TUCSON – Congressman Juan Ciscomani recognized 27 Southern Arizona veterans and a longtime veterans advocate during his sixth Veteran Servant Leader Award Ceremony, honoring their military service and continued commitment to their communities.
The 27 veterans represent more than 430 years of combined military service. Honorees came from Cochise, Graham, Pima, and Pinal counties and served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
“It was truly a privilege to recognize these 27 hometown heroes for their continued service and leadership in our communities,” said Ciscomani. “Together, they represent more than 430 years of military service, and their commitment to serving others did not end when they took off the uniform. It was also an honor to recognize a strong veteran advocate who has dedicated decades to supporting Southern Arizona’s veterans.”
Each honoree received an award certificate and challenge coin. Vietnam War veterans were also presented with Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins in recognition of their service.
For the first time, Ciscomani presented a posthumous award, honoring U.S. Army veteran William Porter. After Porter’s daughter, Linda, contacted his office for assistance obtaining her father’s military medals, Ciscomani’s staff secured a Presidential Unit Citation for presentation to the family. The office continues working to verify Porter’s military rank at the time of his separation.
In conjunction with the ceremony, Ciscomani convened his Veterans Advisory Council to provide a legislative update and hear directly from local veterans about the challenges facing them and their families.
“I had the opportunity to meet with my Veterans Advisory Council to hear firsthand about the challenges facing our local veteran community,” Ciscomani said. “I will continue bringing these priorities to Washington and fighting to ensure our veterans and their families receive the benefits, resources, and support they have earned.”
2026 Veteran Servant Leader Award Honorees
- Ben Buehler-Garcia – Civilian, Veteran Advocate Award
- Frank Antenori – U.S. Army
- Gaeton Briseno – U.S. Army
- Sue Browning – U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army; Vietnam Veteran
- David Caballero – U.S. Marine Corps
- William Corner – U.S. Air Force; Vietnam Veteran
- Dan Ferguson – U.S. Marine Corps
- Dale Hadfield – U.S. Army
- Rich Ingleby – U.S. Army
- Mike Jenkins – U.S. Marine Corps; Vietnam Veteran
- Joseph Kaplan – U.S. Army
- James Kelly – U.S. Army
- Dennis Keys – U.S. Navy
- Ben Knuckles – U.S. Army
- Linda Ludvigson – U.S. Army
- Regina Marlin – U.S. Army
- Phillip McCluskey – U.S. Army
- John Murphy – U.S. Army; Vietnam Veteran
- Jim Murphy – U.S. Air Force
- David Reno – U.S. Navy
- David Robinson – U.S. Air Force
- Walter Saeger – U.S. Air Force
- William Sobeck – U.S. Air Force; Vietnam Veteran
- Les South – U.S. Army; Vietnam Veteran
- Robert Suhay – U.S. Army; Vietnam Veteran
- Christopher David Valdez – U.S. Marine Corps
- Jake Weaver – U.S. Air Force
- William Porter – U.S. Army; Posthumous Award
The Veteran Servant Leader Awards recognize Southern Arizonans whose dedication to serving their country continues through their leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to improving the lives of others.
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