[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 126 (Thursday, July 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE CAPITAL BELTWAY WARRIORS ICE HOCKEY TEAM

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                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2018

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Capital Beltway 
Warriors, based in Loudoun County, Virginia in my district. The 
Warriors recently participated in the USA Hockey, Disabled Hockey 
Festival, where the team took 1st place in the Warrior C Division. The 
team based in Loudoun County provides opportunities for disabled 
veterans in the National Capital Region including Northern Virginia, 
Southern Maryland, and Washington, D.C. to learn and play ice hockey.
  The Capital Beltway Warriors were founded in May 2017 by Mike 
Vaccaro, Rob Worringer, Jerry Leger, Matt Holben, and David Dixon. 
Since then, the Capital Beltway Warriors have had a leading role in the 
rehabilitation needs of our local veterans wounded in the defense of 
the United States by providing opportunities to play ice hockey with 
their fellow veterans. As of today, there are 45 active Members of the 
Capital Beltway Warriors.
  The Capital Beltway Warriors have fostered a camaraderie amongst 
teammates and their commitment to our community is exceptional. This 
rehabilitation program for our service members is extremely inspiring 
to see as the Warriors improve the quality of life for our veterans and 
bring awareness of the incredible sacrifices made every day by our 
service members. The team also provides education on veteran care and 
benefits and assists in communication with veterans' service 
organizations. The Capital Beltway Warriors have left a lasting impact 
on the lives of many of our community's service members and, today, we 
celebrate their many achievements.
  This past April, the Capital Beltway Warriors competed against twelve 
teams from across the country and brought home a victory as they became 
Standing Warrior C Division Champions. The Capital Beltways Warriors 
prevailed over the Deluth Warriors 5-3 to capture the Championship. The 
Capital Beltway Warriors hockey program has certainly earned this 
distinct honor, and we applaud them.
  I want to commend the Capital Beltway Warriors excellent leadership, 
coaching staff, and players for their achievements. Congratulations to 
President David Dixon, Major, U.S. Army Retired and Board of Directors 
Jay Bottelson, Captain, U.S. Navy Retired; Matthew Holben, Veteran, 
U.S. Army; Michael Vaccaro, U.S. Army Reserve, Veteran U.S.M.C.; and 
Damien Windt, Veteran, U.S. Army for your hard work and leadership. I 
also want to commend the following players for earning the Championship 
title: David Dixon, Jason Brooks, Damien Windt, Jay Bottelson, Matthew 
Holben, John Bass, Joey Martell, Jon Bonar, Cody Parker, Michael 
Vaccaro, Chad Reesey, Chris Whipple, Michael Agostini, Matthew 
Patterson, and Brandon Swenson.
  The Capital Beltway Warriors team has made Loudoun County and 
Virginia's Tenth Congressional District proud. Winning a championship 
is an extraordinary achievement, and it attests to the team's 
noteworthy athletic talent, commitment to teamwork, tireless 
dedication, and determination to succeed.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Capital 
Beltway Warriors for winning the Standing Warrior C Division of the 
14th USA Hockey, Disabled Hockey Festival and representing our region 
with such distinction. I would also like to thank the Capital Beltway 
Warriors for their commitment to our veterans wounded in the defense of 
the United States; and I wish them all the best in their future 
endeavors.

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