Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation, an organization that has made a profound and enduring impact on communities in Pennsylvania and across our Nation.

The Foundation carries forward the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Philip Jaisohn. He was a visionary leader, physician, journalist, educator, and the first Korean-born naturalized citizen of the United States. Dr. Jaisohn dedicated his life to strengthening democracy, expanding opportunity, and advancing the ideals of freedom and human dignity.

Since its founding in 1975, the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation has served as a beacon of cross-cultural connection and advancement. Through its programs, scholarships, lectures, and partnerships, the Foundation has enabled countless young people to develop the leadership, knowledge, and character needed to build bridges across cultures and to contribute meaningfully to both the United States and the Korean-American community.

In doing so, the Foundation exemplifies the best of our national values: tolerance, opportunity, service. and hope. Its enduring commitment reaffirms that freedom and democracy flourish when individuals are empowered, informed, and engaged in their communities.

For fifty years, the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation has honored those ideals through its comprehensive service to the community. Its mission is clear and powerful: ``to promote and fulfill Dr. Philip Jaisohn's ideals of humanity through a broad range of medical and health care, senior employment training, and social services along with educational and cultural programs for the enrichment of the community.'' This mission comes to life every day through compassionate care, civic engagement, cultural preservation, and programs that empower individuals and families to thrive.

Through health care access, senior workforce development, scholarships, educational initiatives, and community programs, the Foundation has served as a bridge between cultures and a beacon of hope. It has strengthened the Korean American community while enriching the social, civic, and cultural fabric of our Commonwealth and our Nation.

As the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation marks fifty years of leadership, service, and impact, we honor its board members, staff, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who has worked to carry forward Dr. Jaisohn's vision. Their dedication ensures that his legacy not only endures but continues to shape future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations and deepest gratitude. May the next fifty years be marked by continued growth, service, and achievement. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to the faculty, staff, and volunteers as they celebrate this extraordinary milestone and continue their inspiring journey into the next century of learning, leadership, and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable constituent from my district, Mr. Tom Hebel, proprietor of Bucks Country Gardens in Doylestown, Pennsylvania--a business that has, for more than six decades, helped beautify homes and enrich communities throughout Bucks County and beyond.

Founded in 1961 as Royer Nurseries, the family run business has become a cornerstone of the local community, known for its commitment to excellence, creativity, and service. Mr. Hebel joined the company in 1981 as a young landscape designer, quickly finding a mentor and partner in owner Mr. Dick Royer who shared his vision for inspiring outdoor living. After a decade of collaboration, Mr. Hebel assumed ownership, guiding the business through decades of growth and transformation while remaining true to its founding principles.

Under Mr. Hebel's leadership, Bucks Country Gardens has thrived as both a retail garden center and a landscape design firm. The garden center offers an impressive array of plants, trees, and flowers as well as fine outdoor furniture from trusted brands such as Castelle, Hanamint, Telescope, and Jensen Outdoor. The boutique complements these offerings with unique gifts, jewelry, and home decor that reflect the artistry and taste of the region. From modest terraces to expansive poolside retreats and vegetable gardens, Bucks Country Gardens has helped countless homeowners turn their dreams into reality--always balancing creativity, functionality, and responsibility.

Mr. Hebel, a proud graduate of Penn State University's Landscape Architecture program, has long emphasized that landscaping is both a financial and a lifestyle investment. Through his guidance, the company has earned a reputation not only for its design expertise but also for its enduring client relationships through many generations.

Now, as Bucks Country Gardens enters a new chapter, Mr. Hebel looks with pride to his sons, Gregory and Ryan Hebel, who together represent the next generation of leadership. Gregory, who oversees the company's design-build operations, and Ryan, who manages the retail garden center, share their father's passion for connecting people to the outdoors. With their dedication and vision, the future of Bucks Country Gardens shines brightly.

Mr. Hebel's decades of work have brought joy, inspiration, and beauty to the people of Bucks County. His story reflects the very best of American entrepreneurship--family, creativity, and community spirit-- and stands as a testament to the enduring value of small businesses in our Nation's fabric.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Tom Hebel and the entire Bucks Country Gardens team for their remarkable contributions to the community, their commitment to excellence, and their role in nurturing both the community and the people they serve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true American hero from Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, Colonel Marlena Parker, Retired, United States Air Force, and to commemorate the inaugural presentation of the ``Colonel Marlena Parker Inspirational Veteran Award''. This award bears her name for a reason. It celebrates the rarest kind of courage one could imagine. The courage not only to serve, but to continue serving even when the world demands more than we ever thought we had to give.

