[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING FINAL FLIGHT OF A-10 AT DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE

  (Mr. Ciscomani of Arizona was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the last 
official A-10 flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, 
Arizona.
  On July 29, the 357th Fighter Squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel 
Ryan ``Clutch'' Rutter, and the 355th Operations Group commander, 
Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Dwyer, will mark the end of a phenomenal 50-
year chapter of A-10 operations in Tucson.
  This spring, Davis-Monthan also celebrated the graduation of the 
final class of the A-10C Thunderbolt II student pilots from the 357th 
Training Squadron, marking the end of A-10 training at the base.
  These milestones bear historical significance and represent a 
longtime connection between the A-10, Davis-Monthan, and the Tucson 
community.
  The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog, has great military 
significance not just in Tucson but across the Nation. Designed during 
the Cold War to combat Soviet tanks in Europe, this aircraft is the Air 
Force's only one built exclusively for close air support, or CAS.
  The A-10 has served the U.S. military for decades. While it will no 
longer be in use at Davis-Monthan, this aircraft will continue to be an 
essential asset of our Nation's military.
  I thank Lieutenant Colonels Rutter and Dwyer, for their outstanding 
leadership at Davis-Monthan. I congratulate both lieutenant colonels, 
the 357th Fighter Squadron, and everyone at Davis-Monthan on an 
extraordinary 50 years of A-10 operations.
  The last official A-10 flight on July 29 will be remembered as a 
significant milestone at Davis-Monthan, and our community will proudly 
remember this incredible 50-year chapter in our city's history.


                     Honoring Life of Linda Barber

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor a dear 
friend, Linda Barber, who tragically passed in June. She was surrounded 
by her family and was certainly welcomed home by her husband, Jim, whom 
she missed dearly and spoke of often.
  My wife, Laura, and I are incredibly saddened by this loss to our 
community.
  Linda was deeply loved and involved in Pima County politics for 
several decades. From serving as a precinct committeeman since 1972, 
being a legislative district chairman, president of several entities, 
chairman of the Pima County party, a vice chair of the State party, and 
office manager of the Arizona Governor's Office, she dedicated her life 
to making a difference in Arizona.
  Linda truly cared about our community and the people around her. She 
was always there for us. She was a great friend to our family and a big 
supporter of all of us, as well as many in our community.
  I am beyond grateful for Linda's leadership, her friendship, and the 
example she set for those who knew her.
  Laura and I are keeping the Barber family and their loved ones in our 
prayers. As we all grieve this devastating loss, we always remember her 
smile and kind heart.
  Linda gave so much to those around her. She will be greatly missed, 
and her legacy will live on through all of those she impacted, which 
are many.
  May my dear friend Linda rest in peace.

                          ____________________