[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING ISMAEL QUINTANA ON HIS RETIREMENT

  (Mr. LAWLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary 
veteran, public servant, and advocate, Ismael ``Izzy'' Quintana, and to 
congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.
  After serving our Nation as a major in the United States Army 
Reserve, Izzy never stopped answering the call to serve. As the veteran 
outreach coordinator for BRIDGES PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer 
Support Program (Vet to Vet), he has dedicated himself to helping 
veterans in crisis, connecting them with critical resources and 
ensuring they never face their struggles alone.
  Drawing on his military and law enforcement experience, Izzy has 
trained police recruits to respond to veterans in crisis while helping 
veterans find housing, navigate difficult circumstances, and access 
support.
  His volunteer work with The American Legion, his church's food 
pantry, and other local organizations embodies what it truly means to 
put service above self.
  This year Izzy received the New York State Suicide Prevention Center 
Pair-Up Award. I am proud to recognize him as one of New York's 17th 
District Veterans of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, his selfless service is an example to us all. I thank 
Izzy for his extraordinary service to our veterans, community, and 
country. I wish my friend the very best in his retirement.

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