Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-08

HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL KEITH CONNOLLY

TaxesVeterans

Context

On 2026-01-08, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL KEITH CONNOLLY" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL KEITH CONNOLLY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [House] [Page H140] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL KEITH CONNOLLY (Mr. Ciscomani of Arizona was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brigadier General Keith Connolly, who sadly passed away on Christmas Eve. Keith lived a life defined by service, by family, and by purpose. He was married to his wife, Pat, for 65 years, and together they raised four children and were blessed with nine grandchildren and four great- grandchildren, with another expected this spring. A devoted husband, father, and friend, Keith chose a life of service to his country. He served with distinction for 33 years in the United States Air Force as a general officer and a fighter pilot, flying more than 4,800 hours and serving across the United States and overseas, including in Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. He was awarded two Legions of Merit and seven Air Medals for combat missions, primarily in the Pacific theater. After retiring to Tucson in 1990, Keith continued serving veterans at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, volunteering more than 23,000 hours over 26 years, helping veterans navigate VA claims. He also recruited and mentored volunteers, assisting thousands through tax assistance programs, and he shared his passion for aviation through the Pima Air & Space Museum. In 2016, Keith was inducted into the Arizona State Veterans Hall of Fame in recognition of his many years of volunteer service. It was an honor to recognize General Connolly as part of the initial Veteran Servant Leader Award that I have the pleasure and the honor of conducting every year. General Keith Connolly's life reflected deep love for his family, his community, and his country. His legacy of service will endure. Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his service and may he rest in peace. Recognizing Mica Mountain Football State Championship Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mica Mountain High School's football team on winning the championship for the second year in a row. Number 7 Mica Mountain Thunderbolts defeated number 1 undefeated Arcadia High School with a score of 42-17. Mica Mountain started the season 2-2 and ultimately finished 12-2. It was the first time a southern Arizona school repeated as champions among the big-school ranks since 1976 and 1977. Head Coach and Mica Mountain Assistant Principal Jay Campos led the Thunderbolts to their second consecutive State championship and the first of his coaching career. Evan Wheeler finished with 194 yards and three touchdowns which earned him both offensive and overall MVP. Sergio Raygada had an 18-yard pick six and was named the defensive MVP. Mr. Speaker, this team has made their school and community very proud. This was a great victory for the Thunderbolts and one they earned. I congratulate them on yet another successful season. ____________________

View original source →

HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL KEITH CONNOLLY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [House] [Page H140] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL KEITH CONNOLLY (Mr. Ciscomani of Arizona was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brigadier General Keith Connolly, who sadly passed away on Christmas Eve. Keith lived a life defined by service, by family, and by purpose. He was married to his wife, Pat, for 65 years, and together they raised four children and were blessed with nine grandchildren and four great- grandchildren, with another expected this spring. A devoted husband, father, and friend, Keith chose a life of service to his country. He served with distinction for 33 years in the United States Air Force as a general officer and a fighter pilot, flying more than 4,800 hours and serving across the United States and overseas, including in Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. He was awarded two Legions of Merit and seven Air Medals for combat missions, primarily in the Pacific theater. After retiring to Tucson in 1990, Keith continued serving veterans at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, volunteering more than 23,000 hours over 26 years, helping veterans navigate VA claims. He also recruited and mentored volunteers, assisting thousands through tax assistance programs, and he shared his passion for aviation through the Pima Air & Space Museum. In 2016, Keith was inducted into the Arizona State Veterans Hall of Fame in recognition of his many years of volunteer service. It was an honor to recognize General Connolly as part of the initial Veteran Servant Leader Award that I have the pleasure and the honor of conducting every year. General Keith Connolly's life reflected deep love for his family, his community, and his country. His legacy of service will endure. Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his service and may he rest in peace. Recognizing Mica Mountain Football State Championship Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mica Mountain High School's football team on winning the championship for the second year in a row. Number 7 Mica Mountain Thunderbolts defeated number 1 undefeated Arcadia High School with a score of 42-17. Mica Mountain started the season 2-2 and ultimately finished 12-2. It was the first time a southern Arizona school repeated as champions among the big-school ranks since 1976 and 1977. Head Coach and Mica Mountain Assistant Principal Jay Campos led the Thunderbolts to their second consecutive State championship and the first of his coaching career. Evan Wheeler finished with 194 yards and three touchdowns which earned him both offensive and overall MVP. Sergio Raygada had an 18-yard pick six and was named the defensive MVP. Mr. Speaker, this team has made their school and community very proud. This was a great victory for the Thunderbolts and one they earned. I congratulate them on yet another successful season. ____________________