TUCSON — Two Graham County men were recognized for their service to the communities and to their country.
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., recently presented 2025 Veteran Service Leader awards to Ed Lopez and John Duane Rhodes.
“Tonight we honor them not just for their past service, but for the incredible work they continue to do. This ceremony is our humble way of saying thank you. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your continued commitment. We are forever grateful,” Ciscomani said.
Lopez is a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Army. He is involved with numerous Gila Valley service organizations, including the American Legion Post 95 Honor Guard, Gila Valley Veterans Services, Safford Lions Club and Mt. Graham Safe House. He represents Graham County on the executive board of the Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO), and is the regional director for Graham and Greenlee counties for the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Rhodes served in Detachment 2 of the 60th military Police from 1970-79. After his military career Rhodes served as a rescue diver and as multiple terms as chair of the Graham County Republican Committee, being awarded the Sen. Barry Goldwater Award twice, the True Patriot Award and the Volunteer Excellence Award.
