Gosar Applauds Committee Passage of Yuma Defense Readiness Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-09) issued the following statement after the House Natural Resources Committee approved H.R. 8686, the Yuma Defense Readiness Act, during today’s markup:
“The House Natural Resources Committee’s passage of H.R. 8686 is a major win for military readiness, national security, and Arizona.
The Yuma Proving Ground in my district is one of the premier testing and training facilities in the world and generates more than $1.1 billion in economic activity for western Arizona. As the only facility capable of supporting high-altitude flight testing for next-generation defense technologies, it is critical that our warfighters have the space and resources necessary to prepare for evolving threats.
My legislation expands the Proving Ground’s safety zone, establishes a clearer and safer boundary for Yuma residents, and strengthens America’s defense capabilities while supporting a vital economic engine for our region.
I thank Chairman Westerman and my colleagues on the Committee for advancing this commonsense, bipartisan legislation. I look forward to securing its passage on the House floor and urge my colleagues to support our brave servicemembers and this important national security measure,” stated Congressman Paul Gosar.
“A strong national defense begins with ensuring our military has the space and certainty needed to train and test the technologies that keep America safe. H.R. 8686 withdraws and reserves public lands adjacent to Yuma Proving Ground, helping support critical military operations while reducing conflicts with incompatible development. I appreciate Rep. Gosar’s efforts to strengthen military readiness and reinforce the long-term mission of one of our nation’s premier testing and training facilities,” added House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman.
Background:
H.R. 8686 authorizes the withdrawal and reservation of approximately 22,000 acres of federal land adjacent to the Yuma Proving Ground to enhance military testing and training operations while improving public safety and land management.
I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis.
I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God.
I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons.
I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA.
While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon..
In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God.
We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987).
From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting.
Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982.
I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects.
In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston.
In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018.
Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia.
In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey.
As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova.
Love and God Bless,
Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi
View all posts by RJ Hamster
WEBSITE | UNSUBSCRIBE | CONTACT MEShare on Facebook | Share on TwitterWashington, DC Office
RJ Hamster 