Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and commend my constituents, Andrew and Maryann Fialdini, and their winery, the Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, on receiving the Governor's Cup in the 2017 Governor's Cup Wine Competition. This win not only speaks to the hard work, entrepreneurship and expertise of Andrew and Maryann, but also the growing and transforming Loudoun County wine industry.

Since opening 8 years ago, their hard work has certainly come to fruition. Andrew, Maryann, and the vineyard's Wine Maker, Michael Shaps, have worked diligently to produce local, yet authentic-tasting, French-style wines on their eleven acre vineyard located in Hamilton, Virginia. And this year, two of their wines, the 2014 Meritage and 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, were named gold medalists in the Governor's Cup Wine Competition.

The judges of this year's competition reviewed 494 bottles from 102 different wineries, and only 23 bottles were named gold medalists. Impressively of those 23 bottles, Andrew and Maryann's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon was named the best wine and awarded the Governor's Cup--a recognition that a Loudoun winery has never before received in the 37 years of this stringent and prestigious competition.

Risk-taking small businesses have always been the life blood of the Loudoun County economy and our national economy and entrepreneurial families like the Fialdini's have been leaders in fostering strong, local economies that will continue to thrive and grow for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Andrew and Maryann Fialdini and Michael Shaps for their successful small business and their special awards at the 2017 Governor's Cup Wine Competition. I also wish them and their family the best in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Langley School's very own, Chris Stewart, on winning the school-wide National Geographic Bee for the third consecutive year and for advancing to the statewide competition. Chris, an eighth grader attending the Langley School in Mclean, advanced to the school-wide Bee sponsored by the National Geographic Society after scoring the highest in a preliminary qualifying test earlier this year. His impressive achievement is not only a testament to his hard work and dedication, but also the exemplary teachers and faculty at the Langley School who helped cultivate Chris's intellectual intrigue.

At the beginning of every school year, the National Geographic Bee begins at the local level, then advances to the state and eventually national levels through a series of oral and written geography exams with questions ranging from the locations of mountain ranges and rivers to the names of cities and countries. Chris not only displayed his impressive knowledge of world geography, but also showed great confidence and poise, as he and his peers competed on stage in front of the entire school. As Langley School's winner, Chris will move on to compete at the state level, with a chance to eventually compete for a college scholarship at the national competition in May.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Chris Stewart for winning the Langley School's Geographic Bee for the third consecutive year. This achievement shows his dedication to his education and studies, and he is fully deserving of this recognition. It is a privilege to represent him, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent, Ellen Grunewald, who will be departing from her role in Loudoun County after nearly thirty years of dedicated service to our community and to congratulate her on receiving a Resolution of Appreciation from the County Administrator, Tim Hemstreet. As the Director of Family Services, Ms. Grunewald oversaw a plethora of the county's programs, and her work ethic and exemplary demeanor will certainly be missed.

Ms. Grunewald began her career of service to Loudoun County as an Assistant Director of Social Services in 1989. Throughout the course of her entire career with the county office, she watched Loudoun County flourish and transform into one of the most affluent and prosperous counties in America. She held a variety of positions and had many responsibilities, including serving as the Coordinator of the Young Parents Network and as a Supervisor of the Emergency and Supportive Services Unit. Her ability to wear many hats and serve in various capacities positioned her well to eventually become the Director of Family Services in 2010.

As the Director of Family Services, Ms. Grunewald oversaw programs that provided assistance with food, housing, finance, and other needs to those living in poverty. This type of casework can be difficult and often very disheartening, but over the past 6 years she kept a strong, positive attitude and was able to help hundreds of families in Loudoun County. She also started new initiatives, such as the Family Engagement Process, in which she was able to help divert 62 children from placement in foster care. Ms. Grunewald went above and beyond in her role, and she will certainly be missed.

On behalf of the entire Tenth District, I thank Ms. Grunewald for her dedicated career of service to Loudoun County. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a truly commendable public servant. I wish her and her family all of the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge my friend and colleague Tom Alexander for his nearly 40 years of dedicated service to our country and the constituents of Virginia's 10th Congressional District. After decades of exemplary service, Tom has decided to enter into a well-deserved retirement.