Colonel Marlena Parker represents the very best of our Nation. A distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, she went on to fly the KC-10 Extender, one of the most demanding and mission- critical refueling aircraft in the U.S. military. She deployed to the United Arab Emirates in support of Operation Desert Shield and for nearly a decade, served on active duty, enabling and protecting missions around the world. She is known not only for her exceptional skill as a pilot but for her steadfast leadership, grace under pressure, and quiet strength.

Following her transition from active military service to focus on family life, Colonel Parker embarked on a notable civilian aviation career as a commercial pilot with United Airlines. Throughout this professional shift, she persistently demonstrated the discipline, composure, and commitment to public service cultivated during her years with the United States Air Force. The events of September 11, 2001, marked a significant turning point in her career trajectory. While piloting an aircraft that day, Colonel Parker was confronted by the magnitude of the national crisis and, in response, reaffirmed her dedication to public service by seeking once again to contribute to the Nation's defense. This critical moment underscores the continuity of her commitment across both military and civilian roles.

She put on her uniform again with the United States Air Force Reserves, continuing to fly and command, shaping the careers and lives of the airmen entrusted to her. Later she became the first female Commander of the 73rd Airlift Squadron at Scott Air Force Base. After her 2017 promotion to Colonel, she was appointed Vice Commander at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, overseeing major operations and humanitarian missions until her retirement in April 2020, concluding 26 years of distinguished service. Her commitment to her country was unwavering, and so was her dedication to those she led.

Today, Colonel Parker faces an adversary that no training, no aircraft, and no mission briefing can prepare a person for: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS. This unforgiving disease has taken from her the ability to fly, a calling that defined much of her life. Yet, even in the face of profound physical challenge, her courage remains unbroken.

Colonel Parker's enduring influence upon those around her is rooted in her demonstrated resilience, which serves as a powerful source of inspiration. The manner in which she confronts adversity, marked by her optimism and profound faith, exemplifies that the essence of service transcends the quantitative metrics of duration or achievements accrued during military tenure. Instead, her persistent resolve and commitment illustrate that the true impact of service lies in the integrity, compassion, and purpose with which individuals approach every responsibility. Whether fulfilling missions in defense of the Nation or educating others on the value of gratitude and purposeful living, Colonel Parker's resilience reinforces an inspirational model for service and leadership.

The ``Colonel Marlena Parker Inspirational Veteran Award'' will be presented every year to a veteran who reflects the character, strength, and unwavering spirit embodied by its namesake. It will be presented to someone whose life reminds us that service does not end when the uniform comes off.

Colonel Parker's life teaches us that courage is not just found in the sky but is found in the everyday choices we make to lead with compassion, to persevere through hardship, and to serve others with humility and grace.

On behalf of a grateful community and a grateful Nation, we thank her for her service, thank her for her sacrifice, and thank her for her inspiration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that this recognition of Colonel Marlena Parker and the establishment of the ``Colonel Marlena Parker Inspirational Veteran Award'' be entered into the Record so that her legacy of service and courage may endure for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and ultimate sacrifice of United States Army Air Forces First Lieutenant Gerald J. Melofchik. He was a brave American who gave his life in defense of freedom during World War II and whose remains were finally accounted for on June 24, 2025, by the Defense Prisoner of War/ Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Accounting Agency (DPAA).

Born and raised in New York City, First Lieutenant Gerald Melofchik embodied the extraordinary patriotism and sense of duty that has long defined America's Greatest Generation. Assigned to the 615th Bombardment Squadron, 401st Bombardment Group (Heavy), Eighth United States Army Air Forces, First Lieutenant Melofchik served as a B-17G ``Flying Fortress'' pilot in the European Theater of Operations. On August 1, 1944, during a perilous bombing mission over Nazi-occupied France, his aircraft that was nicknamed ``Stormy Weather'', was struck by anti-aircraft fire, collided with another aircraft, and crashed near Neron, France. Of the nine courageous airmen aboard, two were captured and four were identified from remains found near the crash site. Three airmen, including First Lieutenant Melofchik remained unaccounted for.

