[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 145 (Friday, September 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED 
                 FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DULLES CHAPTER 1241

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2022

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the National 
Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Dulles Chapter 1241 on its 
50th anniversary. The Northern Virginia region is home to tens of 
thousands of federal employees and many retirees who have chosen to 
stay in the region. Throughout their careers, these dedicated civil 
servants have given their time and effort to serve their fellow 
Americans, and NARFE has consistently provided them with coordinated 
support.
  Founded in 1921, NARFE is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to 
protecting and enhancing the earned pay, retirement, and health care 
benefits of federal employees and retirees as well as their spouses and 
survivors. Dulles Chapter 1241 is one of more than 1600 NARFE chapters 
nationwide.
  The Charter for Chapter 1241 was issued June 21, 1972. At that time, 
there were nine members. Today, the Chapter membership has grown to 
approximately 350 members with another 400 national members in the 
Dulles jurisdiction. Chapter members have had a strong voice in many 
national and local legislative issues affecting federal retirees, 
senior citizens, and the public at large. In 2015, following the 
dissolution of the Leesburg Chapter, the Dulles Chapter welcomed many 
of these federal employees and retirees into their ranks with open 
arms. Chapter 1241 has worked from their founding to represent federal 
employees, but also to better their community.
  This chapter has supported Alzheimer's research for many years 
through regular drawings, the ``Red Pot'' for monthly donations, and 
the Alzheimer's Christmas Challenge. Additionally, the Dulles chapter 
has sponsored several food drives for Fairfax County food pantries, 
collecting resources for those who have been hit the hardest by 
misfortune. Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Dulles 
Chapter has seen its share of hardship, but these federal employees 
have still banded together to ensure that everyone's needs are met.
  Over the years, members have also participated in health and 
community fairs, auto shows, and other outreach activities. 
Additionally, many members have been active leaders in the Virginia 
Federation of NARFE. These accomplished federal employees have earned 
the attention and praise of numerous bodies, from Virginia state 
legislators to NARFE national leaders, as well as travel, medical, 
insurance, tax, and law enforcement experts.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Dulles Chapter 1241 for 
50 years of dedicated service to Northern Virginia's federal employees. 
These individuals are the lifeblood of our federal government, and I am 
grateful for their service and proud to represent such outstanding 
individuals. I wish them the best for their anniversary, and continued 
success in future endeavors.