[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CAPTAIN ARIANA SAVINO

  (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Captain Ariana Savino of Covington, Washington, who tragically lost her 
life in the KC-135 crash over Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.
  Captain Savino was one of our Nation's heroes, someone who made the 
ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.
  We celebrate and mourn all of America's heroes who lose their lives 
in combat operations or in training, but this loss hits especially 
close to home for those of us from Washington State.
  While she was not based at Fairchild Air Force Base, the Fairchild 
Air Force Base community and all who serve the tanker mission exemplify 
extraordinary courage and quiet professionalism. Their work of keeping 
our aircraft fueled and our operations moving is essential to every 
mission that our Nation undertakes around the world. We are heartbroken 
by this tragedy.
  Eastern Washington stands with Captain Savino's family, friends, and 
the brave airmen and -women of Fairchild. May her memory continue to 
shine brightly, and may her loved ones find comfort in knowing that she 
served with honor and deep devotion to the United States of America.


               Honoring Airman 1st Class Kimberlynn Blood

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Airman 1st Class 
Kimberlynn Blood of Fairfield, Washington, a shining example of the 
proud tradition of service that defines eastern Washington.
  Airman Blood is the third generation of her family to serve the 
United States Air Force, following her great-grandfather and her 
grandfather. Her father also served in the United States Navy from 2003 
to 2008, and several members of her family are veterans or currently 
serving.
  Each week, when I come to the floor, I try to recognize one of the 
bright lights of eastern Washington, and Airman Blood is certainly one 
of those bright lights.
  A former Civil Air Patrol member, Airman Blood graduated basic 
military training at Lackland Air Force Base on December 4, 2025, with 
honors, ranking in the top 10 percent in her class and as the only 
female in her squadron.
  She went on to earn the prestigious Flight Chief Air Award at 
Sheppard Air Force Base, placing among the top 5 percent of her 
aircraft fuel systems class. Her first duty assignment will be at RAF 
Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.
  Airman Blood's achievement reflects the patriotism and dedication 
that run deep in eastern Washington, and her community is incredibly 
proud of her commitment to serve our Nation.

                              {time}  1030


                 celebrating national agriculture week

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National 
Agriculture Week.
  Agriculture is the backbone of eastern Washington, the heart of our 
economy, our culture, and our communities. In spite of escalating 
production costs and other challenges, our farmers and ranchers remain 
dedicated to feeding our families and strengthening our Nation.
  From wheat and apples to some of the finest chickpeas and lentils in 
the world, eastern Washington's producers help feed a hungry planet 
while building healthy soils and strong rural communities. Their 
resilience, innovation, and work ethic embody the best of the American 
spirit.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank all of our hardworking farmers and ranchers 
across the Nation for all they do and wish all of America a happy 
National Agriculture Week.

                          ____________________