Honoring AZ-06 Veteran Servant Leaders.

Nearly 80,000 veterans calling AZ-06 home. Many of these men and women continue to serve even after their time in unform. My office is proud to have now hosted four Veteran Servant Leader award ceremonies to honor these individuals and their commitment to service.

I had the privilege of hosting my fourth Veteran Servant Leader awards last Wednesday, honoring 32 local veterans who served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. Since their time in the armed forces, these men and women have gone on to serve in local law enforcement, community groups, and volunteer opportunities.

During the awards ceremony, each honoree received a medal, certificate, and challenge coin. Several of the honorees served in the Vietnam War. They also received a Vietnam lapel pen in honor of their sacrifice and as a way to say, "Welcome home."

Thank you to each of these 32 men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving country and community. I have deep respect and gratitude for you all. AZ-06 would not be the same without you!

Read more about last week’s Veteran Servant Leader awards HERE.

Recognizing a Pillar of the Sierra Vista Community.

Lori’s Place, a non-profit based in Sierra Vista, uses a holistic approach to support victims of abuse and trauma and serves as a critical resource in abuse treatment, investigation, and prosecution.

I had the honor of recognizing Lori Rutherford, the founder of Lori’s Place, and her dedicated staff, with the Allied Professional Award. This award serves to honor organizations and individuals outside of direct victim services who have made significant contributions through fields such as mental health, education, civic leadership, and the justice system.

As co-chair of the bipartisan Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, I seek to elevate the needs of crime victims in Congress while supporting local programs such as Lori’s Place whose mission is to serve and uplift those who have been victimized.

Congratulations to Lori Rutherford and everyone at Lori’s Place. Your work has truly shaped victim support here in AZ-06.

Delivering for Cochise County.

The last week of May was filled with productive conversations and visits all across the district. The week included a meeting with Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels and members of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office to discuss the $1,000,000 in community project funding (CPF) that I have preliminarily secured for the department.This funding would be used to purchase four mobile communications trailers for the department to aid in drone operation, search and rescue command and control, and high-definition video surveillance.

This CPF is included in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that passed Committee earlier this month.

It was great to meet with Sheriff Dannels again, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him in advocating for the needs and priorities of Cochise County.

Click below to see more from my visit with Sheriff Dannels and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.

Celebrating AZ-06 Military and First Responders.

Laura and I were honored to spend time celebrating our district’s military and first responders last week.

At the Ft. Huachuca Military Intelligence Annual Ball, we reflected on America’s 250th and the sacrifices our military members make for our nation each and every day. I had the privilege of presenting a certificate to Command Sergeant Major Jesse Townsend in honor of his upcoming retirement from the US Army after nearly 29 years and the Flag of the United States to Major General Appelhans in honor of his upcoming retirement from the US Army after 33 years.

Additionally, the 15th Annual Tucson Firefighter Ball gave Laura and I the opportunity to spend time with a number of our local firefighters, men and women who selflessly serve our city each day. I also had the honor of presenting a certificate to this year’s Forged by Fire recipient, Captain Michael Heinz.

Our military and first responders are vital to the safety and security of southern Arizona, and I am proud to celebrate their hard work and dedication to our communities and country. 

In the News.

Agriculture secretary announces "Great American Cotton Plan" at Marana farm 
KOLD 
"U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was in Marana on Thursday, May 28, to announce a new plan for cotton production aimed at helping farmers and ranchers nationwide. Rollins announced the Department’s Great American Cotton Plan, which is meant to increase American cotton production and reinstate the U.S. as the world’s top cotton exporter. She said she came to Marana to make the announcement because of the town and Arizona’s position as a leader in the country’s agriculture and cotton industry. The plan is composed of four pillars: promoting domestic cotton consumption, providing affordable cotton by increasing domestic demand and production, improving cotton trade, and protecting cotton growers from adverse risks...Rep. Juan Ciscomani joined Rollins in a roundtable with local farmers to make the announcement. He said many farmers have concerns, especially related to Arizona’s Colorado River allotment. 'Practically everybody that spoke at this roundtable touched on water. It is our lifeline and how we operate in every single sense,' Ciscomani said."

