[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1106-E1107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF DAVID LYNCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 1997

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today and pay tribute to one of northern Virginia's outstanding 
citizens, David Lynch. David is retiring after 50 years of Federal 
service to the U.S. Marine Corps and the Postal Service.
  David Joined the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1947 and served 21 
years in posts throughout the world including China, Korea, Vietnam, 
the Mediterranean region, and Puerto Rico. He served in the Korean war 
at Inchon where he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat 
V recognition. Dave's entire military career was with the Fleet Marine 
Force except for his one tour of duty at Marine Corps Headquarters. He 
retired from the Marines in December 1967 and settled in the Woodbridge 
area.
  Dave is a longtime resident of Dale City and has been very active in 
his community. In 1968 Dave joined the U.S. Postal Service as a letter 
carrier. He took this position because it allowed him to keep in close 
contact with the people in his community. The greatest testimony to his 
friendliness is exemplified by the children of Dale City. When Dave 
appears on his route, children rush to greet him with, ``Hi, Mr. 
Sunshine.'' During his time as a letter carrier Dave has helped rescue 
small puppies from storm drains, helped lost children find their way 
home, and has fortunately not been bitten by a dog.

[[Page E1107]]

  One of Dave's most spectacular achievements is the Safety Program. As 
the Safety Chairman, Dave transformed the program to one of the best 
working offices in Virginia. He spent much of his own personal time 
bringing the program to the local elementary schools where he 
demonstrated the importance of safety in our community by inviting fire 
marshals and police in for safety lectures, as well as providing 
helpful literature to the elementary schoolchildren.
  Dave has been an active member in many veteran organizations such as 
the American Legion Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Marine 
Corps League. In 1977, he was appointed the National Deputy Chief of 
Staff of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During the past 3 years, he 
conducted a highly successful Santa Letter Writing Program that won a 
national award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The program has grown 
to such proportions that it was turned over to the Salvation Army this 
past year. Dave is the founder of the Potomac Region Veteran's Council 
and was chairman for 2 years. He was instrumental in having a county 
park and road, the Veterans Memorial Park and Drive in Woodbridge, VA, 
named after veterans to honor their service to this Nation. In 1975, 
Dave was awarded the George Dalby Trophy as the outstanding veteran for 
the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  Dave's two most outstanding accomplishments were his State and 
district support of the new National Cemetery at Quantico, VA, and his 
efforts for the continued support of funding to the Rehabilitation 
Center for Alcoholics at Lorton.
  Dave has been instrumental in the growth of the Woodbridge community. 
He was influential in the planning and construction of the Dale City 
Recreation Center, a $1.2 million project dedicated to the youth of 
Dale City. Dave was also a key player in planning the successful 
preservation of the old court house site, Brentsville, Cedar Run, 
Grayson's Monument, and Lee Monument.
  David Lynch is a remarkable man whose contributions to his community 
and his country as a leader and volunteer have made a great difference. 
I know my colleagues join me in honoring this outstanding man.

                          ____________________