[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TO RECOGNIZE VFW POST 7327 AND THE 2013 AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Springfield 
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7327 and the recipients of its 2013 
Annual Awards.
  The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its beginnings to 1899 when 
veterans of the Spanish American War established local organizations to 
bring awareness to their service and to advocate for veterans 
retirement benefits and improved medical care. Today, with membership 
of 2.2 million at approximately 8,100 posts worldwide, the VFW 
continues its efforts to support the men and women who have served our 
great country in uniform and their families.
  The VFW has a distinguished record of service to the broader 
community. The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million 
hours of volunteerism every year. In this field of champions, the 
Springfield VFW Post 7327 stands out for the depth of its commitment to 
our community.
  Often called ``The Friendliest VFW Post in Virginia,'' Post 7327 has 
one of the most aggressive ADOPT-A UNIT programs in the entire VFW 
organization to support our service members stationed overseas. VFW 
Post 7327 visits the VA hospital at least quarterly; bringing along 
goodie bags for our Wounded Warriors. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, 
VFW Post 7327 adopts military families in need through the USO and 
provides them with meal baskets for each holiday, Christmas gifts for 
all the children, commissary cards for the parents, and a Christmas 
party where the children can meet Santa and receive a gift filled 
stocking. The Ladies Auxiliary members collect, sort, and distribute 
more than 2,000 pieces of clothing each month to various charitable 
organizations. VFW Post 7327 is a strong supporter of local youth 
organizations including the Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Little League 
Baseball that contribute greatly to the education and well being of our 
children.
  Each year, VFW Post 7327 bestows awards to outstanding local citizens 
in recognition of their extraordinary actions and dedication. I 
congratulate the following individuals on receiving these 2013 Awards:
  Teachers of the Year: Erin Poppe and Michael Walser.
  Voice of Democracy: 1st Place: Michael D. Marriott, 2nd Place: 
Kathryn Cummins.
  Patriot's Pen: 1st Place: Shane David King, 2nd Place: Sion Kim, 3rd 
Place: Rishon A. Elliott.
  Police Officer of the Year: George Joca.
  Emergency Medical Technician of the Year: Kayla Thompson.
  VFW Post 7327 has also recognized JW & Friends Restaurant and the 
Northern Virginia Surgery Center for their continued support to the 
Post and its Ladies Auxiliary.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 2013 Awardees 
and in thanking the members, Ladies Auxiliary, and supporters of VFW 
Post 7327 for their continued service to our country and our community.

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