Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-14

RECOGNIZING CHRIS ARDINGER

EducationVeterans

Context

On 2026-04-14, Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING CHRIS ARDINGER" in the House. The speech addressed education and also covered veterans affairs.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING CHRIS ARDINGER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [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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RECOGNIZING CHRIS ARDINGER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [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. ____________________