For eight decades, his family lived with uncertainty, holding on to faith that he would one day be returned to American soil. His mother never stopped believing that her son would come home.

In 2013, DPAA investigators surveyed the crash site in Neron, mapping a vast debris field consistent with an American World War II air loss. From 2021 to 2023, DPAA partnered with Middle Tennessee State University to excavate the site. Through meticulous scientific analysis that included anthropological review and mitochondrial, Y-chromosome, and autosomal DNA analysis performed with the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, First Lieutenant Melofchik was finally identified.

After 81 years, America now keeps her promise of leaving no one behind.

First Lieutenant Melofchik's name is inscribed on the Wall of the Missing at the Brittany American Cemetery in Montjoie Saint Martin, France. Soon, a rosette will be placed beside his name, signifying that he has been accounted for and returned to his country.

But behind the uniform was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and young man with dreams. Gerald was the son of Stephen and Pauline, and brother to Stephen, Marie, and Henry. Though his 18 nieces and nephews never had the privilege of knowing him in life, they grew up honoring his memory through stories of a young man with a competitive spirit on the tennis court, a fondness for Hershey's chocolate bars, and a heart that deeply loved his family and his country.

His life was short, but his impact endures. His courage helped liberate a continent that was occupied for several years under the Nazis. His sacrifice helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. And now, generations later, he is welcomed home with full honors, dignity, and profound gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, let it be known that the United States of America does not forget her heroes. Today, we honor First Lieutenant Gerald J. Melofchik, who was a patriot flying into danger so that others might live in peace. May his memory live forever in the hearts of the Nation he served.

On behalf of a grateful nation, we welcome home First Lieutenant Gerald J. Melofchik. His mission is complete. His nation will always remember. His courage will never be forgotten. I thank him for his service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the beautiful life, legacy, and memory of my Constituent Susan L. Zolotorofe who was a cherished daughter, a treasured friend, and a beloved member of our Bucks County community. Susan passed away on October 24, 2025, at her home in Ivyland, Pennsylvania, at the age of 53, after courageously enduring complications stemming from radiation treatments she underwent as a teenager to overcome a brain tumor. Her life is a testament to courage, perseverance, and a heart overflowing with love.

Born on August 17, 1972, at Abington Hospital, Susan entered this world with a radiant smile. Her smile would go on to warm the hearts of everyone privileged enough to know her. From her early years, Susan possessed a gentleness of spirit that enriched the lives of all who crossed her path.

Susan dedicated her life to helping children grow, learn, and feel seen. She spent many years working in preschools and day care centers across Bucks County, including her service at the YMCA in Warminster. For Susan, child care was not merely a profession but a calling. She believed that every child deserved compassion, patience, and encouragement, and she gave those gifts freely. Her kindness was not loud but was quiet, steady, and deeply felt.

For over twenty years, Susan faithfully served at Addisville Church, assisting with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School alongside her devoted mother. Her work within the church reflected her strong faith and the values she lived each day. The values of care, humility, service, and love.

Some of Susan's happiest moments were spent near the water. From her childhood visits to Silver Bay on Lake George, New York, to cherished days walking the beaches of Ocean City, New Jersey, these places offered her peace and filled her with wonder. They were her sanctuaries, where the world slowed enough for her heart to feel light.

Though she was strikingly tall and beautiful, it was her smile, a smile that was warm, gentle, and unmistakably genuine that defined her. Even during her most difficult medical challenges, that smile remained. It was a symbol of her resilience, her faith, and her refusal to let hardship dim her spirit.

Susan is survived by her loving parents, Eileen (nee Fetter) and Don Zolotorofe, along with a large, devoted family and a circle of friends who will forever hold her memory close. Each carries with them the profound imprint of her kindness and the example of how to live with grace.

Mr. Speaker, the true measure of a life is not found in what we accumulate, but in the hearts we touch. By that measure, Susan lived a life overflowing with purpose and love. She showed us what it means to persevere with dignity, to care without condition, and to walk through this world with a smile that reminds others they matter.

May her memory be a blessing, and may we honor her legacy by living as she did, with compassion, faith, and joy.