Fresh out of college, Tom had a desire to serve the United States and enlisted in the Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge in 1979, Tom worked on President Reagan's White House staff where he received a White House Service Commendation from President Reagan on January 25, 1984. After leaving the White House, Tom graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and became an Assistant City Attorney for Kansas City, Missouri in 1987. In 1992, Tom decided to return to the federal government and began down a path which led him from the Department of Labor, to the Legislative and Executive Branches of government, and even served in the U.S. Embassies in Ukraine and Malawi.

In 2014, Tom joined the office of my predecessor and mentor, Congressman Frank Wolf. His outstanding work made it clear that he would be an excellent member of my staff, and I am grateful that he agreed to join my office. His work with my constituents, particularly on immigration issues, has helped countless residents in Virginia's 10th Congressional District. I regularly hear from constituents about the lengths to which Tom went to help them and solve their problems, whatever they may be. Tom is someone who keeps a smile on his face throughout the day and inspires us all with his constant positive attitude. Virginia's 10th District has benefited greatly from Tom's tireless work ethic, something that I hear often as I travel throughout our communities and meet with constituents.

While I am sad to see Tom go, I am grateful for his service to our country and proud to call him a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues rise and join me in thanking Tom Alexander for his service. I wish him, his wife Patricia, and his children Shane, Aidan, and Shannon all the happiness in the world, and the best of luck in the years to come.

Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 153.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent, Muslim Lakhani, for his contributions to Virginia's 10th District and the nation. Mr. Lakhani, a Pakistani immigrant and entrepreneur, has long championed efforts to promote tolerance among different faiths, to partake in charitable projects, and to conduct strong, forward-thinking business practices.

Mr. Lakhani grew up in Karachi, Pakistan and later became an entrepreneur. His many business ventures allowed him to travel to countless countries throughout the Middle East and Europe. However, it was the lessons he learned as a young child that have truly shaped his humanitarian and caring mindset that he maintains today.

Growing up in Pakistan, he and his family always place a very strong focus on helping those less fortunate. After moving to the United States in 2006, Mr. Lakhani was regularly reminded of his family's values as he watched organizations like the Salvation Army help the homeless in Washington, D.C. Since 2008, Mr. Lakhani has been a strong supporter, contributor, and advocate for the Grate

Patrol Homeless Outreach Program, which provides professional guidance to homeless people and also feeds 200 people daily in the nation's capital. Additionally, Mr. Lakhani studied both Christian and Muslim texts in grade school, which is where he garnered an interest in diverse beliefs and religious tolerance. Social Vision, the self-funded philanthropic arm of his company, ML Resources LLC., focuses on establishing stronger interfaith relationships, and additionally Mr. Lakhani strongly advocates for defeating terrorism.

Mr. Lakhani's childhood lessons coupled with his work ethic and strong business practices have allowed him to make a great impact on today's society. He has had the opportunity to speak in Rabat, Morocco at the Forum for the Future meeting on behalf of the Arab Business Council, and has received impressive awards, such as the InterFaith Bridge Builders Award at last year's InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Mr. Lakhani. It is a privilege to represent him and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 1174, the Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act. I thank my colleague for introducing it. It was unanimously supported--thank you, Mr. Chairman--in committee and in full committee. As expected, it is going through because people understand this is a commonsense bill, so I am happy to support this once again.

I know you were discussing H.R. 375 earlier. I did want to return to the bill to designate the Federal building and courthouse in Nashville, Tennessee, to my good friend, Fred D. Thompson. That building will now be named after him appropriately.

Fred Thompson was a larger-than-life character, a true patriot, and a great wit who believed in and lived the American Dream in starring roles on stage, screen, and national politics. He served as a Senator for 8 years, and then later he ran for President. Originally he was here in Congress serving as a counsel where, of course, we had that famous line: ``What did the President know, and when did he know it?'' That was a line that he was well known for.

