[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 160 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1318-E1319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF LANCE AND KARLA MORRELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Lance and Karla 
Morrell on the occasion of their Golden Anniversary. I have had the 
great pleasure of personally knowing Lance and Karla for many years and 
consider them not only neighbors but wonderful friends. I can 
personally attest to their dedication to their family and community.
   Lance Morrell and Karla Jane Brownmiller met as students at the 
University of Richmond. While attending the University of Richmond, 
Karla was Phi Beta Kappa and Lance was the senior class president. They 
married in Arlington, VA in 1968 and began their life journey together.
   Lance served honorably in the United States Army and Army Reserves 
for more than 20 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. After his discharge 
he worked for 22 years with the World Bank where he managed projects to 
reduce poverty, provide clean water, and strengthen democratic 
governance in Southeast Asia and Africa. Lance spent years toiling in 
some of the poorest parts of Africa to help those most in need of 
assistance and Karla often travelled with him. He then founded FEI 
Consulting which allowed him to continue his efforts to improve living 
standards in the developing world.
   Karla focused her attention on the family, especially their three 
sons. She and Lance have always been very involved in their children's 
education and activities. She was an active member of countless PTA's 
and volunteered at the snack bar at school sporting events for more 
than 15 years. Now, as a grandmother of five, most of her days are 
spent watching at least one of her grandchildren--a job that Karla 
adores.
   Lance and Karla moved to Mantua in 1977 and immediately plunged 
themselves into local community activities. In fact, Karla and I served 
together on the Mantua Citizens Association for a number of years.
   She was an irreplaceable ally during the period following a massive 
underground oil spill from a nearby tank farm into the neighborhood. 
Karla and I, along with many of our neighbors, coordinated efforts 
between the community, local, state, and federal agencies, and the tank 
farm owners. Our efforts ensured that the clean-up was done 
effectively, that the tank farm owners made necessary safety 
improvements and that they were held responsible for the damage done.
   I had the great pleasure of working with Lance and Karla, along with 
other Northern Virginia neighbors, in the founding of the Cradle of 
Love Foundation. This Foundation, which operated from 2004 to 2008, was 
established to help provide financial support for an orphanage in the 
Philippines.
   I often encourage people to ``bloom where you are planted.'' This 
phrase, attributed to the Bishop of Geneva, Saint Francis de Sales, can 
mean different things to different people. To me it means that you 
should get involved in your community and take advantage of the 
opportunities to contribute that surround you. Whether it is 
volunteering, entering public service, coaching a youth sports team, or 
planting a tree, each of us has the ability and the responsibility to 
get involved. Lance and Karla Morrell are living examples of this 
philosophy in action.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lance 
and Karla Morrell on their 50th wedding anniversary and in thanking 
them for their many efforts to improve our community and the lives of 
others. I wish

[[Page E1319]]

Lance, Karla, and their entire family continued success, health and 
happiness.

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