It is my pleasure to honor her in the United States Congress, so that future generations may know of the extraordinary kindness and courage of Susan L. Zolotorofe, a woman whose light continues to shine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor two of my remarkable constituents of Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, Dipesh and Dipti Pandya, as they celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.

On this joyous occasion, we celebrate not only thirty years of marriage, but thirty years of partnership, commitment, and steadfast love. Dipesh and Dipti's marriage is a profound example of what it means to build a life rooted

in respect, compassion, and shared purpose. Over three decades, they faced challenges with grace, celebrated triumphs with gratitude, and walked side-by-side through every season of life.

Dipesh and Dipti are the embodiment of the American story. They are dedicated parents, faithful friends, and generous members of our community. Their unwavering work ethic and perseverance reflect values that have strengthened both their family and those around them. Through their kindness, hospitality, and warmth of spirit, they have touched countless lives.

Together they have built a home filled with love, laughter, and understanding. Their marriage stands as a testament to the enduring power of devotion, communication, and, above all, unconditional love. They are living proof that the most meaningful legacy we leave is not measured in material achievements, but in the love we share and the lives we uplift.

As they celebrate this incredible milestone surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones, we honor their commitment to one another and to the values that make our community strong. May the next chapter of their journey be blessed with continued health, happiness, and cherished memories.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of Pennsylvania's 1st District, I extend my warmest congratulations to Dipesh and Dipti Pandya on their 30th wedding anniversary. May their love continue to inspire all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Chief of Police John Godzieba of Langhorne Borough, Pennsylvania, upon his retirement following an extraordinary 46-year career in law enforcement.

Chief Godzieba's journey has been defined by integrity, commitment, and a lifelong devotion to the safety and well-being of the people he served.

At the age of 20, John Godzieba began his service as a young officer with the Bristol Township Police Department. Over the course of nearly four decades, he rose through the ranks to become a respected lieutenant and the longest-serving officer in the department's history. His professionalism, humility, and steady leadership left a lasting mark on generations of officers who followed in his footsteps.

In 2017, Chief Godzieba accepted the call to serve as Chief of Police in Langhorne Borough, bringing with him decades of experience, wisdom, and a heartfelt dedication to community policing. In this close-knit town, he became not just a leader in uniform, but a trusted neighbor and familiar face at community events, local celebrations, and moments of shared reflection. Under his leadership, the department continued to foster trust, respect, and partnership between officers and residents alike.

Throughout nearly five decades of service, Chief Godzieba witnessed dramatic changes in the profession, yet through every transformation, one thing remained constant within him. His unwavering belief that law enforcement is first and foremost about helping people and protecting the dignity of every individual.

Chief Godzieba also served with distinction as a member of the Bristol Township Police Honor Guard, paying solemn tribute to his fallen brothers and sisters in blue. His participation in those services reflected the deep reverence and compassion he carried for the law enforcement family and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, Chief Godzieba's career has been a testament to duty, perseverance, and faith in public service. His example reminds us that effective policing is not measured solely by enforcement, but by empathy, understanding, and dedication to community. On behalf of the 1st Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I extend my sincere gratitude to Chief John Godzieba for his outstanding service and leadership, and I wish him and his family every happiness and fulfillment in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Solebury School, located in beautiful New Hope, Pennsylvania. Solebury School has been a cornerstone of independent education in Bucks County, known for its close-knit community, academic excellence, and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and character in young people.

Solebury School was founded in 1925 by four visionary educators, Laurie Erskine, Julian Lathrop, Robert Shaw, and Arthur ``Doc'' Washburn, who shared a dream of creating a new kind of educational environment. As the school's first headmaster, Doc Washburn captured that vision best when he wrote, ``Our goal is to start a small school with an informal atmosphere, where the needs of each boy would be attended to, where friendship between teachers and pupils would be encouraged, and where a boy would be prepared not only for college, but for life beyond high school.''

From those humble beginnings, Solebury School opened its doors in rented quarters in September 1925 with just four boys and four teachers. One year later, the founders purchased the historic Michener Farm, establishing the permanent campus that continues to serve generations of students to this day.

