[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4063-H4064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BRUCE N. BORGER

  (Mr. Mackenzie of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bruce 
N. Borger of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, who passed away on May 23, 2026, 
at the age of 77.
  Bruce was a proud Vietnam veteran who served in the United States 
Army from 1967 to 1970. Like many Vietnam veterans, he continued to 
face health challenges related to his service long after returning 
home, a reminder of the sacrifices our veterans make both on and off 
the battlefield.
  Following his military service, Bruce worked as a mechanic for 
Palmerton Borough for 35 years, serving his community with the same 
dedication and work ethic that defined his life.
  Above all, Bruce loved his family. He was a devoted husband to his 
wife, Kathryn, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who 
treasured every moment with those he loved.
  On behalf of the Lehigh Valley and Poconos, I extend my deepest 
condolences to the Borger family and all who knew him.


              Honoring David Falcone and Alfred Hendershot

  Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives and 
service of two dedicated members of Lookout Fire Company No. 1 in Pen 
Argyl, Pennsylvania: David ``Dave'' Falcone and Alfred ``Al'' 
Hendershot, who our community lost in April and May of this year, 
respectively.
  These two men, from different generations, shared a common commitment 
to serving their neighbors and strengthening their community through 
decades of volunteer service.
  Dave Falcone served Lookout Fire Company No. 1 for nearly a quarter-
century, most recently as assistant chief engineer. He held numerous 
leadership roles during his time with the company and was known for his 
dedication, reliability, and willingness to serve whenever called upon.
  Al Hendershot was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, who 
served our Nation during the Vietnam war before continuing a lifetime 
of service at home. As a longtime member of Lookout Fire Company, he 
devoted countless hours to protecting and supporting the Pen Argyl 
community.
  I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, fellow 
firefighters, and all those whose lives were

[[Page H4064]]

touched by these individuals. May we honor their memories by 
remembering their example of service, sacrifice, and community that 
they leave behind.


                        Honoring Richard F. Kern

  Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
service of Richard F. Kern, also known as Kerny, of East Bangor.
  For nearly six decades, Kerny answered the call to serve his 
community. He was a 59-year member of East Bangor Volunteer Fire 
Company, where he served as chief and helped protect generations of 
families throughout the region.
  Throughout his life, he embodied the values that make volunteer first 
responders so vital to our communities across the country: duty, 
sacrifice, leadership, and a willingness to put others before himself.
  On behalf of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, I extend my deepest 
condolences to Kerny's family, friends, fellow firefighters, and all 
those whose lives were touched by his extraordinary service.
  His legacy will live on through the organization he helped build, the 
people he mentored, and the community that he faithfully served for 
nearly 60 years.

                              {time}  1100


              recognizing diocese of allentown ordinations

  Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the historic 
milestone of the Diocese of Allentown and the communities it serves 
throughout the Lehigh Valley.
  This past weekend, six men were ordained to the priesthood in the 
Diocese of Allentown, marking the largest ordination class in the 
diocese in four decades. Several of those ordained have deep ties to 
the Lehigh Valley, including Dominic Civitella of Easton; Tyler Davis 
of Coopersburg; Tyler Loch of Ironton; and Hy James Gia Ngo, who served 
communities in Northampton during his formation.
  Priests, pastors, and other faith leaders are essential leaders in 
our communities. They provide spiritual guidance, support families, 
care for those in need, and bring people together in service to their 
neighbors.
  As these men begin their ministries, I congratulate them, their 
families, and the Diocese of Allentown on this historic occasion and 
wish them all the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________