[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H108-H109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. CALVIN BAKER

  (Mr. Ciscomani of Arizona was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor 
my friend Dr. Calvin Baker, an education giant in our community who 
sadly passed away on December 26 of this past year.
  It is nearly impossible to put into words what Cal meant to our 
community. I am so sorry for Nancy's loss. Cal Baker was a truly 
devoted husband, father, friend, and a transformational leader in 
public education.
  For 32 years, Cal served as superintendent of the Vail School 
District dedicating his life to students, educators, and families 
across southern Arizona. During his tenure, Cal pioneered K-12 
education in Arizona, guiding Vail's growth from fewer than 400 
students to nearly 14,000 students by the time he retired in 2020. His 
legacy lives on through the Calvin Baker Leadership Center, a lasting 
tribute to his service and vision.
  Cal is remembered for his strength, his wisdom, his faith, and deep 
love for his family and his community. Throughout his entire health 
battle, he kept a positive attitude and always, always had a smile to 
give. Though he is no longer with us, his impact will be felt for 
generations.
  In a loving message, his family described Cal as a man of ``grit and 
perseverance,'' words that perfectly capture his life's work and his 
heart, as well.
  Laura and I were honored to know Cal and are heartbroken by his 
passing. We are keeping his lifelong bride, Nancy, the love of his 
life; their family; and all who loved in him in our prayers.
  We lost one of the greats. We thank Cal. May my friend rest in peace.

[[Page H109]]

  



                     Honoring Stuart ``Stu'' Carter

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Stuart ``Stu'' 
Carter, a veteran, a pillar of the Sierra Vista community, and a friend 
to so many, who sadly passed away in November of 2025.
  Stu Carter exemplified a life of service. He was a retired U.S. Air 
Force lieutenant colonel. He dedicated more than 45 years to military 
and Federal service. Even after retiring, Stu continued giving back, 
combining his passion for cycling with a deep commitment to supporting 
fellow veterans.
  In 2017, Stu founded VeloVets Sierra Vista, a nonprofit that provides 
disabled veterans with adaptive bicycles and a supportive community to 
help them regain mobility and also connection. Laura and I were honored 
to ride with Stu and the VeloVets in 2024 and again this past December 
for the inaugural Stu Carter Memorial Ride held in his honor.
  Through VeloVets, Stu became a vital resource for veterans living 
with physical injuries and PTSD. He also served as the President of 
Cochise Bicycle Advocates, helping secure grants that brought dozens of 
bikes, bike racks, and bicycles to Sierra Vista and improved cycling 
safety and accessibility.
  Beyond cycling, Stu served numerous organizations, including the Air 
Force Association of Arizona, the Sierra Vista Commission on Disability 
Issues, the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation, and 
the Volunteer Interfaith Caregiving Program. He is remembered for his 
compassion, organization, and tireless dedication to others, as well.
  Stu Carter's legacy of service will live on in these veterans and in 
our community that he so faithfully served.

                          ____________________