Gerald E. Connolly

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank James Tiani, who is retiring June 17, 2025, after over twenty years of outstanding service to the House of Representatives in the Office of Acquisitions Management. He lives in Oakton, Virginia, and I am proud to represent him here in Congress.

Originally from New Canaan, Connecticut--just 35 miles outside of New York City--Jim spent his early years enjoying the city's nightlife before diving into his professional journey. Working with Mobil Oil in sales and marketing, Jim was known as ``Pitbull'' for his sharp negotiating skills, intensity and passion. He transitioned to the contracting side when his company moved to Virginia, where he was asked to set up a marketing purchasing group. He retired from Mobil after a 30-year career in 1998.

Jim was enjoying life as a retiree from Mobil Oil and doing part-time consulting. After 9/11, he decided to give back his corporate knowledge to the Government and he accepted a part-time position at the House in 2001, as a contractor in Acquisitions Management. After two years, he accepted a permanent position as Contracts Specialist, which he thought would be for just a few more years but continued until now. Jim is retiring after having lent his talents and skills to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for over twenty years.

A devoted sports fan, he roots for the Washington Commanders in football and splits his baseball loyalties between the Nationals and the Yankees. Outside of work, he treasures time with his two grandchildren, ages 6 and 4, and enjoys Italian food, lamb, and a classic martini. He's an avid reader of David Baldacci, a fan of Top Gun: Maverick, and a proud Corvette enthusiast. Travel is another one of his passions--especially to Italy, where his family roots run deep. A Count by lineage, his family, the Tiani's, were knighted by Napoleon and once protected the king and the pope. With strong ties to Rome and nearby Sete Frati, Jim is proud of his Tuscan heritage. He's looking forward to his next adventure--an Alaskan cruise this July.

I congratulate Jim and I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his distinguished service to the House and the Nation it serves. I wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (``Friends'') as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Since its founding in 2005, Friends has served as the independent nonprofit fundraising partner of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and a vital advocate for the welfare of homeless pets in our community.

Friends was established by a small group of devoted animal lovers who envisioned a better future for pets in need. Over the past two decades, their commitment has never wavered, and their impact has grown through the support of like-minded donors, volunteers, and business partners.

In 2024 alone, the generosity of Friends' supporters made possible a live release rate of over 90 percent at the Shelter. Their contributions provided personalized leashes and collars to 2,579 adopted pets. Parasite prevention treatments reached 2,189 cats, 1,821 dogs, and 135 rabbits. Medical care was administered to 46 animals suffering from injury, illness, or abuse. Dental treatment and pain relief were given to 47 pets in need. In addition, spay or neuter surgeries and vaccinations were provided to 622 community cats, a key step in reducing stray populations.

As Co-Founder and President Evelyn Grieve has stated, ``Their generosity allows us to continue transforming the lives of both pets and people in our community for the better.'' When we improve the well- being of animals, we strengthen the emotional and mental health of the individuals and families who welcome them into their homes. Companion animals offer comfort, stability, and joy, and ensuring their safety and care creates a more compassionate and connected community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter for their extraordinary service over the past 20 years and wishing them continued success in their mission.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

Located in the heart of Fairfax County and the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, the Dunn Loring Woods neighborhood consists of approximately 550 homes situated on about 300 acres.

By the summer of 1964, construction of the homes was complete. The next spring, residents formed the Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association (DLWCA) to enable the community to speak with one voice on local issues and seek improvements in the neighborhood.

Dunn Loring Woods is known as an exceptionally warm, friendly, and welcoming neighborhood. Many of the original owners still reside there, and those who have moved often return to attend community events such as block parties. Residents tell stories of young residents helping their elderly neighbors, and civic association meetings that more closely resemble friends stopping by to chat.

By May 1965, the Civic Association was formally organized, allowing Dunn Loring Woods residents to pursue a voice in county government and improvements in the neighborhood.

Over the last 60 years, Dunn Loring Woods has led the effort to promote civic pride among its residents, inform the community about local and regional issues that affect the residents, and advocate for land use policies and public service investments that benefit the community. The quality of life and community spirit enjoyed by the residents now is a testament to their success.

As the former president of my own civic association, I know firsthand that when residents invest their time, care, and energies in their communities, it benefits us all.

Fairfax County is considered one of the best places in the Nation in which to work, live, and raise a family, largely because of the willingness of so many to become actively involved.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Dunn Loring Woods on its 60th anniversary and thanking all of the residents for their tireless efforts and dedication to the community and region.