The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING RICHARD STAHL
______
HON. GREG STANTON
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Richard Stahl, who passed away on January 3, 2021. A community leader and LGBTQ+ advocate, Richard was a fearless champion for LGBTQ+ causes and fought tirelessly to bring us one step closer to eradicating HIV. Today, Arizona is a better and brighter place for his presence among us.
A New Jersey native, Richard had a profound love for Arizona. Put best by Richard himself, ``I will retire here someday.'' After moving to the Grand Canyon state, Richard immediately rooted himself firmly giving all his time, heart, and soul to the betterment of our community. Casa Ben Dita--his beloved McCormick Ranch home--became a gathering place for some of the premiere LGBTQ+ organizations in Phoenix--particularly Lambda Legal, the oldest national legal organization dedicated to working for the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Year after year, Richard inspired so many and had a unique sense of bringing people together for the common good.
When Aunt Rita's Foundation brought the AIDS Walk back to Phoenix, Richard was one of the first to jump in and support its success. He also was relentlessly active in Aunt Rita's Red Brunch to celebrate World AIDS Day and joined the Foundation's Red Purse Club, generously donating his time, talents, and treasure year after year.
His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and the eradication of HIV extended beyond excellence in service and volunteerism. Together, with community partners, Richard helped form permanent financial legacies for the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDs. His generosity transformed the Southwest Center from a small organization to a thriving pillar of our community. Richard showed that by giving, anyone and everyone can change the world.
Today, the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDs is known as Arizona's premiere leader for financially accessible, culturally competent, LGBTQ+ friendly healthcare. For his lifetime achievement, he received the Southwest Center Philanthropist Lifetime Legacy Award and was named a Partner for Life. In his honor, the Center named its clinical trials division the ``Richard P. Stahl Research Wing''.
As we reflect how long we have come in the work to eradicate HIV, there is no doubt our progress was shaped by Richard Stahl. Arizona owes him a debt of gratitude, and he will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all those he uplifted with his positivity and unwavering support.
Madam Speaker, in this spirit of remembrance, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Richard Stahl. I thank Richard, and Godspeed.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 172
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