Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of Springfield Chapter 893 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees

Floor Speech

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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 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

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