What he was also often not given credit for was what a profoundly good lawyer he was. He had come to the attention of people in Tennessee by Lamar Alexander when Howard Baker came and asked now-Senator Lamar Alexander to take a role in the Watergate hearings, he said: No; you want to have Fred Thompson there. He asked his friend Fred Thompson to come and serve in that role.

Fred then became an actor because when they went to write a movie about a woman who had been dealing with corruption in Tennessee politics, and Fred had been her lawyer, they couldn't find someone to play Fred, and they came and asked him: Could you play yourself? He said: Well, I guess I could. That is how he became a character actor and a larger-than-life character there. Some of his famous lines there: ``Stack `em, pack `em, and rack `em.'' In ``Die Hard'' I believe that one was.

In movies, he starred with Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Bruce Willis, Sissy Spacek, and so many others. After he came here to the Senate, he humorously said: ``I often long for the realism and sincerity of Hollywood.'' So this is somebody who took his job very seriously but never took himself seriously and continued to have that great wit.

My husband and I were very privileged to know him and learn from him and spend many a good day and delightful time and evening with him and his wife, Jeri, his family, his children, and his many friends and admirers. We are so grateful for and appreciate his celebrated service and justly celebrated service to our country. This building will be a great memorial in a State that still very much reveres him.

I was privileged to be able to attend his service where hundreds and hundreds of people from Tennessee came to honor him, from country singers to people who stood by the side of the road as we drove to his funeral service, saluting him and thanking him for his service. This is somebody who in today's politics is sorely missed by all of us, and certainly most by his many friends, his family, and his scores of fans. God bless the Honorable Fred Thompson.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this opportunity to be able to have this building now be a legacy to his great service and being a great attorney and lawyer for this country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my constituent and friend, the Honorable Michele McQuigg, who passed away on February 15, 2017 at the age of 69. Throughout her life, Ms. McQuigg was a respected leader in the community and served as a dedicated public servant for over thirty years. She was not just a great representative for the Commonwealth but also a genuine person who brought honor and integrity to everything she did. Her deep passion for service to Prince William County and Manassas along with her exemplary demeanor and attitude will certainly be missed.

Ms. McQuigg began her career in Virginia politics in 1983 when she ran for Prince William Clerk of the Circuit Court. In 1992 she was elected as the Occoquan District Representative on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, where she served until 1998. During those years, she garnered an even greater interest in serving Prince William, and she decided to run for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 51st District. After her successful election, she went on to serve in Virginia state house for 9 years where she worked tirelessly to strengthen small businesses, enhance community life, and increase public safety.

From 2008 until her recent passing, Ms. McQuigg served as the Prince William County Clerk of the Court. Among her more impressive actions taken in this role was a project that focused on making court documents and case pleadings available online, for which she scanned 1.3 million pages of legal proceedings. Through a paid subscription service lawyers can now access a vast number of documents online, saving them both time and money. It is projects like this that truly distinguish Ms. McQuigg from other public servants and portray how dedicated, intelligent, and forward-thinking she was.

In addition to her illustrious career as a public servant, Ms. McQuigg worked with various groups and organizations in different capacities, including the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board, Lake Ridge-Occoquan-Coles Civic Association, Prince William Republican Committee, Board of Visitors for George Mason University, Occoquan Landing Community Association Board of Directors, READ Community Literacy Council (Co-Founder), and the Prince William Association of REALTORs.

Ms. McQuigg was someone who we all aspire to exemplify. She will be remembered for her truly kind heart, her dedication to our great Commonwealth, and for her friendship to many. She is survived by her husband Clancy McQuigg; her sister Suzanne Berge; her daughters Heather Lukes and Katie Schneider; and her five grandchildren Robert Schneider, Colleen Schneider, Emily Schneider, Shelby Lukes and Luke Schneider.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of the Honorable Michele McQuigg. The impact she has had on the Commonwealth of Virginia and to our country will never be forgotten, and I wish her family the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and thank an extraordinary leader, Karen Russell, for the incredible impact she has had on individuals, families and communities in the 10th Congressional District of Virginia.

