[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 83 (Monday, May 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING MICHAEL A. ASCIONE FOR RECEIVING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE 
                AWARD AND HONORING HIS LIFE AND SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2022

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Michael A. 
Ascione, who passed away unexpectedly in 2020, for his lifetime of 
service and for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from Traverse 
Connect. Through his extreme dedication to the public good, Michael 
became an indispensable part of the State of Michigan.
  A longtime resident of Northern Michigan and Grand Traverse County, 
Michael Ascione was a graduate of Kalkaska High School and attended 
Northwestern Michigan College. Early in his career, Michael joined 
Northern A-1--an industrial environmental services and waste disposal 
company founded by his father, Edward Ascione, Sr. Michael and his 
brother, Edward, Jr., went on to found American Waste, an affiliate to 
Northern A-1 he helped run for nearly 20 years.
  Along with running his family businesses, Michael was heavily 
involved in his community and served in many local groups including 
Traverse Connect, Kalkaska Area Chamber of Commerce, Kalkaska Downtown 
Development Authority, Northern Michigan DeColores Ministries, Kalkaska 
Area Interfaith Resources, The Father Fred Foundation, Traverse Bay 
Economic Development Corporation, and the Northwestern Michigan College 
Foundation. He also served in various committee positions with Big 
Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Michigan and received the ``Big 
Defender'' award in 2019 with his wife, Jeanne. Since 1929, the 
Distinguished Service Award has been given to leaders who have had a 
tremendously positive impact on the Traverse City area. Through his 
decades of service to his community, Michael has shown himself to be 
more than deserving of this honor.
  Michael passed away unexpectedly in November 2020. His steadfast care 
and friendly nature towards all members of his community will surely 
leave a lasting mark on those who had the opportunity to know him. He 
is missed dearly by his family and friends, and his legacy will 
undoubtedly live on for generations to come. Michael's tireless 
dedication to public service touched the lives of countless 
Michiganders, and the impact of his work cannot be overstated.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, 
I ask you to join me in honoring the life and service of Michael 
Ascione. His legacy will forever live on in his family and in the many 
lives he bettered through his service.

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