[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE VFW POST 7327 AMERICANISM AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars Post 7327 in Springfield, Virginia and the winners of its 
annual Americanism Awards. As combat veterans, members of this post 
understand the importance of patriotism and public service, and they 
have continued their legacy of service right here in our community.
  Through programs like Adopt-a-Unit, clothing drives, America's 
Promise--Alliance for Youth, the March of Dimes, volunteering with 
local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, and many others, nearly two 
million VFW members worldwide continue to contribute to their fellow 
veterans as well others in our community.
  Each year VFW Post 7327 recognizes the winners of the Patriot's Pen, 
in which students from grades 6-8 are encouraged to examine our 
nation's history as well as their own experiences in modern American 
society. The VFW also recognizes the winners of the Voice of Democracy 
contest. Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy provides students 
from grades 9-12 the opportunity to voice their opinions on democratic 
ideas and principles through spoken essays.
  VFW Post 7327 also recognizes Teachers of the Year, members of the 
local police and fire departments, and local businesses who have 
supported the military and veterans.
  On behalf of the 11th District of Virginia, I commend the members and 
auxiliary of VFW Post 7327 for their ongoing service to our country and 
community, and I congratulate the following honorees on their awards:


                             Patriot's Pen

       1st Place--Melanie M. Jimenez.
       2nd Place--Ella S. Harrison.
       3rd Place--Grace F. Lemley.


                           Voice of Democracy

       1st Place--Abigail E. Mills.
       2nd Place--Cynthia L. Johns.
       3rd Place--Diana L. Haemer.


                          Teachers of the Year

       Elementary--Donna Ruggles.
       Middle School--Beauregard Patrick Fay.


                          Public Safety Awards

       Master Police Officer James ``JT'' Frey.
       Emergency Medical Technician Susan Yu.
       Advanced Life Support Medical Technician Victor Popovich.


                      Community Americanism Awards

       Kenneth Morrissette, Jr., Interstate International.
       Matt Rose, The Forge Brew Works.
       Bruce Donato, K&A First Aid and Safety.
       John Blake, K&A First Aid and Safety.

  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking VFW Post 
7327 for its continued efforts on behalf of our community and in 
congratulating the honorees of the 2016 Americanism Awards.

                          ____________________