Every Citizen Has Opportunities, Inc., or ECHO, for short, is dedicated to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their optimal level of personal, social and economic success. ECHO accomplishes this by providing comprehensive vocational assessments, supported employment, extended employment services, medically fragile day support and training in work skills and socialization.

In 1975, ECHO opened its doors offering services to 8 adults and 41 years later, the non-profit's accomplishments are extraordinary. It has served more than 550 individuals and currently has contractual arrangements with 14 business partners at 17 worksites. ECHO also has 30 community partners and 15 community volunteers.

One person whose extraordinary leadership was essential to ECHO's success was Marketing Manager, Karen Russell, who retired on December 1st, 2016, after nearly 40 years in that critically important role. A native of Lovettsville, in Loudoun County, Karen started as ECHO's Secretary, Bookkeeper and Transportation Manager in 1977.

Karen Russell's marketing success has been derived from her belief in the dignity and worth of every individual and her passionate appeal to prospective employers, on behalf of ECHO participants. Karen has taken great pride in the accomplishments of this skilled and reliable workforce of 140 persons with disabilities, as they fulfill their responsibilities to commercial and government customers every day. Her tireless efforts advocating for ECHO participants has resulted in a profound change in public perceptions. Society has come to realize that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are actively contributing members of the community who, when they are given a chance to work, have a profound impact on the effectiveness and morale of individual businesses and government agencies.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing and thanking Karen Russell, the Marketing Manager at ECHO, for her tireless and passionate advocacy on behalf of those with disabilities and her exemplary leadership of an organization that has been highly successful in empowering them to overcome barriers to employment and in achieving their optimal levels of personal, social and economic success.

Mr. Speaker, I, along with my colleague Representative Robert Wittman, rise today to honor the life of Virginia State Senator Charles J. Colgan, who passed away on January 3, 2017 at the age of 90. As the longest serving member of the Virginia Senate, he was well known for his bipartisan approach to serving Virginians and his constituents. His exemplary demeanor and

attitude will be missed, and it was an honor to have known him. He is a sterling example of what it means to be an effective legislator who has earned the full respect of those whom he represents. He was not just a great representative for the Commonwealth, but he was also a genuine person who brought honor and integrity to everything he did. Senator Colgan accomplished much in his career, and he will be remembered not just for his legislative achievements, but also for the manner in which he treated those around him, with respect and decency.

Senator Colgan adopted a service oriented mindset long before his time in the Virginia State House. After serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II, he started Colgan Air--a regional commuter airline based in Manassas, Virginia. Not only did this commuter airway provide a valuable service to Americans and Virginians, but it also helped create jobs and economic opportunity in Prince William County.

After many successful years at Colgan Air, Senator Colgan was elected to the Virginia Senate in 1975 to represent several fast-growing areas of Virginia including Manassas, Manassas Park and parts of Prince William County. During his time in the Senate, he co-chaired the Senate Finance Committee, taking a particular interest in the economic and educational development of Prince William County and the surrounding area. He was instrumental in bringing Northern Virginia Community College Campuses to Woodbridge, as well as establishing George Mason University's Manassas location. Senator Colgan truly carried himself as a citizen-politician--a trait which today we aspire to exemplify.

Senator Colgan lost his wife of 52 years, the former Agnes Footen, in 2001. He remarried in 2008 and is survived by his wife of eight years, Carmen Alicia Bernal, of Gainesville; as well as eight children from his first marriage, Charles J. Colgan Jr. of Nokesville, Va., Ruth C. Willis of Brewerton, N.Y., Michael J. Colgan and Dot Chaplin, both of Gainesville, Raymond T. Colgan, Mary C. Finnigan and Patrick S. Colgan, all of Manassas, and Timothy C. Colgan of Warrenton, Va.; a brother, Robert Colgan, of Manassas; 24 grandchildren; and 22 great- grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, we ask you to join us and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of Senator Charles Colgan. The services he provided to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to our country will never be forgotten, and we wish his family the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Established in 1917, this chapter, comprised of staff, local organizations, and volunteers, has worked tirelessly to protect our Loudoun community. The success of the American Red Cross can be largely attributed to its network of local branches and chapters, like that of Loudoun County. For years, these local branches have established strong partnerships and garnered large groups of volunteers that allow for the broader organization to prosper on both a national and international level.

