[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E300] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. SPANBERGER: I rise to congratulate the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Woodbridge Chapter 1270 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. Woodbridge Chapter is one of more than 800 NARFE chapters nationwide, with members located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Panama. In Virginia, there are a total of 298,000 Federal Employees and Retires. The Charter for the Woodbridge Chapter was issued April 10, 1973. Today, the Chapter membership is over 200 with another 250 national members residing in the Woodbridge 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. Currently, the chapter has several members participating at high levels within the Virginia Federation of NARFE and at Headquarters, including the First Vice President, Treasurer, the Chair for National Legislation, and an Area Vice President. The Woodbridge Chapter is often recognized for its leadership. This chapter has supported Alzheimer's research for many years through various fundraising events, especially its Fashion Shows in years past. On October 26, 2012, Woodbridge Chapter 1270 was recognized in the Congressional Record by Congressman Gerry Connolly for raising $16,552 for Alzheimer's disease research in 2011 alone. Over the years, the chapter has raised more than $100,000 for Alzheimer's research and is consistently recognized by the NARFE National Office and the Virginia Federation for its efforts. Nationally, since 1983 the NARFE organization has raised more than $15 million for Alzheimer's disease research. The chapter is also a strong supporter of Prince William County's Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) organization through annual food drives and individual contributions. In the past the chapter has participated in the annual Dale City 4th of July parade and has offered paper shredding events for the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Woodbridge Chapter 1270 for 50 years of dedicated service to Northern Virginia's federal employees. Individuals in this organization are the lifeblood of our federal government, and I am grateful for their service and proud to represent so many of the outstanding individuals in this organization. I wish them the best for their anniversary and continued success in future endeavors.