[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E4-E5]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPRINGFIELD CHAPTER 893, NATIONAL 
                ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2004

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 40th anniversary of Chapter 893 of the National Association of 
Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), located in Springfield, Virginia.
  NARFE is a multi-tiered, political, nonpartisan organization 
dedicated to preserving the earned retirement benefits of all Federal 
civilians. Membership eligibility includes current, former, and retired 
Federal civilians, as well as their spouses and survivor annuitants. 
Chapter 893 is one of over 1600 NARFE chapters nationwide.
  From December 1963 to October 2003, the Springfield Chapter grew from 
14 to 1,793 members, making it the fifth largest NARFE chapter. The 
majority of Chapter 893 members reside in the Springfield area; 
however, nearly 200 members reside outside Virginia, with two members 
in the Netherlands and Canada, respectively.
  Over the years, Chapter 893 has become one of the most active in 
NARFE. It long has

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been and continues to be dynamic, progressive, and energetic, 
overcoming every challenge it faces. Chapter members have had a strong 
voice in many national and local legislative issues.
  The Springfield Chapter approaches all issues in a realistic and 
humanitarian manner. Its members have worked tirelessly for the 
benefits of Federal retirees and all elderly, cooperating with local, 
State, and Federal agencies to do so.
  While Chapter 893 always has placed emphasis on fulfilling primary 
NARFE functions, its members have not neglected local community needs. 
Chapter 893 members have volunteered countless hours at hospitals, 
libraries, blood drives, meals on wheels, and local elections. 
Beginning in 1987, Chapter members most generously have contributed to 
Alzheimer's Research, the charity of choice by NARFE nationwide. They 
participate in dollars and miles to the local area Alzheimer's Memory 
Walk, bringing in roughly $1,000 each year.
  Over the course of its successful history, the Springfield Chapter 
has benefited from many dynamic, accomplished leaders. Several past 
presidents have been elected as officers or appointed committee chairs 
of the NARFE Virginia Federation of Chapters. Others have served in 
civic, professional, or fraternal organizations locally. Most notable 
are the accomplishments of past presidents David F. Sullivan, Vincent 
Agnelli, and Milton Kramer. Past President Sullivan was elected NARFE 
National Secretary in 2000 and 2002. Past President Agnelli served on 
an ad hoc committee influential in the 1993 Virginia State Supreme 
Court litigant tax refund issue. And Past President Kramer played a 
major role in organizing the Northern Virginia Caucus of Chapters.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Chapter 893 on 
40 years of success. They have become a strong organization committed 
to serving the interests of their members and their community. I call 
upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the chapter members' past 
accomplishments and in wishing Chapter 893 the best of luck in the many 
years to come.

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