According to the chapter's Executive Director, Erwin Stierle, the five fundamental lines of service the American Red Cross aims to provide in Loudoun include disaster services, service to the armed forces, preparedness and safety, blood services, and international services. Additionally from a local community perspective, there are a growing number of Red Cross clubs across Loudoun County's high schools, and they have established several different local initiatives, including the Home Fire Campaign, in which smoke alarms and fire safety preparedness information are installed and provided in homes. Under the leadership of Erwin Stierle and his staff, the local chapter has seen enormous growth in community engagement and a surge in volunteers.

To speak to some of the recent work of the Loudoun Chapter, in the past year they collected 2,000 units of blood, which is enough to save 6,000 people, and they trained 2,600 people in life saving skills such as CPR and first aid. Most recently in response to a fire in Ashburn, Virginia in which families lost their apartments, the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross gave these families gift cards for food and hotels, helped replace their clothes, and more. First responders play a key role in aiding in emergency situations, but it is groups, like the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross, that follow closely behind the first responders to aid members of the community in times of distress.

These recent endeavors are only a small sample of the work the Loudoun Chapter has been able to accomplish over the past 100 years. On behalf of Virginia's 10th District and our great Commonwealth, I thank them for their hard work and dedication to our community, nation, and world. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to use this time to recognize a local foundation in Virginia's 10th District that has been strengthening our community and raising breast cancer awareness since 2004. The IIIB's Foundation, founded, by 14-year breast cancer survivor and proud Leesburg resident, Carolyn Rodenburg, focuses on ensuring that no woman diagnosed with breast cancer feels afraid or alone.

In April of 2002, at the age of 42, Ms. Rodenburg was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. During this difficult time in her life, she recalled feeling very alone and often helpless. However, Ms. Rodenburg found the inner strength and became determined to make a difference when she realized there were others just like her that needed a support system built on trust and understanding. It was a combination of her sudden diagnosis, surgery, and feelings afterwards that sparked her interest in helping like-minded women that were undergoing similar experiences, and she has been making a difference ever since.

Thus in 2004, Ms. Rodenburg left behind her long career in the corporate world to dedicate her life to comforting and educating other breast cancer survivors by founding the IIIB's Foundation. IIIB's (pronounced three B's) stands for Bosom Buddy Baskets, which were the original basis on which the foundation came about. The pink Bosom Buddy Baskets are filled with treats, back scratchers, pillows, stuffed animals, and protective post-op gear and are intended for women in post operation recovery following mastectomy surgeries. This gesture helps show other women in recovery that they have a line of support from other survivors.

The IIIB's Foundation has grown immensely under Ms. Rodenburg's leadership. Initially, Ms. Rodenburg founded it with the intention of helping friends going through the breast cancer treatment process. Today, the organization has morphed into a well-recognized foundation, hosting several annual fundraisers and events each year. One reoccurring event which has garnered a great deal of popularity is the yearly Pink Tie Charity Ball. It is fun, forward thinking community events, like the Pink Tie Charity Ball, that have helped the organization thrive and grow tremendously over the years into the organization it is today.

To date, Ms. Carolyn Rodenburg and the IIIB's Foundation have helped thousands of women and families affected by breast cancer, and I am grateful to have such a prominent and resourceful organization in the 10th District. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the IIIB's Foundation for its dedication to serving our community for so many years. I wish Ms. Rodenburg and the entire organization the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to use this time to recognize my constituent and friend, the Honorable Jonathan Way for his 9 years of service on the Manassas City Council, both as a Councilman and later as Vice Mayor, and to celebrate his many accomplishments as one of the Commonwealth's most dedicated civil servants.

