[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 169 (Thursday, October 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2017 
                 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 
2nd Annual Distinguished Service Awards. I applaud the Northern 
Virginia Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring these awards. Celebrating 
the achievements of our veterans is important because our veterans in 
Northern Virginia have sacrificed so much for our community and our 
nation. It is critical that we all take the steps to honor and uphold 
the sacred agreement between our society and our veterans. I am honored 
to recognize the following individuals for their service to our 
community:
  Veteran Business Mentorship Award: Community Business Partnership: 
Community Business Partnership has been an incredible tool for veterans 
considering starting a small business and veteran business owners in 
Virginia. Their Veteran Business Outreach Centers demonstrate their 
dedication to our community by setting up veterans with training, 
counseling, and necessary resources for success. These centers also 
offer regular opportunities for veteran business owners to network and 
collaborate. The mentorship provided at these centers has been 
exceptional and critical to supporting those who have dedicated their 
lives to our country.
  Meritorious Veteran Owned Business (Emerging): Semper K9: After six 
oversea deployments, founder Christopher Baity has sought to provide 
trained service dogs to physically and emotionally support veterans and 
their families. His nonprofit gives veterans with physical impairments 
or PTSD dogs who can assist them. This service is so important because 
our veterans deserve all the support they can get when dealing with 
physical and emotional hardship after service.
  Meritorious Veteran Owned Business (Established): Strategy and 
Management Services, Inc. (SAMS): SAMS is an exceptionally charitable 
and active organization in our Northern Virginia community that 
produces sustainable careers and annual community service programs. 
SAMS promotes social awareness and volunteerism through a variety of 
volunteer programs, which raise money, collect donations, and provide 
food services for Virginians who need it most. This organization is so 
important to our community for its support and for providing the 
opportunity for Virginians to volunteer and give back to the greater 
community.
  Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr. Jerry D. Norris, Battlespace, Inc.: 
As president of Battlespace, Inc., Mr. Norris is responsible for 
negotiating, overseeing, managing and directing all aspects of 
corporate business. Prior to his career in the private sector, Mr. 
Norris served in the United States Navy for 28 years, retiring in 1992 
as a Captain. After his retirement from the Navy, he focused his 
energies on improving the business landscape in Northern Virginia, 
serving as Chairman of both the Arlington Economic Development 
Commission and the Crystal City Business Improvement District. Mr. 
Norris also served as a member of the Arlington BRAC Transition Working 
Group, helping the community respond and re-orient itself to the new 
realities of BRAC.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these 
incredible individuals and in congratulating them on their awards. 
Civic engagement is the foundation of a healthy community, and Fairfax 
County residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life due in part to 
the efforts of these individuals. The contributions and leadership of 
these honorees have been a great benefit to our community and truly 
merit our highest praise.

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