Debbie Lesko

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my staff, Justin Camp, for his dedication and service to myself and the constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District. A native of California, Justin joined my staff as a legislative correspondent and worked his way up to becoming a legislative assistant. Justin is a committed team member who has the important job of communicating our work to our constituents and overseeing a legislative portfolio that includes education and social issues. I thank Justin for his hard work and dedication to me, our team, and the constituents in Arizona. As I leave Congress, I have no doubt Justin will go on to do great things as he continues his public service. I wish him nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Justin.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my staff, Ashtyn Rouland, for her dedication and service to me and the constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District. Ashtyn joined my staff as my press assistant. In this role, she ensured that our constituents were up to date with all that was happening in our offices, both in Arizona and Washington, D.C., through our weekly newsletter and frequent social media posts. As Members of Congress, we know the importance of communicating our work to our constituents, and communication staffers are essential to this endeavor. I thank Ashtyn for her work and dedication to our team. As I leave Congress, I have no doubt Ashtyn will go on to do great things. I wish her nothing but the best in all of her future endeavors. I appreciate my staff greatly.

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my staff, Tim O'Neill, for his dedication and service to me and the constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District. A native of Maine, Tim joined my staff as a legislative assistant and has been a key member of our team, handling important issues like immigration, COVID, and healthcare throughout the 118th Congress. Tim is a steadfast conservative who is always ready to join the fight for the values that make our Nation great. His hard work and commitment to serving our district and Nation were assets as we navigated complicated challenges. As I leave Congress, I have no doubt Tim will go on to do great things as he continues his public service. I wish Tim nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors. Recognizing Ashtyn Rouland

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my staff, Michael Nudo, for his dedication and service to the constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District. Michael Nudo is a U.S. Army veteran who served for 8 years and attained the rank of specialist. He joined my staff first as a caseworker in my district office before coming to Washington, D.C., to serve as a legislative assistant. Throughout his time in my office, Michael has shown his dedication to the constituents of our district and to me, first by expertly navigating their issues with Federal agencies and now by finding legislative solutions to pressing problems in our community. His commitment and strong work ethic were on display throughout his tenure, and I have no doubt he will bring the same to all of his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I thank Michael for his leadership and service to me and the Eighth Congressional District. His dedication and determination were critical to the success of our office and improved the lives of those living in our district. Recognizing Tim O'Neill

