Congresswoman visits 161st Air Refueling Wing, receives Ruth Nichols Award of Appreciation

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kelly M. Deitloff
  • 161 ARW Public Affairs
PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --  Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema was the guest speaker at the Sky Harbor Composite, Squadron 301, Arizona Wing Civil Air Patrol assembly July 1, 2013. Congresswoman Sinema expressed that being part of the Civil Air Patrol was a great tradition of service, honor and duty.


Sinema started out with a moment of silence for the 19 firefighters who lost their lives in the Yarnell Hill fire. She then spoke to the cadets about the importance of volunteering and the significance of their role in the Civil Air Patrol. She thanked all the cadets for "taking on our nation's very highest calling of service, by serving the community, state and nation". Sinema ended her speech with saying "I'm proud of every single one of you for being part of the Civil Air Patrol".

The Civil Air Patrol presented Sinema with the Ruth Nichols Award of Appreciation. The award read: "Congresswoman Sinema showed courage, daring and initiative in supporting the Civil Air Patrol in the United States congress. This action is in the great tradition of Ruth Nichols who was a major supporter of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. The action of Congresswoman Sinema, in large measure, helped to maintain the fine efforts of the Civil Air Patrol in its mission to serve the community and state of the nation."

Following the assembly, Colonel Gary D. Brewer, 161st Air Refueling Wing Commander, gave a tour of a KC-135R Stratotanker to Congresswoman Sinema and the Civil Air Patrol unit. They were able to board the aircraft and view the flight deck and boom pod.

Congresswoman Sinema is a native of Arizona and takes her passion and talent into the 113th Congress, serving Arizona's Ninth congressional District.