Vice President Pence visits Oberg Industries in Buffalo Twp., addresses pandemic shutdown, 'law and order'

Vice President Mike Pence held an Alle-Kiski Valley manufacturing company up as an example to be followed as the nation reopens from the covid-19 pandemic.

Pence spoke for about a half-hour before a crowd of 100 to 110 employees and apprentices at Oberg Industries in Buffalo Township, which the conservative group America First Policies chose as the first stop of its “Great American Comeback Tour.”

America First Policies promotes the policy agenda of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Oberg is owned by Cliff Forrest, who also owns Rosebud Mining in Armstrong County and has contributed heavily to Republican causes.

“Thank you for being a great American company,” Pence said. “A company that’s supporting our military, supplying our health care professionals and a company that through one of the most challenging times in my lifetime, you kept the work going, you operated as an essential service.”

Pence said that Oberg “plays a critical role” in supporting the nation’s health and security — making tooling for aluminum food cans; making parts critical for knee and hip replacements and neck and back surgeries; and making parts used in ammunition for the military, for the Abrams A1 tank, Ohio-class nuclear submarines and the F-15 fighter jet.

His remarks came after a discussion among three Republican Pennsylvania congressmen — Mike Kelly, Guy Reschenthaler, and Glenn Thompson — on the reopening of the economy.

Pence was touring Oberg’s facilities during the discussion, much of which focused on the challenge and threat China presents to America, economically and militarily, and reducing taxes and regulations.

“There’s free trade, and there’s China,” Reschenthaler said. “It’s hard to compete when they subsidize industries. We’ve got to make sure we hold China accountable.”

They spoke of the need to return manufacturing to the U.S. instead of relying on other nations. Reschenthaler touted the value of vocational education and the benefits of apprenticeship programs, such as one at Oberg that Pence noted later.

“I will bet you the average American citizen is willing to pay more if it’s made in America,” Kelly said.

Without naming any, they faulted state governors for turning off the economy during the pandemic. Reschenthaler said governors and bureaucrats turned into “petty tyrants.”

Kelly, himself recovered from covid-19, said the nation needs to now conquer its fear of the virus and get back to work.

“It’s time to get the lights back on,” Thompson said.

Before appearing at Oberg, Pence noted he had stopped at David’s Diner in Springdale Township, where he said he had “maybe the best Reuben I’ve ever had in my life.”

Pence’s remarks

“I’m here to tell you Pennsylvania, a great American comeback has begun and you’re leading the way,” Pence said. “As I stand before you today, every state in America has already begun to reopen for business and nearly three-quarters of America’s small businesses have also begun to reopen.”

Pence touted Trump’s actions in addressing covid-19.

“The truth is, because of what we all did together as a nation, we slowed the spread, we flattened the curve, we saved lives,” he said. “And every single day we’re one day closer to putting this coronavirus in the past.”

Pence said the administration will make “law and order” a centerpiece of the nation’s comeback.

“What happened to George Floyd in Minneapolis is a tragedy. It shocked the conscience of the nation. President Trump’s made it clear, justice will be served,” he said. “There’s no excuse for what happened to George Floyd. There’s also no excuse for rioting and looting and the violence that ensued here in Pittsburgh and around the country.”

Pence said the administration respects the concerns of peaceful protesters and will continue to listen.

“We’re going to learn and we’re going to lead,” he said. “But we’re not going to defund the police.”

Pence said a hero of his youth was an uncle who was a Chicago police officer for 25 years.

“Most of the men and women who serve in law enforcement every single day, who put on the uniform and stand on the thin blue line, are really the best of us,” he said.

Pence touted what the Trump administration has done to better the lives of African Americans, who he said “have labored under failed policies of liberal Democratic leadership.”

“We’re going to work to expand jobs and opportunities and education excellence for African American families and all the families of our major cities,” he said. “We’re going to build on the progress we’ve made.”

The Alle-Kiski Valley reacts

Oberg idled for the day. A limited number of its 700 to 800 local employees were able to attend.

“I think it was great,” said Brianna Williamson, of Worthington, a safety engineer at Oberg for two years. “I like what he said. I like the vision, to bring things back to America.”

Oberg communications manager Ken Eck said Pence’s remarks were positive and uplifting, and that the company was honored to have him appear.

“I really was impressed that he took the time to recognize and mention some of our employees,” he said. “We’re really proud of our apprenticeship program. It was nice that he recognized that.”

Ron Cooper, an Oberg machinist who has worked there for 25 years, said employees were surprised and shocked that Pence would come to their company.

“To meet the vice president or see him in person is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Mike Myers, of Apollo, who said he’s worked as a quality inspector at Oberg for just two months.

A handful of Trump supporters held signs across North Pike Road (Route 356) before Pence arrived.

“I just wanted to see the vice president. I live only 12 miles away,” said Steve Green, of Butler and a retired corrections chaplain from Pence’s home state of Indiana. “To me, it’s just amazing he’s coming here.”