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Christina M. Pasterz and her late husband, Dr. Robert B. Pasterz, for their dedication to our community. I am blessed to call Chris my friend. I have known her and Bob for years and have seen for myself how they have helped the community through their work as healthcare providers, their dedication and stewardship in the Catholic community and prayer groups, their volunteer work to help Grand Canyon University students, and their active participation in Arizona school, local, state, and national political issues and campaigns. Bob was a native of Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada. He was a Sea Cadet and was a Student Ambassador who met and had lunch with Queen Elizabeth when she visited Canada. He played hockey in Canada and was drafted for an NHL team, but opted for medical school instead. Bob immigrated to the United States to complete his medical studies, where he met Christina, who worked at Kino Emergency Room in Tucson, Arizona. Bob completed his training at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. He opened an Oncology practice in Sun City West, Arizona where he helped cancer patients until his retirement in 2011. Despite retirement, Bob was working up to the day before he passed away on November 18, 2021, from a massive heart attack. He was helping friends and family around the country survive the COVID-19 pandemic. He would always give his family and friends another set of eyes and ears when needed, to navigate a health care challenge or help any friends who could not afford a doctor visit or wanted to avoid the Emergency Room. One of Bob's greatest accomplishments was assisting his best friend, Father Bradley (Joseph Francis) LePage build the Grand Canyon University Newman Center from the ground up. Bob was happy to do whatever was needed to be done to help, including serving breakfast to students after Sunday Mass or traveling as a chaperone and physician on a mission trip to the Philippines. Chris served as a Licensed Practical Nurse and to this day continues to give great healthcare advice to others. Chris has been very involved in our schools and community and has opened up her house to prayer groups, school strategizing sessions, and political campaigns. She has been instrumental in helping maintain the values that have made our state and Nation great. Christina and Bob were married in 1985 and moved to Glendale, Arizona, where they raised their two daughters, Ericka (married to Matt Stoner) and Vanessa (married to Todd Cunningham). Their grandchildren Ana, Gabe, Maddox and Mila who have all participated in a myriad of sports activities and their step-grandchildren Lauren and Madeline, kept both Bob and Chris busy and the kids and grandkids keep Chris busy even today. I want to thank Chris and Bob Pasterz for their dedication to our community. Arizona is a much better place because of them.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Paul and Eileen Mueller for their years of service to our Nation, state, and community. I have known Paul and Eileen Mueller for years. They are great, loving people that work hard to preserve the principles that have made our Nation great. Paul and Eileen have been married for 39 years. They have two sons, a daughter, and a granddaughter. Paul was born and raised in Missouri and is an alumnus of the University of Utah. Eileen is a fourth generation Arizonan. Her ancestors came to Arizona in the late 1870s. Eileen is a descendant of immigrants that came to America on the Mayflower. Eileen worked tirelessly as the Republican Chairwoman of my Arizona State Legislative District for four years and as the treasurer for one and a half years. Eileen has also served as an Arizona Republican Party Precinct Committeeman for 11 years and as an Arizona Republican Party State Committeeman for 10 years. Paul has been an active Republican Party Precinct Committeeman and State Committeeman for 10 years. I appreciate everything that Paul and Eileen have done for our Nation, state, and community throughout the years. May God continue to Bless them and our great Nation.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the person that helps my world go round, my deputy chief of staff, Brendon Gallo. Brendon is a dedicated staffer who works tirelessly to ensure our office runs smoothly each and every day. He is committed to serving me and the constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District. Whether it is a meeting in our office, a Capitol tour, or a visit to the White House, Brendon is the guy you call to get the job done. A graduate of NYU and a Pennsylvania native, Brendon joined my team in 2020 and has shown his commitment to public service throughout his tenure. I cannot thank him enough for his dedication to me, our district, the State of Arizona, and the Nation. As I leave Congress, I have no doubt Brendon will go on to do great things as he continues his public service. Mr. Speaker, I wish him nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors. I am going to miss him. God bless him.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an integral member of my team, my senior legislative assistant, Connor Young. Connor started in my office as a legislative correspondent and has risen the ranks to lead our legislative team. Connor is a dedicated and committed member of our staff, and his work has been essential to serving the constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District. A proud LSU Tiger, originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Connor began his public service as an intern here in the U.S. House of Representatives and has shown his commitment to this institution and our Nation. As I leave Congress, I have no doubt Connor will go on to great things as he continues his public service. I appreciate his hard work and wish him nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize someone whose service and leadership has been instrumental to the welfare of constituents in Arizona's Eighth Congressional District, my district director, Keith Forte. Keith began his service to the Eighth District in May of 2021 in Surprise, Arizona's, office, and has been a steadfast leader throughout his tenure. A 21-year U.S. Air Force veteran, Keith brings exceptional leadership experience to guide staff, manage congressional operations, and solve Federal constituent issues. He led our staff in the successful completion of over 5,000 cases, which put well over $13 million back in the pockets of my constituents. Keith has made an incredible impact on the lives of constituents and is an invaluable member of my team. Keith is dedicated, hardworking, honest, and loyal. He is a great employee, and a great human being. I thank Keith Forte for his leadership and service to me and the Eighth Congressional District. His dedication, leadership, and effectiveness were critical in the success of our constituent service programs and improved the lives of those living in our district. Mr. Speaker, I thank Keith for his service. He will be missed. Recognizing Michael Tree

