[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 108 (Monday, July 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  2015 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS FOR THE EASTERN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY 
                 DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS CHAPTER 48

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2015 installation 
of officers for the Eastern Prince William County Disabled American 
Veterans Chapter 48. Surrounded by the Pentagon, U.S. Army Garrison 
Fort Belvoir, and the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Chapter 48 plays a 
vital role in the lives of the more than 50,000 veterans and active 
duty service members residing in Prince William County.
   It is with great honor I submit the names of the following Chapter 
48 Officers:
   Commander--Ron Burgess
   Senior Vice Commander--Ben Petrone
   Junior Vice Commander--Darin Dsouza
   Treasurer--Tim Perry
   Chaplain--Kristi Pappas
   Established by Congressional charter over 90 years ago, the DAV 
serves as an organization of veterans dedicated to ensuring the general 
well being of disabled military veterans of the United States Armed 
Forces and their families. Operating independently of federal funding, 
the DAV Organization consists of more than 1900 local chapters and 1.2 
million members. Whether it be assistance with filing disability 
compensation claims or transportation assistance to ensure the safe 
transport of wounded or ill veterans to their medical appointments, the 
DAV is readily available for veterans in need.
   While a new executive board has been elected, the mission of Chapter 
48 remains in alignment with that of the national DAV: ``empowering 
veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.'' Over 
the past 30 years, Chapter 48 has donated over $200,000 to the Hunter 
Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond to 
ensure access to a full range of benefits for veterans and their 
families as well as public education programs on the sacrifices and 
needs of veterans as they transition back into civilian life.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleague join me in recognizing the men 
and women of the Eastern Prince William Court Disabled American 
Veterans Chapter 48 for their service to our country and steadfast 
commitment to their fellow heroes of the Armed Services.

                          ____________________