[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E562-E563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE BEST OF BRADDOCK AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2026

  Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2025 
recipients of the Best of Braddock Awards, an annual tradition in 
Virginia's 11th Congressional District that celebrates the residents, 
volunteers, public servants, students, and organizations who strengthen 
the Braddock District of Fairfax County through extraordinary service 
and civic leadership. I include in the Record the following names of 
the Best of Braddock Award recipients:

       Annandale Mission Center, 2025 Club or Organization Making 
     a Difference in the Braddock District Award. The Mission 
     Center serves as a lifeline for hundreds of families each 
     week. Through its supplemental grocery distribution program, 
     it supports more than 325 families weekly and distributes 
     hundreds of thousands of pounds of food each year. In 
     addition, it offers clothing and hygiene distributions, 
     maintains Little Free Libraries, hosts community groups and 
     partner organizations, and provides welcoming space for 
     congregations and vital services.
       Leo ``Chip'' Bouche, 2025 Neighborhood Enhancement or 
     Beautification Award. Chip has strengthened community 
     connection through craftsmanship and initiative. He designed, 
     built, and installed new Little Free Library and Little 
     Puzzle Library structures while restoring an aging library 
     that had served the neighborhood for years. His work has 
     created inviting gathering points that promote literacy, 
     creativity, and neighborly exchange.
       Margaret Thaxton, 2025 Most ``Can Do'' Public Employee 
     Award. As Director of Development for the Fairfax County Park 
     Foundation, Margaret has played a transformative role in 
     advancing the mission of the Fairfax County Park Foundation. 
     Through her leadership in fundraising, donor relations, and 
     grant management, annual contributions have grown 
     dramatically, reaching record levels in the past fiscal year. 
     Her efforts have supported park improvements, community 
     programs, and historic preservation projects that directly 
     benefit residents across the Braddock District and Fairfax 
     County.
       Anthony Nguyen, 2025 Young Person of the Year. Anthony 
     exemplifies thoughtful and dependable student leadership at 
     Annandale High School. He contributes through student 
     government, school media, and athletics, while also applying 
     his creative talents as a photographer and entrepreneur to 
     document and celebrate school life. His commitment to 
     service, collaboration, and amplifying student voices 
     reflects maturity well beyond his years.
       Bob Mizer, Special Recognition for a Lifetime of Service to 
     the Braddock District by dedicating decades to strengthening 
     public safety and civic life in Fairfax County. As founder of 
     one of the county's longest-running neighborhood watch 
     programs, he built a volunteer network that has protected and 
     connected hundreds of households. His continued service 
     through civic leadership,

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     faith-based volunteering, and support of the Burke Volunteer 
     Fire Department reflects a lifetime commitment to community.
       Marcy Stennes, 2025 Braddock District Citizen of the Year. 
     Marcy has mobilized extraordinary volunteer efforts to care 
     for neighbors in need. She led Burke Presbyterian Church's 
     Hypothermia Shelter during one of its most active seasons, 
     recruiting hundreds of volunteers to provide meals, safety, 
     and dignity to guests. Her leadership also extends to 
     affordable housing advocacy, food security initiatives, and 
     youth support programs, demonstrating a deep and abiding 
     commitment to justice and service.

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 2025 
Best of Braddock Award recipients for their exceptional contributions 
to the Braddock District and to Fairfax County. Their dedication, 
leadership, and compassion embody the very best of Virginia's 11th 
Congressional District and serve as an example to communities across 
our Nation.

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