[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 21, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E967-E968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA VETERANS 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the one-year 
anniversary of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association.
   The Northern Virginia Veterans Association (NOVA Vets) officially 
launched on May 16, 2015, Armed Forces Day. With a diverse membership 
comprised of veterans, active military, service connected family 
members, community residents, and businesses, NOVA Vets' mission is to 
provide veterans with a comprehensive network of local resources by 
providing a continuum of services. Specifically, NOVA Vets provides 
care and support in the areas of reintegration, healthcare, employment, 
education, family/caregiver support, legal services, housing 
assistance, and community engagement.
   Signature programs include offering reintegration programs at Fort 
Belvoir and Marine Corps Base Quantico, military care and resource 
training for civilian medical/healthcare providers, suicide awareness, 
and Veterans Helping Veterans.
   Reintegration Program: Each reintegration program provides 24 months 
of comprehensive support to service members and their families 
relocating to or staying in Northern Virginia to ease the transition 
from activity duty. Over the course of the two-year cycle, data 
collection is used to determine what areas of support are needed to 
ensure comprehensive support and quality of life.
   Military Care and Healthcare Resource Training Program: The in-
person training provides insight and details needed to effectively 
treat and communicate with the veteran and military population. In 
addition, civilian health care providers are educated on health 
resources available at the local, state, and federal levels for 
veterans and service-connected members of the community.
   Suicide Awareness Program: Throughout the year, NOVA Vets offer 
suicide prevention initiatives to include the screening of military

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documentaries and Mental Health First-Aid classes to ensure people are 
educated on the signs and symptoms of potential suicide and know how to 
assist a veteran, friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker in a 
time of crisis.
   Veterans Helping Veterans Program: The program is a formalized 
network providing skill-based veteran volunteers with non-profits who 
assist veterans both directly and indirectly.
   It is my honor to submit the names of the charter members of the 
Northern Virginia Veterans Association:
   Angela McConnell, Doug Earhart, Tom Benjamin, Scott Cox, Carol 
McKnight, Matt Paschal, Greg Schumacher, Kathy Schumacher, Rick Bockes, 
Polly Sherard, Rich Nagel, Rick Haney, Toby Terrill, Cameron Dougherty, 
Robin Kelleher, Gwendolyn Bush, Larry Zilliox, Henry Patterson, Mike 
May, Emma Artis, Lee D'Orlando, Diana Paguaga, Cindy Fox, Anthony 
Garris, Gerald Mazur, Rob Cork, Mike Allen, Mina Little, Dave Mather, 
Daniela Horsman, Jerome Atger, Brooke Ray, Aminata Jah, Marianne 
Catina, Al Alborn, Stephen Prasser, Erika Laos, Don Howell, John 
Murray, Ariel Goldchain, Christine Garris, Hope For The Warriors, 
HealthSouth Hospital, Semper K9, Access National Bank, VITAS Hospital, 
Core Chiropractic, Fauquier Chamber of Commerce, Neighbor's Keeper, 
Brain Injury Services, Fauquier Economic Development Center, Catoctin 
Estate Planning, Freedom Museum, Juncture Consulting, Habitat for 
Humanity-Prince William County, Atlantic Low Vision, Quarterly Advisory 
Committee Motorcycle Collaborative, Project Mend A House, The Better 
Brain Center, Volunteers of America, Men of War Motorcycle Club, Action 
in Community Through Service of Prince William, Inc., American Red 
Cross, Comfort Keepers, and Hylton Performing Arts Center.
   Veterans can often feel abandoned and confused after being 
discharged. Navigating the maze of services and programs that are 
available can be daunting, and reintegrating into civilian life can be 
overwhelming. These factors, especially when combined with the effects 
of traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder, can lead 
to depression, substance abuse, anger management issues, and even 
suicide. This is why programs like NOVA Vets are so important and 
deserving of our support.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 
individuals, organizations, and businesses that comprise the Northern 
Virginia Veterans Association and in thanking them for their dedication 
and commitment to our veteran community.

                          ____________________