THATCHER — The five Graham County men designated by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., as veteran servant leaders were honored during Eastern Arizona College’s Veterans Ceremony on Thursday.
The men received Certificates of Congressional Recognition from Becky Freeman, Ciscomani’s chief of staff.
“It honors recipients’ ongoing commitment to serve in leadership in civilian life, after they have made their contributions through the military in serving our nation,” Freeman said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
In 2024, Eric Bejarano, Safford assistant city manager and Marine Corps veteran, was named a Veteran Servant Leader. In 2025 the honorees are Arnold Lopez, Safford vice mayor and Army veteran; Ed Lopez, Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce regional director and Army veteran; John Rhodes, former Graham County Republican Committee chairman and Army veteran; and Mick Ruiz, administrative events liaison for the City of Safford and Navy veteran.
Ciscomani was originally scheduled to present the certificates himself, but was called back to Washington, D.C., following the re-opening of the federal government.
Freeman said the congressional district is home to nearly 80,000 veterans, the district with the ninth-largest veteran population in the nation, and Ciscomani’s office has been able to help veterans obtain $6 million in benefits owed.
She said Ciscomani has helped 28 men and women in admission to the nation’s military academies, and he’s currently trying to get a Space Force mission assigned to Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista.
Also speaking at the ceremony were Keith Alexander, chief governments relation officer for EAC; EAC Vice President of Operations Heston Welker; and Vard Jensen, president of Associated Students of EAC.
Musical performers included the EA A Capella Choir, under the direction of Gideon Burrows; the EA Vocal Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Marlee Decker; and the EA Marching Band.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
