HONORING CAPTAIN ARIANA SAVINO

HONORING CAPTAIN ARIANA SAVINO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) [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. ____________________