job placement for graduating seniors.
  Recently, I led a group of my Western Caucus colleagues on a trip to 
the San Xavier mining site where they were able to meet students and 
see firsthand the innovation happening there. This program is leading 
the country in developing our future leaders in mining. They have set 
the standard for mining engineering programs and are an incredible 
point of pride for our community.
  I recognize the students, professors, and stakeholders who work 
tirelessly as a part of this program. Of course, Bear Down.

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