[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING AND HONORING AI SCHELLINGER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RYAN K. ZINKE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2026

  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Al 
Schellinger from Flathead Valley, Montana, for a lifetime of leadership 
and service to the people and communities of Northwest Montana.
  Mr. Schellinger, president of Schellinger Construction Company, was 
presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Montana 
Contractors Association in recognition of his contributions to 
Montana's construction industry, his support for local communities, and 
his longstanding commitment to Montana workers.
  Schellinger Construction began as a family construction business in 
1956 and, over time, grew into one of the most respected construction 
companies in our great state. After taking over the company in the 
early 1980s, Al Schellinger helped shape the infrastructure and growth 
of Montana.
  During the decline of the local logging industry, Mr. Schellinger 
successfully transitioned the company toward road and highway 
construction, positioning Schellinger Construction for long-term 
success while continuing to meet the needs of Montana's communities. 
The expansion of Schellinger Construction not only laid the foundation 
for a lasting impact across our state but also created jobs and 
opportunities for hardworking Montanans. Under Al Schellinger's 
leadership, the company has remained committed to the people behind its 
success, taking pride in its employees and the strong workforce that 
continues to carry the company forward today.
  Mr. Schellinger's dedication to our Montana communities extends far 
beyond his own company. Whether supporting 4-H programs, rallying 
behind local youth initiatives, or sponsoring scholarships through 
Montana State University, Mr. Schellinger has consistently invested in 
the next generation. His generosity has also reached those who serve 
and protect our communities--contributing to local law enforcement and 
supporting air ambulance services that provide critical, life-saving 
care to Montanans in some of their most vulnerable moments. 
Additionally, he remained actively involved with the Montana 
Contractors Association for decades, serving as MCA President in 1993 
and advocating for fair wages and strong opportunities for construction 
workers across our state.
  Mr. Speaker, Al Schellinger's life reflects the values that built 
Montana and continues to define our state today: hard work, leadership, 
and commitment to our neighbors. Whether mentoring the next generation 
or helping build the roads and infrastructure that connect our 
communities, Al Schellinger has left an undeniable mark on Montana.

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