Rep. Ciscomani addresses issues and concerns of southern Arizonans 
KOLD 
"Rep. Juan Ciscomani returned to southern Arizona after weeks in Washington, D.C., and spoke with 13 News about issues ranging from affordability concerns to the war in Iran. Ciscomani presented an award to local nonprofit, Lori’s House, for their work supporting survivors of violent crimes and answered questions about where he stands on national issues impacting southern Arizona. With regards to affordability concerns, the congressmansays he sees and understands issues with affordability first-hand. 'As a dad of six, a family of eight basically, wesee that as well. We want to make sure that we do all the work that we can from congress to be able to tackle that,' Ciscomani said. Ciscomani said more work needs to be done in Congress to help southern Arizonans save money. He pointed to backing the passage of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' last year, which he says can help provide relief for many. 'The bill that we passed last year lets people keep more of their money. When you talk about not taxing tips, not taxing overtime, social security for our seniors as well, all these things are very important,' Ciscomani said. Rising costs involve the United States' war in Iran and the conflict surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration and Iran are still continuing discussions to possibly put a permanent end to the war. 'I’m optimistic that we’re going to get to a point where both sides will be able to agree. The mission is clear on this one, of not allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons and the capability of that,' Ciscomani said."

Ciscomani honors 32 veterans at fourth Veteran Servant Leader Award Ceremony 
Eastern Arizona Courier 
"U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani honored 32 veterans from Arizona’s 6th Congressional District during his fourth Veteran Servant Leader Award Ceremony on Wednesday. The ceremony recognized veterans from Cochise, Graham, Greenlee and Pima counties for their military service and continued involvement in their communities after leaving the armed forces. Honorees included veterans of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. Each recipient received a Veteran Servant Leader Award certificate and a congressional challenge coin from Ciscomani. 'Our local veterans truly represent the very best of our great nation, faithfully answering the call to serve,' Ciscomani said in a statement released by his office. ‘It was an incredible honor to host my fourth Veteran Servant Leader Award Ceremony, where I had the privilege to recognize these outstanding men and women for their continued impact long after their military service had concluded.'"

JUNE: National Homeownership Month.

Homeownership is one of the cornerstones of the American Dream. It represents stability, opportunity, and the ability to build a better future for yourself and your family. During National Homeownership Month, we recognize the importance of expanding access to affordable housing and ensuring families in rural communities have the tools and resources they need to achieve that dream.

I am proud to co-lead H.R. 8532, the VA Home Loan Affordability Act with Rep. Derrick Van Orden which aims to bring concrete solutions to the ongoing challenges within the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program, including a nationwide shortage of certified appraisers that has led to delays and limited access for veterans seeking to become homeowners.

In addition, USDA Rural Development plays a critical role in helping first-time homebuyers, working families, and rural residents put down roots, build generational wealth, and strengthen the communities they call home. These programs include:

• Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program: enables USDA to partner with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals buy homes in rural areas.
• Home Repair Loan and Grant Program: provides loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer, healthier places to live.
• Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program: provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects.
• Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program: provides loans directly to families and individuals so they can buy or build homes in rural America.

You can visit USDA Rural Development’s website to learn more about how the Department supports the American Dream of homeownership. Click below for more information on National Homeownership Month. 

Profiles of the American Dream.

Roosevelt McKnight Jr. is an inspiration.

He’s a mighty advocate for our veterans. He’s a patriot who loves his country. And he’s a great example of a guy who works tirelessly to make our little corner of Arizona a better place.

Roosevelt has served as the commander of American Legion McCulloch-Wagner Post 109 in Vail since mid-2024. It didn’t take him long to make an impact.

About month into the job he spearheaded a successful community effort to pack a fire truck from the Corona De Tucson Fire District with school supplies for kids in the Vail School District. He also forged a relationship with the local food bank.

That’s how Roosevelt rolls. When he sees an issue that needs addressing, he dives right in.

Roosevelt is an Army veteran who reenlisted in the Army National Guard after 9/11. He eventually transferred to the Arizona Air National and served until 2016. His service took him to Turkey and Qatar as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He’s been with the Border Patrol for more than 30 years, working as a canine handler and Instructor. He’s also a member of the Peer Support Team, which assists agents and their families in times of need.

Last week, Roosevelt served as the emcee for Congressman Ciscomani’s fourth Veteran Servant Leader award ceremony. He did an amazing job but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Roosevelt knows the drill. He himself received the award two years ago for his efforts on behalf of veterans.

"That's what we are here for, to take care of each other, take care of our community, service to country," he says. "I push forward every single day in honor of my fellow veterans that have lost their life in defense of this country. I can give a little more. I can live through them. I can live for them every single day and push forward in their honor."

Share Your Story.

Our district encompasses so many incredible people and stories that I want to share both with my colleagues in Washington and through the platforms I have as your Member of Congress, such as speaking on the House floor. You can visit my website and share your story with me and my team. I look forward to hearing from you!

As always, my office and I are here to assist you. If you would like to share a comment or tell us your story, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you!

Unsubscribe