Kelly honors Crawford County veterans' organization leaders as first 2026 Community Champions

MEADVILLE, PA -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) recognized Phil and Laurie Davis as the first Community Champions of 2026. Phil is the Commander of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 52 in Meadville and, together with his wife Laurie, have dedicated themselves to serving veterans in Crawford County.

"Our 16th Congressional District is full of incredible service-minded military veterans and service members, and Phil and Laurie sure exemplify that. I want to thank them for their service for their incredible service to our local veterans and for their years of dedication to our country and to the Crawford County community," said Rep. Kelly.

Under Phil's and Laurie's leadership, The Post has packed boxes and sent them to deployed services members for 25 years. They have held a POW/MIA recognition day vigil and Motorcycle ride every year for over 27 years, and other community and veteran-related events. Additionally, they are one of the only Color Guard that perform Military Honors for veterans that pass away. Phil and Laurie operate these initiatives only by donations and their Saturday Dinners to raise money.

Additionally, Phil served in the United States Army from 1970-1971, during which time he was deployed to Vietnam.

You can read Rep. Kelly's full remarks about Phil and Laurie in the Congressional Record here.

Learn more about the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 52 in Meadville here.

BACKGROUND

The Community Champion Award is a citation instituted by the Office of U.S. Representative Mike Kelly in January 2015 to recognize and thank service-minded individuals throughout Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District for selfless and significant contributions to their surrounding communities.

Each winner is presented with an official award plaque from Rep. Kelly's office, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building, and a statement of congratulations entered into the official Congressional Record.