[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING CHRIS ARDINGER

  (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Chris 
Ardinger of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, for his selection as the 
recipient of the Spirit of Community Award.
  The award honors individuals who demonstrate an exceptional 
commitment to improving the quality of Franklin County life, where 
Chris serves as the administrator of Antrim Township.
  Known for his transparent leadership and reliability, Chris has made 
significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life in the 
Cumberland Valley.
  Most certainly, Chris Ardinger has devoted his life to professional 
and volunteer community activities.
  A former executive director of the Tuscarora Area Chamber of 
Congress, Chris was elected to the Tuscarora School District Board of 
Directors at the age of 19. He served 8 years, including 2 as the board 
president.
  On behalf of the constituents throughout Franklin County and the 
entire 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Chris Ardinger on 
this prestigious award, and I thank him for his contributions to our 
great communities.


                          Honoring Don Bailey

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that 
I rise to honor the life and the career of Don Bailey, an educator, an 
administrator, and football coach, who passed away recently in his 
hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
  A graduate of Forest Hills High School, Coach Bailey dedicated his 
entire professional life to the school district, serving as a teacher, 
a principal, and an administrator.
  As head football coach at Forest Hills, Coach Bailey became a legend 
over his 45 years. His success includes 375 wins, 11 Laurel Highlands 
Conference championships, and 10 District 6 championships.
  Over the years, Coach Bailey was honored with induction into the 
Pennsylvania Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Cambria County 
Sports Hall of Fame. He was also selected for the Lifetime Achievement 
Award by the National Football Foundation.
  As we pause to remember his legacy, we also keep his wife, Diane, and 
all of his family in our prayers.
  Please join me in honoring the life of Coach Don Bailey, who was 
truly a Cambria County football legend.


                          Honoring Mark Taylor

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor former Saxton 
Fire Chief Mark Taylor, who stepped down from his position in November, 
after 40 years of dedicated service.
  During the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company's recent annual banquet, 
Chief Taylor was presented with an award that recognizes his unwavering 
dedication.
  Chief Taylor joined the fire company as a volunteer 50 years ago. He 
has been described by colleagues as a beacon of leadership to ensure 
the safety of his entire community.
  Chief Taylor's legacy includes mentorship of countless firefighters 
and a strategic vision that positioned teamwork at its core.
  I thank Chief Taylor for his profound impact on municipalities served 
by the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company and for his vital role in 
inspiring firefighters throughout his years of service.


                   Congratulating Richard Fertig, Jr.

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate 
Richard Fertig, Jr., of Smith Transportation on selection of 
Professional Driver of the Year.
  This award is the profession's highest honor, recognizing safety, 
leadership, and community impact of professional drivers.
  Richard Fertig, Jr., has been driving trucks for Smith Transport for 
more than 20 years. Since joining Smith Transport, he has accumulated 
more than 2 million miles driving safely, which is a testament to his 
commitment to precision, to discipline, and to safety.
  As a veteran, Richard's truck is wrapped in a powerful tribute to 
Vietnam veterans, and it has become a symbol of respect everywhere he 
drives.
  Like many others, Mr. Fertig considers Smith Transport founder, Barry 
Smith, to be his role model and his mentor.
  On behalf of constituents throughout Pennsylvania's 13th 
Congressional District, best wishes for continued success, continued 
safety, and continued achievement.

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