[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 160 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1324-E1325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2018 
                 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, l rise to recognize the recipients of the 
3rd Annual Distinguished Service Awards and to commend the Northern 
Virginia Chamber of Commerce for continuing to sponsor these awards. 
Celebrating the achievements of our veterans is important because our 
veterans in Northern Virginia and throughout our country have 
sacrificed so much for our community and our nation. It is our duty to 
support those who have served in uniform and to honor and uphold the

[[Page E1325]]

sacred agreement between our society and our veterans. I am honored to 
include in the Record the following names of the 2018 Distinguished 
Service award recipients:
  Veteran Business Mentorship Award: Arcadia Center for Sustainable 
Food and Agriculture: Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture 
demonstrates the importance of creating more equitable and sustainable 
local food systems for our community. Since 2010, Arcadia has provided 
underserved communities with access to healthy, affordable food 
regardless of where they live or how much they earn. In particular I 
would like to commend the Veteran's Farmer Program which gives our 
nation's heroes the opportunity to seek meaningful careers after they 
complete their service. With their Veteran Farmer Reserve Program, the 
Fellowship Program, and Veteran Farmer Land Access, Arcadia not only 
supports our nation's veterans but also reinvigorates the farm sector 
with skilled new growers, eager to begin their next phase in life.
  Meritorious Veteran Owned Business (Emerging): Honor Brewing Company: 
Honor Brewing Company commits itself to honoring our nation's heroes 
accompanied with the simple enjoyment of fine craft beer. Along with 
their wonderful selection such as Honor Warrior IPA, Cherry Wheat, and 
the Maple Porter, Honor Brewing Company is committed to giving back to 
our veterans, those who have been wounded, and their families not only 
financially but with their personal time as well. Their belief of 
listening and honoring the stories of our nation's heroes who have made 
the ultimate sacrifice stands as evidence of their commitment to 
America's finest.
  Meritorious Veteran Owned Business (Established): ThunderCat 
Technology: ThunderCat Technology provides federal and commercial 
customers with strategies for data storage, networking and security 
applications. With their vision of being a premier trusted provider of 
Information Technology products, along with their special approach of 
evaluating consumers specific and unique needs, ThunderCat Technology 
is a confirmation that veteran owned businesses are trusted sources of 
quality service. ThunderCat Technology's steadfast involvement in 
philanthropic organizations that support both wounded warriors and 
other veteran owned small businesses speaks volumes of their commitment 
to our community's veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these 
incredible organizations and in congratulating them on being honored as 
a 2018 Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service 
Award recipient. 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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