HONORING DR. CALVIN BAKER

On 2026-01-07, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DR. CALVIN BAKER" in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered education, crime and justice.

HONORING DR. CALVIN BAKER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [House] [Pages H108-H109] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DR. CALVIN BAKER (Mr. Ciscomani of Arizona was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor my friend Dr. Calvin Baker, an education giant in our community who sadly passed away on December 26 of this past year. It is nearly impossible to put into words what Cal meant to our community. I am so sorry for Nancy's loss. Cal Baker was a truly devoted husband, father, friend, and a transformational leader in public education. For 32 years, Cal served as superintendent of the Vail School District dedicating his life to students, educators, and families across southern Arizona. During his tenure, Cal pioneered K-12 education in Arizona, guiding Vail's growth from fewer than 400 students to nearly 14,000 students by the time he retired in 2020. His legacy lives on through the Calvin Baker Leadership Center, a lasting tribute to his service and vision. Cal is remembered for his strength, his wisdom, his faith, and deep love for his family and his community. Throughout his entire health battle, he kept a positive attitude and always, always had a smile to give. Though he is no longer with us, his impact will be felt for generations. In a loving message, his family described Cal as a man of ``grit and perseverance,'' words that perfectly capture his life's work and his heart, as well. Laura and I were honored to know Cal and are heartbroken by his passing. We are keeping his lifelong bride, Nancy, the love of his life; their family; and all who loved in him in our prayers. We lost one of the greats. We thank Cal. May my friend rest in peace. [[Page H109]] Honoring Stuart ``Stu'' Carter Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Stuart ``Stu'' Carter, a veteran, a pillar of the Sierra Vista community, and a friend to so many, who sadly passed away in November of 2025. Stu Carter exemplified a life of service. He was a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel. He dedicated more than 45 years to military and Federal service. Even after retiring, Stu continued giving back, combining his passion for cycling with a deep commitment to supporting fellow veterans. In 2017, Stu founded VeloVets Sierra Vista, a nonprofit that provides disabled veterans with adaptive bicycles and a supportive community to help them regain mobility and also connection. Laura and I were honored to ride with Stu and the VeloVets in 2024 and again this past December for the inaugural Stu Carter Memorial Ride held in his honor. Through VeloVets, Stu became a vital resource for veterans living with physical injuries and PTSD. He also served as the President of Cochise Bicycle Advocates, helping secure grants that brought dozens of bikes, bike racks, and bicycles to Sierra Vista and improved cycling safety and accessibility. Beyond cycling, Stu served numerous organizations, including the Air Force Association of Arizona, the Sierra Vista Commission on Disability Issues, the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation, and the Volunteer Interfaith Caregiving Program. He is remembered for his compassion, organization, and tireless dedication to others, as well. Stu Carter's legacy of service will live on in these veterans and in our community that he so faithfully served. ____________________