Just down the road from Solebury stood the Holmquist School for Girls, founded in 1917 by Miss Karline Holmquist, who shared a similar belief that education should help each student discover and develop her unique talents and capabilities. As both schools grew, they often collaborated, sharing theatrical productions, musical performances, proms, teas, and community gatherings. In 1949, these two institutions united to form one of the first coeducational independent schools in the Nation: Solebury School, as we know it today.

On October 1, 2025, Solebury marked 100 years since its first day of classes. Over the past century, Solebury School has remained steadfast in its founding ideals such as personal attention, intellectual curiosity, and a deep respect for individuality. The school's faculty, students, and alumni continue to embody these values, carrying forward the founders' dream of education that not only prepares young people for college, but also for meaningful, purposeful lives beyond the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 1st Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I am proud to commend Solebury School for one hundred years of distinguished service to education and community. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to the faculty, staff, alumni, and families of Solebury School as they celebrate this extraordinary milestone and continue their inspiring journey into the next century of learning, leadership, and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my constituent Bernadette Marie Moran, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong resident of Levittown, Pennsylvania, who passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born in Philadelphia in 1932, Bernadette was a proud graduate of Little Flower High School, Class of 1950. She lived most of her life in Levittown, Pennsylvania, where she and her late husband, William M. Moran, Sr., raised their eight children. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the welcoming spirit that reflected her deep love for family and faith. For 66 years, she was a devoted parishioner of Queen of the Universe Church, where her faith guided every chapter of her life.

Bernadette embodied a joyful and adventurous spirit that inspired everyone who knew her. Whether she was parasailing at the Jersey Shore, whitewater rafting in Montana, or skydiving to celebrate her 80th birthday, she lived with courage, enthusiasm, and an enduring sense of wonder. She had a lifelong appreciation for music, especially the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra, and a special fondness for autumn, when she would take long drives with her children to admire the beauty of the changing seasons.

After raising her family, Bernadette continued to give back to her community. She volunteered for many years at Mary's Cupboard in Levittown, Pennsylvania, helping those in need with compassion and humility. She also worked for the Pennsbury School District beginning in 1983, first as an administrative substitute and later as a full-time assistant in the Pupil Services Office, where she served for over 15 years until her retirement in 2007. Bernadette treasured her work and the friendships she built along the way.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her husband, William Sr., her daughters Patricia Moran Simkanin and Bernie Moran Rossi, and daughter- in-law Barbara ``Bobbie'' Palmer. She is survived by her children William Jr., Thomas, Teresa, Kenneth, Kevin, and Cara, along with 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who lovingly knew her as ``Mom-Mom.'' Her family was the light of her life, and she filled their hearts with stories, laughter, and unconditional love.

Mr. Speaker, Bernadette Moran's life was one of faith, family, service, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, kindness, and a boundless spirit of adventure. May her memory continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pennsylvania's First Congressional District's Bernadette Marie Moran, whose life reminds us that love, faith, and laughter are among the most enduring gifts we can give.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Ms. Kelly Botti, a respected leader, advocate, and CEO of Trumark Credit Union, whose birthday on November 3rd provides a fitting occasion to honor her outstanding service and dedication to our communities.

Based in the Greater Philadelphia region, Ms. Kelly Botti has built a distinguished career marked by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to financial empowerment. As CEO of Trumark Credit Union, she has championed innovative approaches to serve the underserved and underbanked, expanding access to fair, transparent, and affordable financial services for families and small businesses alike. Her leadership reflects the very best of what community driven institutions can achieve when guided by a mission of service over profit.

Kelly has also been a steadfast advocate for the credit union movement on both state and national levels. Her thoughtful engagement with policymakers like myself rooted in collaboration, expertise, and genuine care for people, has advanced the cause of financial inclusion in the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania and across the entire Commonwealth and beyond. Through her advocacy, countless individuals have gained new opportunities to achieve financial stability, education, and independence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives, to help me extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Kelly Botti for her achievements, her leadership, and her continuing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a love story that has spanned half a century--a story rooted in youthful hope that matured into a legacy of devotion and family. It is my honor to recognize Cliff and Linda Davis on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Cliff and Linda were high school sweethearts, drawn together in the bright promise of youth. While many young romances fade with time, theirs grew deeper, steadier, and more resilient. On October 19, 1975, they pledged their lives to each other, and for 50 years they have lived out that promise with grace and unwavering devotion.

