HONORING BRUCE N. BORGER

On 2026-06-10, Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BRUCE N. BORGER" in the House.

HONORING BRUCE N. BORGER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [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. ____________________