WASHINGTON – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and the Lofgren Family, including Retired Col. Joseph Lofgren, Ruth Lofgren, Karen Lofgren, Linda Lofgren, and Rosemary Thomas, issued the following statements following President Biden signing the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, which permanently waives national park fees for veterans and gold star families, into law.
The bill, originally introduced by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), was named after Alexander Lofgren, a Wounded Warrior Fellow and former aide to Chair Grijalva in his Tucson district office. Lofgren passed away in a tragic hiking accident in Death Valley earlier this year.
The Lofgren Family:
“The Lofgren family are so proud to have Alexander Lofgren’s name attached to the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act. As an advocate for veterans, a military family member and veteran himself, Alexander’s wish to make National Parks accessible to veterans and gold star families has been realized through this act. We would like to express our gratitude to the many members of Congress that have worked diligently to enable his hard work and legacy to continue.” – Retired Col. Joseph Lofgren, Ruth Lofgren, Karen Lofgren, Linda Lofgren, and Rosemary Thomas
“The passage and signing into law of the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act this holiday season is a gift that I and so many others will cherish,” said Rep. Grijlava. “Alex was part of our extended family, and we miss him deeply. He dedicated his time to serving fellow veterans and loved our national parks and sharing the peace that it brought him with others. With the signing of this law, now we permanently give the gift of free entry to national parks to our veterans and gold star families to use nature to help with their healing. This law is a fitting tribute to an exceptional person. My continued prayers are with Alex’s family and loved ones along with our veterans and gold star families this holiday season.”
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