[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 203 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1196-E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPRINGFIELD CHAPTER 893 OF THE 
           NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 11, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr, Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 60th Anniversary 
of Chapter 893 of the National Association of Active and Retired 
Federal Employees (NARFE), based in Springfield, Virginia.
  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. Springfield Chapter 893 is one of more than 1600 NARFE 
chapters nationwide.
  The Charter for Chapter 893 was issued December 31, 1963, At that 
time, there were 14 members. Today, the Chapter membership has grown to 
become the largest of the 37 chapters in Virginia. Chapter members have 
had a strong voice in many national and local legislative issues 
affecting federal retirees, senior citizens, and the public at large.
  While Chapter 893 has always emphasized fulfilling the primary NARFE 
mission, its members have also made invaluable contributions to our 
Northern Virginia community, Chapter 893 members have volunteered 
countless hours at hospitals and libraries, and they have worked with 
local non-profit organizations to support blood drives and Meals on 
Wheels programs. Since 1987, members have contributed generously to 
Alzheimer's Research, the charity of choice for NARFE nationwide. In 
1992, members first participated in the local area Alzheimer's Memory 
Walk, which has raised approximately $1,000 annually for several years. 
In 2009, members began participating in the collection of warm clothing 
items for homeless veterans for the Washington, D.C., Veterans 
Administration Medical Center. That same year, the Chapter began 
supporting the National Association of Letter Carriers ``Stamp Out 
Hunger'' program. This year, with the needs of the community increasing 
and to support the community during the holidays, Chapter 893 is 
conducting a food drive to support Ecumenical Community Helping Others 
(ECHO).
  Over the course of its successful history, the Springfield Chapter 
has benefited from many dynamic, accomplished leaders. Several past 
presidents have been elected as officers or appointed committee chairs 
of the NARFE Virginia Federation of Chapters. Others have served in 
civic, professional, or fraternal organizations locally. Particularly 
noteworthy are the accomplishments of past presidents Milton Kramer, 
Vincent Agnelli, David Sullivan, Charles Delaplane, and Ann M. Collins. 
Past President Kramer played a major role in organizing the Northern 
Virginia Caucus of Chapters in 1993. Past President Agnelli served on 
an ad hoc committee influential in the 1993 VirgInia Supreme Court 
federal retiree tax refund issue. Past President Sullivan served on the 
Board of the Virginia Federation of Chapters (VFC) for several years 
and subsequently was elected NARFE National Secretary in 2000 and again 
in 2002. Past President Charles Delaplane served on the Board of the 
VFC for several years and chaired the National Legislation Committee at 
the 2008 and 2010 NARFE National Conventions. Past President Collins 
served on the Board of the VFC and subsequently was elected VFC 
President for 2 terms (2005 through 2007). In 2006, as VFC President 
she established NARFE VFC Congressional District Liaisons for the 11 
congressional districts in Virginia as well as a Senatorial Liaison. 
Also, Past President Collins was appointed as a delegate to the 2005 
White House Conference on Aging to represent the 11th Congressional 
District of Virginia.
  The 11th Congressional District of Virginia, due to its proximity to 
Washington, D.C., is

[[Page E1197]]

home to a significant number of federal employees and retirees and I am 
honored to represent these dedicated and honorable public servants in 
the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating NARFE Springfield Chapter 893 on the occasion 
of its 60th Anniversary and in thanking the members for their 
unwavering support and dedication to federal employees, retirees, and 
their families.

SALUTING THE SERVICE OF MASTER SERGEANT BOBBY EHRIG, U.S. ARMY, RETIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 11, 2023

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to present a 
Congressional Veteran Commendation to Master Sergeant Bobby Ehrig, U.S. 
Army, Retired, for his exemplary service. His commitment to investing 
his gifts, talents, and abilities to his Nation serves as a reminder of 
our most sacred values.
  During MSG Ehrig's service in the U.S. Army, he was a master of many 
assignments and responsibilities, ranging from a Team Leader to being a 
Supervisory Customs Border Clearance Agent. While serving for over 15 
years, he has been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army 
Commendation medals, among others. His most significant memory while 
serving was narrowly surviving a blast that severely injured him and 57 
U.S. and Iraqi policemen under his charge.
  His retirement from the military marked not the end of his career, 
but the beginning of a new adventure. His commitment to serve and help 
his fellow veterans remains undiminished as he has held numerous 
positions committed to ensuring veterans receive the treatment and 
services they've earned. At every opportunity, he makes his mark while 
working collaboratively with others for the benefit of our nation's 
heroes.
  MSG Ehrig's testimony is a testament to a citizen who puts others 
before himself, who works toward solutions that benefit all, and who 
isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves to do the hard work to make 
lasting, impactful, and positive change. He brings to life Gandhi's 
words ``The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the 
service of others.'' I applaud his work and wish him success as he 
continues to be a champion for the veterans and families.

                          ____________________