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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E43]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING BARBARA PLANTE
______
HON. DEBBIE LESKO
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the
incredible work Barbara Plante has done for the United States Air Force
and Luke Air Force Base in my home district. Barbara is retiring this
month after an incredibly distinguished career serving our country. She
has served the Air Force for 35 years, including 26 of those years at
Luke Air Force Base.
Currently, Barbara serves as the Deputy Director of the Community
Initiatives Team at Luke Air Force Base. She was on the public affairs
team for Luke Air Force Base from 1995 until 2013, except for when she
was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012. During those years, she
welcomed local officials to the base, educated the public, and helped
Luke Air Force Base with recruitment. In 2013, she transitioned from
public affairs to help lead the Community Initiatives Team, where she
learned and concentrated on state laws and zoning.
Luke Air Force Base is home to one of the largest fighter wings in
the world, the 56th Fighter Wing, in the middle of a growing
metropolitan area. The Air Force strives for safe and supportive
environments around its bases, leading to Luke Air Force Base's
creation of the Community Initiatives Team in 2003. While not every
base has one, Barbara's leadership has demonstrated how successful they
can be. She has been essential to the base and the 56th Fighter Wing's
success.
Barbara has built tremendous support for the base in West Valley. Her
commitment to educating city officials, real estate professionals,
politicians and residents about the state laws restricting development
around the base and why they are important has helped secure Luke Air
Force Base's future for years to come. As of 2017, the base supports
approximately 15,070 jobs, $923 million in wages, and $2.4 billion in
direct and indirect economic impact to Arizona.
Barbara's warm personality and desire to build and maintain strong
relationships has helped her successfully manage the growth at Luke Air
Force Base and the surrounding community. Her team works with 11
cities, Arizona state government and the federal government. Her
efforts have seen direct results, including how our surrounding cities
work together for the greater good of the community and the base.
Barbara's work has created a fantastic and trusting relationship
between our communities and Luke Air Force Base.
Barbara's great achievements reflect her selfless dedication to
serving our community in Arizona. Her passion for Luke Air Force Base
and her devotion to her work for the Air Force has opened many doors
for the base. It is an honor to be among the many in congratulating her
on this most worthy accomplishment.
I wish her my sincerest congratulations and hope her well-earned
retirement is filled with good health and much happiness.
____________________