[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H649-H650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING J.D. ROTTWEILER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani) for 5 minutes.

[[Page H650]]

  

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of my good friend 
J.D. Rottweiler for a remarkable 15 years of service as Cochise 
College's president and to wish him the best on his well-deserved 
retirement.
  Since his tenure began, J.D. has been a transformative leader known 
for his hyper-local initiatives and incredible work uplifting the 
college and its students.
  Under his leadership, Cochise College expanded access to education by 
adding student housing at the Sierra Vista campus and launching the 
First Responders Academy to train and equip students with the tools 
necessary to keep all of their communities safe.
  He oversaw the remodeling and revitalization of Sierra Vista's former 
hospital into an innovative downtown center that houses nursing, 
cybersecurity, culinary, and lifelong learning programs.
  Moreover, he played a pivotal role ensuring his students had access 
to high-speed fiber internet at the Douglas campus by enhancing 
connectivity and accessibility for students and staff.
  As a proud product of community college myself, I know firsthand the 
crucial role these programs play in the lives of our students.
  My friend J.D. has truly left a lasting legacy not only for our 
students but for our entire community. May he enjoy his well-deserved 
retirement. He has accomplished a lot, and I look forward to seeing him 
around the district soon.


                         Honoring Bruce Bigelow

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a patriot of the 
highest order, Vietnam war veteran Bruce Bigelow.
  Mr. Bigelow is a true hero who exemplifies the highest ideals of 
service and sacrifice. It was my profound honor to present him with the 
Purple Heart medal for his heroic service when I visited him in Sierra 
Vista last fall.
  The Purple Heart is a distinguished award given to those who have 
been wounded or killed in action while serving our Nation, and it 
symbolizes the immense sacrifices they made to preserve our freedoms 
and way of life.
  Mr. Bigelow served two tours in the United States Marine Corps in 
Vietnam from 1966 to 1971. In the course of his service, Mr. Bigelow 
was awarded numerous recognitions and honors, including the National 
Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Marksman badge, 
Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and certainly, not least 
of these, the Purple Heart.
  His courage is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who 
have answered duty's call to wear the uniform as a member of our Armed 
Forces.
  I had the privilege of pinning this Purple Heart on him and thanking 
him for his service to our Nation in front of his family and his 
friends.
  He told me he was honored, but truth be told, the honor was all mine.
  On behalf of a grateful community and Nation, I say again thank you 
to Mr. Bigelow for his courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to 
service.

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