Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-12

TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL GORDON

Thom Tillis

RNC · Senator

TaxesEnvironmentVeteransInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-05-12, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL GORDON" in the Senate.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL GORDON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2234] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL GORDON Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Michael A. ``Mike'' Gordon on his induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the highest honors in the State of North Carolina. Mike Gordon has spent his life in service to his community and our State. He served for 24 years in the North Carolina Army National Guard, retiring as a senior noncommissioned officer, where he demonstrated strong leadership, discipline, and a deep commitment to duty. Those same qualities carried into his civilian life, where he became a pillar of the Archer Lodge community. In Johnston County, Mike has led in many capacities. He dedicated nearly two decades to the Archer Lodge Volunteer Fire Department, including 10 years as president, and also served as president of the Johnston County Firemen's Association. He went on to serve as mayor of Archer Lodge from 2009 to 2018, helping guide the town through a period of growth while preserving its strong sense of community. As the town's first administrator, he helped establish the structure and operations that continue to serve residents today. Mike's commitment extends well beyond public office. He has spent more than 30 years volunteering with the Archer Lodge Community Center and played a key role in the creation of the Archer Lodge Water District, supporting critical infrastructure and public health in the community. He has also remained active in honoring veterans and supporting local families and is a longtime member of White Oak Baptist Church. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is reserved for individuals who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on North Carolina. Mike Gordon's lifetime of service reflects that standard in every respect. I congratulate Mike on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued service to Johnston County and the State of North Carolina. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL GORDON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2234] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL GORDON Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Michael A. ``Mike'' Gordon on his induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the highest honors in the State of North Carolina. Mike Gordon has spent his life in service to his community and our State. He served for 24 years in the North Carolina Army National Guard, retiring as a senior noncommissioned officer, where he demonstrated strong leadership, discipline, and a deep commitment to duty. Those same qualities carried into his civilian life, where he became a pillar of the Archer Lodge community. In Johnston County, Mike has led in many capacities. He dedicated nearly two decades to the Archer Lodge Volunteer Fire Department, including 10 years as president, and also served as president of the Johnston County Firemen's Association. He went on to serve as mayor of Archer Lodge from 2009 to 2018, helping guide the town through a period of growth while preserving its strong sense of community. As the town's first administrator, he helped establish the structure and operations that continue to serve residents today. Mike's commitment extends well beyond public office. He has spent more than 30 years volunteering with the Archer Lodge Community Center and played a key role in the creation of the Archer Lodge Water District, supporting critical infrastructure and public health in the community. He has also remained active in honoring veterans and supporting local families and is a longtime member of White Oak Baptist Church. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is reserved for individuals who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on North Carolina. Mike Gordon's lifetime of service reflects that standard in every respect. I congratulate Mike on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued service to Johnston County and the State of North Carolina. ____________________