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my district staff, Michael Tree, for his dedication and service to the constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District. Michael Tree, a U.S. Air Force veteran, serves as the military and veteran community liaison in my Surprise, Arizona, district office. Michael expertly navigated problems for over 1,000 constituents who had issues with various Federal agencies, but primarily fought to help veterans with the benefits they earned after service to our country. As a result, he directly saved constituents over $2.3 million, which is an incredible achievement in service to my constituents. Michael also displayed leadership abilities by managing my yearly service academy nomination process and military and veteran advisory board. Mr. Speaker, I thank Michael Tree for his leadership and service to the Eighth Congressional District. His dedication and determination were critical to the success of our constituent service programs and improved the lives of those living in our district.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my chief of staff, Rachel Harris. With my upcoming retirement, I think it is important to recognize the individuals who have supported me throughout my tenure in Congress, none more important than my staff. Rachel joined my team as communications director in March of 2020 and has served as my chief of staff since October of 2021. Rachel is a hard worker who could always be relied upon to get things done. No matter the task, large or small, Rachel is ready to tackle it. Originally from Russellville, Arkansas, Rachel has been committed to public service from an early age including volunteering on local political campaigns and even serving as an intern here in the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout her tenure, she has shown tremendous dedication to me, my staff, our constituents, the State of Arizona, and the Nation. As I leave Congress and she leaves the House, I have no doubt she will do great things in all of her future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I thank Rachel for her service. I truly appreciate her.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my district staff, Ashley Paxton, for her dedication and service to the constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District. Ashley Paxton, a U.S. Air Force veteran, serves as a Green and Gold Congressional Fellow in my Surprise, Arizona, district office. In just a short time, Ashley expertly navigated problems for over 200 constituents who had issues with various Federal agencies. As a result, she saved these constituents over $350,000. Ashley also excelled at constituent outreach around the district and coordinating both the Congressional Art Competition and the annual military service academy nomination process. I thank Ashley for her leadership and service to the Eighth Congressional District. Her dedication and determination were critical to the success of our constituent service programs and improved the lives of those living in our district. I thank Ashley, and I appreciate her.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, I would like to recognize the president of the Arrowhead Republican Women, Sue Donahue. Sue has distinguished herself by providing exceptional service to the members of this organization, with roots in the West Valley dating back to 1993. As president, Sue has been an advocate for educating members on philosophies of smaller government, reduced taxes, and personal freedoms. The efforts of Sue and the Arrowhead Republican Women have been pivotal to the success of elected officials and candidates in the State of Arizona. As a member of the Arrowhead Republican Women, I am thankful for Sue's leadership and dedication to conservative principles. I sincerely appreciate her service to Congressional District 8 and the State of Arizona.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Don and Debra Luke for their dedication and commitment to Arizona and their support for organizations and candidates that uphold the principles and values that have made Arizona and our nation great. The Luke family has deep roots in Arizona. In 1873, Frank Luke moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Frank married Otilia and had 9 children. One of their children, Frank Luke, Jr. was a leading ace in WWI. Luke Air Force Base, just west of Phoenix, is named after him. Frank and Otilia's youngest son, Bill Luke was the founder of Bill Luke Chrysler- Plymouth and was the head of the automobile dealership until he passed away. Don Luke, Bill and Dorothy Luke's son, started working in the family business at the age of 13, progressed up the ladder, and is now President and CEO of Bill Luke Dealerships. Don and Debra have three sons. Don and Debra Luke are great people. I have found them to be very friendly and sincere. They are so easy to talk with and we share many values together. Don and Debra really care about our community, state, and nation. I wish we had more people like Don and Debra Luke. They are truly great Americans. May their values and legacy live on for generations.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Sue Harrison, the former President of the Pebble Creek Republican Club. Sue has distinguished herself by providing exceptional service to the residents of the Pebble Creek area of Goodyear, Arizona. Sue has worked tirelessly to educate, train, and inspire the next generation of citizens through civic engagement. The efforts of Sue and the Pebble Creek Republican Club have been pivotal to the success of elected officials and candidates in the Phoenix West Valley. I am thankful for Sue's leadership and dedication to conservative principles. I sincerely appreciate her service to the 8th Congressional District and the State of Arizona.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Paul Carver, the Chairman of Republican Legislative District 2, which is in the north central area of Phoenix and has a population of over 246,000. As chairman, Paul has worked tirelessly to educate, train, and inspire the next generation of citizens through civic engagement. His efforts to ensure Republicans are elected in Maricopa County have been instrumental to the success of Legislative District 2 and beyond. I am thankful for Paul's leadership and dedication to conservative principles. I sincerely appreciate his service to the legislative district and to the state of Arizona.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Arizona State Representative Steve Montenegro from Legislative District 29, covering the West Valley in the Phoenix-metro area. Representative Montenegro is the Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, and a member of the Government and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. He has earned the Hero of the Taxpayer and the Friend of the Family awards for his voting record throughout his tenure in the Arizona Legislature. Representative Montenegro is a strong conservative, who has supported many bills to strengthen the state's economy, defend life, secure the border, and safeguard the Second Amendment. Arizona's 8th Congressional District is thankful for Representative Montenegro's endeavors on behalf of his district and our state.