Together they built not only a marriage but a home. A home where the laughter of children rang through the years, where values of honesty, sacrifice, and kindness were instilled. Their children, and now their grandchildren, carry forward that legacy. They are living reminders that the most powerful inheritance parents can give is not wealth or possessions, but a model of what love, commitment, and family truly means.

Yet their love story is not confined to their family alone. Cliff and Linda have been pillars in their community, quietly shaping the lives of those around them. Neighbors and friends know their door is always open, their table always ready to welcome another chair, their hearts always eager to serve. In times of joy, they have celebrated with others; in times of hardship, they have lifted burdens and offered strength. Their names have become synonymous with generosity, loyalty, and integrity.

Mr. Speaker, when we celebrate 50 years of marriage, we celebrate more than the passage of time. We celebrate thousands of small acts of love such as the morning smiles, the late-night reassurances, and the steady presence through every storm. We celebrate a golden thread that has bound two lives together and, in doing so, bound a family and a community closer as well.

On this golden anniversary, we honor Cliff and Linda Davis not only for the years they have shared, but for the example they have set. Their love reminds us that promises kept matter, that devotion is beautiful, and that strong families are the very foundation of strong communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our deepest congratulations to Cliff and Linda Davis. May their days ahead be as joyful as the fifty years behind them, and may their story of love continue to shine as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master Sergeant Shawn Worthen, United States Marine Corps, Retired, of Bensalem High School, who has been named the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Instructor of the Year for the past school year.

The Bensalem Township School District is proud to celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment by one of its own. Master Sergeant Worthen proudly serves as the Leadership Studies and Marine Instructor, and exemplifies the highest standards of the United States Marine Corps. He consistently instills discipline, honor, and civic responsibility in his cadets each and every day.

This recognition is awarded annually to the very best instructors from all Marine Corps JROTC programs nationwide. With approximately 500 Marine Corps JROTC instructors serving across the country, being selected for this distinction is a remarkable and well-deserved honor. It reflects not only Master Sergeant Worthen's professionalism and excellence in teaching, but also his profound commitment to shaping the character and leadership potential of America's youth.

Through his example, Master Sergeant Worthen continues to inspire students at Bensalem High School to live by the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment. These values that will guide them as they become future leaders in their communities and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join the Bensalem Township School District, the People of the 1st Congressional District of Pennsylvania, and the United States Marine Corps in congratulating Master Sergeant Shawn Worthen on this outstanding achievement. His dedication to his students and to the ideals of service and leadership brings great credit to himself, his school, and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of individuals from Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District--an organization that has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect and admiration I recognize the Ukrainian American Sports Center Tryzub's 75th anniversary.

Such honorable individuals are not defined by titles or accolades but by the quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of service and compassion. Throughout their years helping the community, the UASC Tryzub embodies this spirit of honor in ways that words can scarcely capture.

Founded in Philadelphia by displaced World War II Ukrainian immigrants, the UASC Tryzub became an important part of the community. The UASC Tryzub organized teams of all sports to play in various leagues in Philadelphia, as well as gave the Ukrainian American

community a nourishing environment with personal and professional support. The goals of the UASC Tryzub align with preserving history, culture, tradition, and Ukrainian sport (specifically professional soccer). Their home-base in Horsham township continues to be a center where the community comes together. Some notable achievements of the UASC Tryzub include in 1856 the Club's Majors' Division soccer team reached the national championship game for the coveted US Amateur Cup. A year later the UASC Tryzub organized a professional soccer franchise; the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals, which generated many professional championships onto the City of Philadelphia. These achievements, along with many others, brought a downpour of glory and attention to Philadelphia from the international soccer world.

Today, 56 teams and 800 athletes, known as the ``Ukie Nation'' proudly wear blue and yellow and play under the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals Banner. Travel and club teams, including all skill levels, are offered for boys and girls all year round. The UASC Tryzub is not only notable for their achievements, but for giving back to the community. The players develop and improve not only their soccer skills but their personal goals as well. Through scholarships, volunteering, and community efforts to preserve Ukrainian heritage and bring awareness to those in need, the Tryzub continues to support and grow the Ukrainian American community.

