Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-09

RECOGNIZING JERRY BERNHARDT AS CARO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Infrastructure

Context

On 2026-04-09, Representative Lisa C. McClain (R-MI-9) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING JERRY BERNHARDT AS CARO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR" in the House. The speech addressed infrastructure. It referenced legislation: S2025.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING JERRY BERNHARDT AS CARO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E308] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING JERRY BERNHARDT AS CARO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR ______ HON. LISA C. McCLAIN of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, April 9, 2026 Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exemplary member of the Caro community, Jerry Bernhardt, as the recipient of the Caro Chamber of Commerce 2025 Citizen of the Year Award. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on the Caro community. Jerry has served as treasurer for the Caro Rotary Club for more than 15 years, providing steady leadership while helping guide major projects. His commitment to service extends across a wide range of efforts, including tree-planting initiatives, the Adopt-a-Highway program, Pumpkin Festival activities, Coats for Kids, holiday gift drives for students in need, and the Rotary Student Exchange Program, where he has helped inspire young people to broaden their horizons. Through each of these initiatives, he has played a meaningful role in strengthening and supporting the Caro community. In addition, Jerry has served his church through pastoral duties and as treasurer, while spearheading the Furniture Program, which provides essential household items to families in need. He is a founding member of the Tuscola County Spartans Alumni Association, helping plan the Annual Sparty Party Scholarship Fundraiser, which awards scholarships to local students attending Michigan State University. He has volunteered with the Good Samaritan Fund, writing grants that secured vital assistance for families in need, and also contributed his time to organizations such as the Janks Foundation, the McComb School as a lunch buddy, and Habitat for Humanity. Yet above all, Jerry's greatest role is that of husband, father, and grandfather. His family describes him as a patient and positive role model who teaches that life's challenges are met with resilience, faith, and optimism. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jerry Bernhardt for his extraordinary contributions to the Caro community. His leadership, integrity, and devotion to family and community set an example for all, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING JERRY BERNHARDT AS CARO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 63 (Thursday, April 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E308] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING JERRY BERNHARDT AS CARO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR ______ HON. LISA C. McCLAIN of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, April 9, 2026 Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exemplary member of the Caro community, Jerry Bernhardt, as the recipient of the Caro Chamber of Commerce 2025 Citizen of the Year Award. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on the Caro community. Jerry has served as treasurer for the Caro Rotary Club for more than 15 years, providing steady leadership while helping guide major projects. His commitment to service extends across a wide range of efforts, including tree-planting initiatives, the Adopt-a-Highway program, Pumpkin Festival activities, Coats for Kids, holiday gift drives for students in need, and the Rotary Student Exchange Program, where he has helped inspire young people to broaden their horizons. Through each of these initiatives, he has played a meaningful role in strengthening and supporting the Caro community. In addition, Jerry has served his church through pastoral duties and as treasurer, while spearheading the Furniture Program, which provides essential household items to families in need. He is a founding member of the Tuscola County Spartans Alumni Association, helping plan the Annual Sparty Party Scholarship Fundraiser, which awards scholarships to local students attending Michigan State University. He has volunteered with the Good Samaritan Fund, writing grants that secured vital assistance for families in need, and also contributed his time to organizations such as the Janks Foundation, the McComb School as a lunch buddy, and Habitat for Humanity. Yet above all, Jerry's greatest role is that of husband, father, and grandfather. His family describes him as a patient and positive role model who teaches that life's challenges are met with resilience, faith, and optimism. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jerry Bernhardt for his extraordinary contributions to the Caro community. His leadership, integrity, and devotion to family and community set an example for all, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. ____________________