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize someone whose lifelong service to our Nation has been a blessing to me and countless others, Matthew Simon. Welcome to the House gallery, Matt. I am so glad you are here. Through his time teaching in rural classrooms with Teach for America to his years at the Arizona State Legislature as an education policy staffer and his service on my staff as chief of staff, Matt has been a steadfast public servant, committed to advancing policies that empower young people and improve their lives. Throughout my time in office, Matt has been a reliable counselor and a dedicated member of my team. Even after he left my office to move home to Arizona, he still helped me. I look forward to continuing to work with Matt in the future. Madam Speaker, the State of Arizona and our Nation are in good hands with thoughtful young leaders like Matt Simon at the helm.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Jan Shank, 1st Vice President of the Sun City Grand Republican Club. Jan has distinguished herself through tireless advocacy and dedication to the residents of the West Valley. Jan has been a driving force for educating members on the civic engagement process and bringing programming events to the community that educate the electorate on critical issues. The efforts of Jan and the Sun City Grand Republican Club have been pivotal to the success of elected officials and candidates in the Phoenix West Valley. I am thankful for Jan's leadership and dedication to conservative principles. I sincerely appreciate her service to the 8th Congressional District and the State of Arizona.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, I want to recognize Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp, whose commitment to service throughout her life has impacted many lives. Shamp has called Arizona her home for over 30 years, earning degrees from Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University to become a registered nurse. In 2022, she began her public service career in the State Legislature, where she has served as Vice Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and as a member of the Finance and Commerce Committee, Government Committee, Military Affairs, Public Safety, and Border Security Committee, Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee, and the Senate Ethics Committee. Senator Shamp has been a champion for strong border security, conservative values, and free-market health care. In all aspects of life, Senator Shamp has proven herself as a committed, hardworking, and outspoken leader, who will always look out for those in need. I thank Senator Shamp for her service and dedication to the state of Arizona.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Randy Kendrick for her many years of support and commitment to Arizona and our Nation. For as long as I have known her, Randy has been a strong advocate and supporter of candidates and organizations that promote the values and principles that have made our Nation great. In the early 2000s, I met Randy while I served as a Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers, an organization that fought for low-taxes, opposed wasteful government spending, and supported free-market principles. Randy not only advocates for common-sense policies like these in Arizona, but she supports conservative candidates, especially women candidates, from across the country. Before I ran for Congress, I attended events at Randy and Ken Kendrick's home, where Randy hosted conservative women candidates running for federal office. When I ran for Congress, Randy was there to support and encourage me. As I end my time in Congress, I want to thank Randy Kendrick for her passion, encouragement and support for not only me, but for the countless number of people and projects she has had a positive impact on throughout Arizona and the United States. I know Randy cares about the future of our state and Nation. I can hear it when I talk to her. She is a true American patriot and for that I am truly grateful. May God continue to bless Randy and her family now and for evermore.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, I would like to recognize State Representative David Livingston for his dedication to our community and the people of Arizona. Representative Livingston began to call Arizona his home in 1983 and graduated from Arizona State University in 1988. He then built a successful financial consulting business, where he proudly served the Peoria community for over two decades. In 2012, he started in the State Legislature, representing the northwest valley--first in the House, and then in the Senate, where he was selected as Majority Whip for the Republican Caucus. He later returned to the House where he currently serves. Throughout his tenure, he has played a critical role in passing many important pieces of legislation, including a balanced budget for the state. He also chaired several committees, including the Finance and Transportation Committees in the Senate, and the Appropriations and Finance Insurance and Banking Committees in the House. I thank Representative Livingston for his service to Arizona.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Bonnie Angster of the Sun City Republican Club. As Programs Chair, Bonnie has distinguished herself through tireless advocacy and dedication to the residents of the West Valley. Bonnie has been a driving force for educating members on the civic engagement process and bringing programming events that educate the electorate on critical issues. The efforts of Bonnie and the Sun City Republican Club have been pivotal to the success of elected officials and candidates in the Phoenix West Valley. I am thankful for Bonnie's leadership and dedication to conservative principles. I sincerely appreciate her service to the 8th Congressional District and the State of Arizona.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, I would like to recognize State Representative Austin Smith. Smith is a fifth-generation Arizonan and began his involvement in political activism in 2016, when he helped to foster a strong conservative network in Arizona. In 2022, he started a career in public service of his own, when he won a seat for Legislative District 29 in the Arizona House of Representatives. In his first term in the Arizona Legislature, Smith served as Vice Chairman of the Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee and has been outspoken on many issues that are vital for the future of our great state, including water conservation, border security, Second Amendment rights, economic growth, and life. Representative Smith's commitment to preserving the state he and his family love so much is admirable, and I am thankful for his service to Arizona.

Mrs. LESKO

Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's 8th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Arizona State Representative Kevin Payne from Legislative District 27, covering the northwest valley in the Phoenix-metro area. Kevin served our nation's military in the U.S. Navy, where he was honorably discharged after eight years. He has an impressive resume in the private sector, working as an Electrical Engineer, Aerospace Technical Consultant, and in Information Technology. Kevin has also been a small business' owner and operator, which gives him unique insight into how government should work for all Arizonans attempting to achieve the American Dream for themselves. Representative Payne is the Chairman of the Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee, and he is a member of the Government and Regulatory Affairs Committees. He has worked to defend Arizona's standing as one of the top conservative states in the nation. Arizona's 8th Congressional District is thankful for Representative Payne's endeavors on behalf of his district and our state.