Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Delone Catholic High School Squirettes basketball coach Gerry Eckenrode on his 500th victory as head coach.

Coach Eckenrode began his tenure with Delone's girls' basketball team as head coach during the 1999-2000 season. Under his leadership, Delone Catholic has won four state championships, four district championships, and 14 division titles. His teams have excelled, winning at least 18 games per season. Coach Eckenrode has coached five of the school's 1,000-point scorers. Additionally, he has a robust legacy of mentoring new coaches.

Congratulations to Coach Gerry Eckenrode and the entire Delone Catholic girls' basketball community on this remarkable achievement. As he continues to lead the Delone Catholic Squirettes, I wish Coach Eckenrode and his team all the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Miguel Perez upon his appointment to serve as manager of the Altoona Curve for 2021's minor league season, which will be Mr. Perez's 14th season in the Pittsburgh Pirates' system.

Mr. Perez will be the first former Altoona Curve player to serve as the team's manager. Prior to his appointment as manager of the Altoona Curve, he served as a manager for the West Virginia Power, the Greensboro Grasshoppers, and the Bristol Pirates.

Mr. Perez began his career as a baseball player in 2000 with the Cincinnati Reds, and made his major league debut with the Reds in 2005. He played for the Altoona Curve in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013. During his tenure with the Altoona Curve, he appeared in 92 games and hit .271 with 36 RBIs.

It is my honor to congratulate Mr. Perez on his appointment as manager of the Altoona Curve and welcome him back to Altoona. As the 2021 season begins, I wish Mr. Perez and the Altoona Curve team a safe, healthy, and successful season ahead.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Master Sergeant Rafael A. Melgar of Altoona, Pennsylvania on his retirement after 20 years of service in the United States Air Force.

Sergeant Melgar enlisted in the Air Force in 2000. His service has included six years of active duty with the 74th Fighter Squadron, the 23rd Fighter Wing, at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina as an A-10, F-15, and U-2 Avionics Systems Journeyman. He also has served with the 152nd Medical Squadron at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport as a Biomedical Equipment Repair Technician. Currently, he is a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Sergeant Melgar deployed in support of Operation: Southern Watch, Operation: Enduring Freedom, and Operation: Iraqi Freedom. During his service, he earned the Air Force Achievement Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster.

Sergeant Melgar is an outstanding American and Pennsylvanian. It is my honor to recognize his distinguished service to our nation and to our community. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Sergeant Melgar on his retirement and wish him the best as he and his family embark on a new chapter.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the New Oxford High School Marching Colonials on their victory in the V- USBands Pennsylvania State Championship.

The New Oxford High School Marching Colonials include 52 students in grades 9-12. A competitive band for many years, the band persevered through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and competed in the virtual V-USBands circuit. From their home stadium in New Oxford, the band designed a new, original field show called ``Together,'' which is intended to convey a message of unity.

In addition to the state championship, the New Oxford Marching Colonials also earned special awards for High Music, High Visual, High Percussion, and High Colorguard. The band also competed in the V- USBands National Championship, in which the students placed fourth and received a special award for Best Colorguard.

I congratulate the dedicated members of the New Oxford Marching Colonials, their instructors, and families on this remarkable achievement, and I wish the students every continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mike Tedesco on his new role as President and CEO of Vision Together 2025 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Vision Together 2025 is a volunteer-based organization that works to improve life in the Greater Johnstown region by laying a groundwork for better educational and economic opportunities. Vision Together 2025 already is making great strides in its mission, and I am confident that Mike will continue this work for the community.

Mike holds a degree from the University of Idaho and a master's degree in Urban & Regional Planning from the University of Kansas. An expert in urban planning, Mike was most recently the Executive Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians in Spokane, Washington. He also previously served as Executive Director of the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, it is my privilege to welcome Mike Tedesco to Johnstown and wish him success in his new role.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Leslie Kelly of Altoona, Pennsylvania for her work as founder of Service Paws of Central Pennsylvania.

