[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 175 (Wednesday, December 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPRINGFIELD CHAPTER 893 OF THE 
           NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 11, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th Anniversary 
of Chapter 893 of the National Association of Active and Retired 
Federal Employees (NARFE), based in Springfield, Virginia.
  Founded in 1921, NARFE is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to 
protecting and enhancing the earned pay, retirement, and health care 
benefits of federal employees and retirees as well as their spouses and 
survivors. Springfield Chapter 893 is one of more than 1600 NARFE 
chapters nationwide.
  The Charter for Chapter 893 was issued December 31, 1963. At that 
time, there were 14 members. Today, the Chapter membership has grown to 
become the largest of the 59 chapters in Virginia, with nearly 1,400 
voting members. Chapter members have had a strong voice in many 
national and local legislative issues affecting Federal retirees, 
senior citizens and the public at large.
  While Chapter 893 has always emphasized fulfilling the primary NARFE 
mission, its members have also made invaluable contributions to our 
Northern Virginia community. Chapter 893 members have volunteered 
countless hours at hospitals and libraries, and they have worked with 
local non-profit organizations to support blood drives and Meals on 
Wheels programs. Since 1987, members have contributed generously to 
Alzheimer's Research, the charity of choice for NARFE nationwide. In 
1992, members first participated in the local area Alzheimer's Memory 
Walk, which has raised approximately $1,000 annually for several years. 
In 2009, members began participating in the collection of warm clothing 
items for homeless veterans for the Washington, DC, Veterans 
Administration Medical Center. That same year, the Chapter began 
supporting the National Association of Letter Carriers ``Stamp Out 
Hunger'' program.
  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. Particularly 
noteworthy are the accomplishments of past presidents Milton Kramer, 
Vincent Agnelli, David Sullivan, Charles Delaplane, and Ann M. Collins. 
Past President Kramer played a major role in organizing the Northern 
Virginia Caucus of Chapters in 1993. Past President Agnelli served on 
an ad hoc committee influential in the 1993 Virginia Supreme Court 
Federal retiree tax refund issue. Past President Sullivan served on the 
Board of the Virginia Federation of Chapters (VFC) for several years 
and subsequently was elected NARFE National Secretary in 2000 and again 
in 2002. Past President Charles Delaplane served on the Board of the 
VFC for several years and chaired the National Legislation Committee at 
the 2008 and 2010 NARFE National Conventions. Past President Collins 
served on the Board of the VFC and subsequently was elected VFC 
President for 2 terms (2005-2007). In 2006 as VFC President she 
established NARFE VFC Congressional District Liaisons for the 11 
congressional districts in Virginia as well as a Senatorial Liaison. 
Also, Past President Collins was appointed as a delegate to the 2005 
White House Conference on Aging to represent the 11th Congressional 
District of Virginia.
  The 11th Congressional District of Virginia, due to its proximity to 
Washington, DC, is home to a significant number of Federal employees 
and retirees and I am honored to represent these dedicated and 
honorable public servants in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. 
Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating NARFE 
Springfield Chapter 893 on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary and in 
thanking the members for their unwavering support and dedication to 
Federal employees, retirees, and their families.

                          ____________________