[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 19, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING COLONEL FRANK S. VAJDA, MASON DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CIVIC 
                      ASSOCIATIONS MAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2004

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Colonel Frank S. Vajda on winning the Mason District Council of Civic 
Associations' Man of the Year award. This special honor is truly well-
deserved.
  Colonel Vajda first relocated to Fairfax County following his 
retirement from the United States Air Force after 28 years. He quickly 
became active in both volunteer and community activities, demonstrating 
a strong commitment to improving Fairfax County. Currently a member of 
the Court of Camelot Civic Association, Colonel Vajda has also served 
the organization as president. Moreover, Colonel Vajda founded and 
continues to orchestrate Camelot's annual holiday charity fund drive in 
support of the Children's Hospital.
  With community safety as a top priority, Colonel Vajda has served on 
the Camelot Neighborhood Watch Group for the past 15 years. As the 
organization's current coordinator, Colonel Vajda has tirelessly upheld 
the highest standards of care in the nation's oldest continuously 
active watch group. Furthermore, he organized and promoted the first 
park watch group at Pine Ridge, a local neighborhood park. Stemming 
from Mr. Vajda's efforts, the Park Authority, the Fairfax County 
Police, and the Rose Purple have effectively established the county-
wide PARKWATCH system.
  Since 1997, Colonel Vajda has notably contributed to the Friends of 
Mason District Park as a member of the Steering Committee. His other 
efforts include acting as a park volunteer for the Mason District Park 
Festival, the Spring Egg Hunt, and the Spotlight by Starlight summer 
concert series. Colonel Vajda's actions have ensured that all of these 
events were carried out in a safe and secure environment.
  In 1998, Colonel Vajda was selected as the Mason District 
Representative to the Public Safety and Park Bond Referendum Committee. 
On this committee, his duties included speaking commitments informing 
county voters as to the purpose of the bonds during many speaking 
commitments. In 2001, Colonel Vajda extended the scope of 
responsibilities upon his appointment to the Park Authority Board. He 
continues to maintain the highest standards of service and dedication 
to this group.
  Throughout his accomplished career of service, Colonel Vajda has 
received numerous awards including the 1998 Elly Doyle Park Service 
Award on the Pine Ridge Park Green Team.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks 
to Colonel Vajda for his extensive service to the Mason District. His 
contributions and efforts are much appreciated and greatly admired. I 
call upon my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colonel Vajda on 
his award and in wishing him the best of luck in all future endeavors.




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