Today, Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) released the following statement after the U.S. military declared Staff Sgt. Maximo A. Flores of Litchfield Park dead after a refueling plane collided with a fighter jet last week off Japan’s coast: 

“Staff Sgt. Maximo Flores always wanted to serve his country as a United States Marine, eventually enlisting in 2009. His passionate and dedicated service was recognized with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal and a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star. I am extremely saddened to learn that Staff Sgt. Flores was killed in last week’s accident. I am praying for his family back home and for his wife Rebecca. May God bring them peace and comfort as they mourn this Arizona hero.”