Leslie Kelly understands firsthand the barriers that family can face when purchasing a service dog, which can cost between $4,000 and $35,000. To help families with this costly process, Leslie founded Service Paws of Central Pennsylvania. Last year, her organization was able to assist several people in need of a service dog.

Service Paws of Central Pennsylvania now serves 14 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. As an all-volunteer organization, Service Paws of Central Pennsylvania is able to use its resources to directly place service dogs with individuals and families in need.

Leslie is an incredible and servant-hearted leader in Blair County and across our Commonwealth. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Leslie Kelly for her work to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians and wish her continued success in this mission.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dr. Christine Oldham, Superintendent of the Ligonier Valley School District, on her retirement.

Dr. Oldham began her educational career as an elementary school teacher in 1988 in Camden, Delaware. She then served as an assistant principal at Westside Elementary School in the Greater Johnstown School District and as a principal in the Conemaugh Township School District. Before joining the Ligonier Valley School District, she served as the Superintendent of the Ferndale Area School District for five years.

At the Ligonier Valley School District, Dr. Oldham has been recognized for her leadership on key initiatives and projects. In accordance with recent educational research, she introduced a new, customized learning approach that allows students to proceed at their own pace while being supported by a teacher or learning coach. In 2008, she also oversaw the successful merger with the Laurel Valley Middle/ High School.

Dr. Oldham earned a bachelor's degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree from Delaware State University, and a doctorate degree from Wilmington College. As she retires on June 30, 2021, Dr. Oldham will mark 13 years of service to Ligonier Valley students, teachers, staff, and families. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I thank Dr. Oldham for her steadfast service to our community. As Dr. Oldham embarks on the next chapter of her life, I wish her every continued happiness.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate new Bedford County Commissioner Alan Frederick of Rainsburg, Pennsylvania on his appointment for this role, in which he is slated to serve through 2023.

Commissioner Frederick has been a resident of Bedford County since 1952. He has worked on his family farm for his entire life as a dairy and grain farmer. Commissioner Frederick also has also served on the boards of several economic and community organizations. Prior to his selection as Commissioner, he had served as a board member of the Bedford County Development Association for 11 years, including one year as chairman. He also has served as a board member for the Bedford Farm Bureau Co-Op for 10 years, including four years as president. Additionally, he served as a board member for the Pennsylvania Beef Council for six years, including one year as chairman. In recognition of this service, he received the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer of the Year Award in 2008.

As Commissioner Frederick begins his tenure on the Bedford County Board of Commissioners, I thank him for his willingness to serve our region and wish him the best in this endeavor.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Anthony Bullet on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission.

The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Bullet in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Bullet for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Thomas Guisler on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission.

The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Guisler in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Guisler for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Adam Steele on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission.

The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Steele in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Steele for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ned Crafts on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission.

The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal

rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Crafts in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Crafts for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ray Ghaner on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission.

The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Ghaner in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Ghaner for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Tammy Stuber on her appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission.

The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Ms. Stuber in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Ms. Stuber for her leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate her on being appointed to this commission.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Altoona Police Chief Janice Freehling on her retirement.

Chief Freehling has honorably served the Altoona Police Department for more than 44 years. During her career, she has held the following positions: Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and most recently Chief.

In 2001, she was promoted to Chief of the department and is the first woman to serve in

the position. Under her leadership, the Altoona Police Department has persevered through challenges and experienced much success. Specifically, Chief Freehling has been recognized for her excellent management of the department, as well as her work to modernize the department with 21st century tools and training. Thanks to Chief Freehling's hard work and dedication, the City of Altoona is a safe community to live, work, and raise a family.

As Chief Freehling retires on March 1--the 20th anniversary of her promotion to Chief--our community celebrates this servant-hearted leader. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, it is my privilege to thank Chief Freehling and honor her longstanding service to the City of Altoona. As Chief Freehling embarks on a new chapter, I congratulate her on her retirement and wish her every continued happiness.