In times of need, their service is a testament to the belief that an individual's dedication can ripple through the lives of many, sparking change, fostering resilience, and inspiring hope. Today, we honor the UASC Tryzub not just for their remarkable deeds but for fostering an incredible community.

Mr. Speaker, their actions remind us that progress is not forged in grand gestures but in the cumulative power of selfless acts. They embody the timeless American values of resilience, generosity, and compassion, showing us that the future is built by those who care deeply, act decisively, and give without hesitation.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, I extend my appreciation and recognition to the UASC Tryzub for their extraordinary service of 75 years. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the UASC Tryzub's 75th anniversary, which will inspire generations to come. May their example remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to make our communities, country, and world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise in recognition of the distinct achievements and serviceable contributions of the Quakertown West End Fire Company No. 2, on this occasion of their 100th anniversary as of September 25, 2025. For a century, the men and women of the West End Fire Company No. 2 have served Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with distinction, dedication, resilience, and valor.

West End Fire Company No. 2 is known as Bucks County Station No. 18 and has been completely staffed by volunteers since its formation in 1925.

Their unwavering dedication to continued training and willingness to serve their neighbors to meet the needs of the ever-changing fire service landscape is no better demonstrated than in their daily quick response to all types of emergencies.

Station No. 18 has modern fire equipment and is constantly adding to its services. As expected, they have the most modern Fire Suppression equipment, Heavy Rescue equipment, and Water Rescue equipment.

The West End Fire Company No. 2 is a sister Company to Quakertown Fire Company No. 1, which both operate as the Quakertown Fire Department.

Throughout its long history, Station No. 18 has embodied the core values of: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. They have safeguarded the Community, provided critical support in times of need, and stood ready to respond when called upon. Their knowledge and skills, and superior operational support personnel, have been, and continue to be, some of the most skilled and dedicated in the fire service.

As we celebrate this historic milestone, it is my distinct honor to celeberate those who faithfully served in the West End Fire Company No. 2 over the past century. Their sacrifices of their time and those of their families have ensured our fire safe security. It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge their service and pay tribute to their bravery.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the West End Fire Company No. 2, Quakertown, Pennsylvania, in extending a heartfelt thank you to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in this distinguished Fire Company. May the next 100 years of Firefighters serve with the same valor, honor, dignity, and dedication to duty as the exemplary men and women of the West End Fire Co. No. 2 have so expertly demonstrated over the last century of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia McArdle Ponticello, a remarkable constituent from my district. It is my honor to celebrate her on her 100th birthday--a day marking a hundred years of love, laughter, and commitment to her family, friends, and community.

Born on September 23, 1925, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Patricia has experienced a full century of history, change, and milestones. Her life story stands not only as a testament to longevity, but also to stubbornness, grit, and an ability to outlast just about everyone.

Patricia graduated from St. Mary's High School in Haliswood, Pennsylvania, before perfecting her skills at Beautician School, where she went on to cut and style for the Mellon Family.

She later served as a Guidance Counselor at the Gilmary Catholic School for Wayward Girls, which gave her the unique skills to manage her own sons, David, Bill, and Christopher.

Later, she made her home and spent many years in Clinton, Pennsylvania after marrying her husband, William David Ponticello. William served in the U.S. Navy, WWII, from 1942 to 1994 on an LST at the Normandy Invasion and later went on to work as a design engineer.

Her endless love and support filled the household with joy, laughter, and just enough discipline to keep everyone in line.

In 2003, Patricia moved to Bucks County to help her son raise his three boys. Beyond her dedication to her family, Patricia remained steadfast in her commitment to her faith. Patricia is a devout Catholic and is a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hilltown, Pennsylvania. Her Catholic faith has served as a guiding light in her life--shaping her values and offering strength and clarity through life's many trials and triumphs.

Today, at 100 years old, Patricia enjoys family, strolls around her Dublin, Pennsylvania property and continuing her legendary reputation as ``The Hawk.'' She loves an ice-cold beer, a strong margarita, and the occasional cigarette--because apparently that's the real secret to a long life.

Her idea of the perfect birthday? A pig roast surrounded by family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to please join me in raising a glass--preferably a cold one--and extending our heartfelt congratulations, sincere well- wishes, and all of God's blessings to Patricia Ponticello on the celebration of her 100th birthday.