Arizona Senate unanimously adopts memorial resolution for Lt. Col. Salvatore Carpetano

The Arizona Senate unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 1002 on April 1, 2026, honoring Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Carpetano and ordering a moment of silence in his memory. Senator Schamp moved for unanimous adoption and the presiding officer announced that the ayes had it.

The resolution, read into the record, described Carpetano's service as an F-35 instructor pilot and evaluator who trained aviators from the United States, Italy and Norway, and who held leadership roles including flight commander and chief of training. It noted his work supporting allied readiness and his role in backing the driver's license reciprocity legislation (SB1332).

"Known by his call sign, Talkins, he exemplified excellence, leadership, and humility," Senator Schamp told the chamber as he introduced the resolution and guests. The senator asked the body to stand for a moment of silence in Carpetano's memory.

Senator Schamp also introduced a delegation of guests in the gallery, including Captain Beatrice Gorman, Jenna Bigham, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cosert, Roberta Gentile Purcell (honorary consul of Italy in Arizona), Major Dario Valmori of the Italian Air Force and local representatives, thanking them for attending the session.

The presiding officer directed the secretary to sign the resolution in open session and transmit it to the secretary of state. The resolution record included biographical details about Carpetano's birth in Italy, his military career beginning in 2015, and his surviving family.