Prior to retiring and moving to Manassas 18 years ago, Vice Mayor Way had a 37-year career for various Exxon international affiliates in the U.S. and overseas and also served 6 years as a U.S. Naval Reserve Officer. He decided to first enter government service in the City of Manassas when he saw an advertisement in the local newspaper for an opening on the Planning Commission. From that point forward, Vice Mayor Way embarked on a journey of dedication to the city. In 2001, he was appointed to the commission, where he served as a member and as Chairman for 2 years until his appointment to the City Council in 2007, a position he held until 2015 when he was unanimously selected, by the Manassas city council members, to serve as Vice Mayor. He, along with Mayor Hal Parrish, have played a vital role in revitalizing downtown Manassas, establishing strong local relationships, and helping build new housing developments in the area.

During his tenure on the Manassas City Council, Vice Mayor Way served on various committees, including the Budget and Finance Committee, the Economic/Community Development and Land Use Committee, the Virginia Railway Express and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Committees, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and the Virginia Municipal League. Additionally, Vice Mayor Way volunteered with various local groups, including the Rotary Club of Manassas, which he joined in 2001. Here he has served on the Club Service Committee for many years and has previously held the position of Secretary. Impressively, he was chosen as Rotarian of the Year in both 2003 and 2008. Despite having to temporarily resign from the rotary in 2013 due to workload demands of City Council, he happily rejoined last year.

Most impressively, throughout the years, Vice Mayor Way kept a near perfect attendance record in attending city council meetings. This is not only a testament to the commitment he has always felt to the council, but also the commitment he felt to the citizens of Manassas. On behalf of the entire 10th District, I thank Vice Mayor Way. It has truly been a privilege to work with him and his colleagues on the Manassas City Council over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Vice Mayor Way for his service to Manassas, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States. I wish him, his wife, Shirley, his children, and his grandchildren the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize my constituent, Juanita ``Sheba'' Velasco, on receiving the World Experiences Foundation's 2017 Global Citizen Award in Indigenous Diplomacy. Ms. Velasco, originally a weaver from the highlands of Guatemala, maintains a strong passion for Mayan education and promoting indigenous diplomacy.

Over the course of her life, Ms. Velasco has worked in several museums, culture centers, schools, and universities around the world sharing her knowledge of the Mayan culture. In fact in 2016, Ms. Velasco was appointed the International Ambassador for peace and tourism by the Guatemalan government.

Most recently, Ms. Velasco conducted a goodwill tour in Oklahoma, in which she spoke at universities, schools, and churches in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Her tour ended with a farewell reception at the University of Central Oklahoma hosted by President Don Betz.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Ms. Velasco for receiving the Global Citizen Award in Indigenous Diplomacy and for her dedication to Mayan culture. I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor my constituent of Middletown, Virginia, Volunteer Fire Chief Henry Shiley, who recently retired from the Middletown Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company after 53 years of dedicated service, and also to congratulate him on receiving the status of Fire Chief Emeritus, awarded to retired fire chiefs of extraordinary distinction.

Middletown, Virginia, located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, is home to Lord Fairfax Community College and also the site of the Battle of Cedar Creek during the Civil War. However despite the college and strong history, Middletown would not be the close-knit, caring community that it is without the Middletown Volunteer Fire Station and its long-time leader, Chief Shiley.

For 53 years, Chief Henry Shiley dedicated his life to his community without any compensation, regularly putting himself and his fellow volunteer first responders at risk as they attempted to aid people-- neighbors and strangers alike--during some of the most desperate moments of their lives.

Over the course of his career, Chief Shiley has watched Company 12 progress and grow immensely. What was once a small, volunteer unit has morphed into a group of volunteer professionals that have gone through extensive training, including becoming emergency medical services (EMS) certified.

The members of Company 12 are proud of their reputation of excellence and professionalism and attribute it largely to their leader, Chief Shiley. In fact the group unanimously voted to grant Chief Shiley the status of Fife Chief Emeritus--a true testament to his extraordinary knowledge, steady leadership, kindness, and most importantly, sense of humor.

On behalf of Virginia's 10th District, I thank Chief Shiley for his half-century of service to Middletown and the Shenandoah Valley. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Volunteer Fire Chief Henry Shiley for his years of selfless service and heroism and I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.