U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján speaking today on the House floor – honoring the life and service of Major Phyllis Pelky of Rio Rancho. Screen Shot/LADP

STATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District spoke on the House floor today to honor the life and service of Major Phyllis Pelky of Rio Rancho, who died while serving in Afghanistan. Click here to watch his speech. 

Luján’s remarks.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Air Force Major Phyllis Pelky who died earlier this month in a helicopter crash in Kabul, Afghanistan. As a Major in the Air Force, Phyllis Pelky served her nation with distinction as Aide-de-Camp to the Superintendent of the Air Force Academy. 

“Major Pelky had been deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan working as the deputy manpower chief of the American Train, Advice, and Assist Command.

“As we take this moment to honor the service and patriotism of Major Pelky and recognize her sacrifice – the ultimate sacrifice – as a member of our Armed Services, we also thank her for her contributions in the classroom. Major Pelky was a beloved humanities teacher at Rio Rancho High School. Her commitment to her students, combined with her enthusiasm, encouraged them to learn. She left a lasting impact on those who were fortunate to have her as a teacher. Her enduring spirit will live on through the many students she inspired.

“As we mourn the passing of Phyllis Pelky and celebrate her life, my thoughts and prayers are with her husband, her two sons, her family, and the Rio Rancho community during this sad time.”