Candidate for U.S. Representative 12th Congressional District, PA

Meet Ron

Greetings to everyone who has clicked thru this far:

Chances are you’ve already perused my biography and realize my life has been an eclectic mixture of entrepreneurial, educational and thrilling experiences. I’ve been blessed in many ways, starting with a family that has been loving and supportive my entire life.

I was born in Johnstown’s Mercy Hospital in 1960. My father was employed as a foreman at Bethlehem Steel’s scrap yard in Franklin Borough before retiring after 28 years service. He is also well known in Johnstown as a recently retired manager of the Men’s Suits Department at Boscov’s in The Galleria Mall, Richland. My mother received an LPN from Juniata College, Huntingdon County, but spent the large majority of my life as a homemaker on Benshoff Hill. My sister Susie is also a life-long local resident, who now resides in Jennerstown with her husband, Braden, and their four children: Evan, Kira, Bryce and Declan.

At age 11, I was baptized at Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, where my mother still shares duties as an organist and pianist. My own musical abilities were explored by way of both organ and piano lessons at the former Fulton’s Music Store in Richland, but soon took a back seat to sports when I entered the sixth Grade. At an early age I played football and wrestled, two sports that I continued to enjoy thru high school. While I was no where near the runner my father was, I also ran track and enjoyed the team aspect of all three sports.

One of my most memorable childhood experiences was a month-long trip to England with my maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Jean Jones of Ebensburg. Traveling thru New York’s JFK Airport; Heathrow Airport in London; Wales and Paris, France; was the chance of a lifetime for an 11-year-old from Middle Taylor Township. I point to this trip as an experience that would shape my sense of adventure for the rest of my life.

My grandfather, Lawrence “Pop” Jones, was a coalminer, who had an eighth grade education before serving in the US Navy. He eventually earned a college degree at night school, while I was in middle school, and went on to become a state mine inspector. My grandmother was the quintessential “Gram” and was a true family matriarch in every way. Her tenacity and fortitude were character traits I’ve tried to emulate all my life.

My paternal grandparents were from the city’s West End. Ray Mackell was also a steel worker and my grandmother “Bubs” was a homemaker.

After graduating high school, and working a year at The Tribune-Democrat, I enlisted in the US Air Force. I spent four years at the former Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, and subsequently received an honorable discharge. The essence of a brotherhood and bond of comrades that I experienced there has truly lasted my entire lifetime. I’ve maintained close ties with several of my fellow servicemen, including my closest confidant and friend, Norman Buckner, who is now a self-employed trucker traveling the nation in an 18-wheeler. I entered the service without any secondary education, and as such spent my entire time as an enlisted man. That is why, when my daughters expressed an interest in becoming pilots, I helped guide my youngest, Jenifer, toward the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Col. She was one of the more driven individuals I’ve ever met, and as such graduated the academy with honors in 2005. After completing the requisite Undergraduate Pilot Training Program, she is now stationed in Alaska where she flies C-17s. My oldest daughter, Jami, followed the civilian path of higher education, and graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. She too is an impressive young lady, and is currently employed as a commercial aviator today.

My fiancé Elides, a native of the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico, and I enjoy traveling and have recently visited a number of presidential libraries, including: the George Bush Library in College Station, Texas; the Lyndon Johnson Library in Austin, Texas; and the Bill Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. We’ve also just returned from visits to Jamaica, the Grand Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico.

Since catching the travel bug from my grandparents, I’ve made a point of taking as many educational and exploratory adventures as I could afford. From Hawaii to Paris, France, I’ve tried to delve into the culture of a variety of towns and countries across the globe, while enjoying the character and personalities of all those I’ve met along the way.

I look forward to discussing the important issues that face our town, our region and our country with each of you as this campaign season progresses. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of my campaign committee with questions or comments about this year’s election or substantive issues of concern to you.

Thank you for taking the time to read these pages and get to know me a little better. I hope you will help support this effort and get involved, either by making a donation or signing up to get out the word throughout Western Pennsylvania in the coming months.

From Feb. 16th thru March 9th, we’ll be hitting the streets, circulating petitions to get my name on the ballot. So if you’re a registered Democratic voter in the 12th Congressional District, we’d love to hear from you and work together toward making our home District the best it can be for many more years to come.

With warmest regards,