Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

This is the 41st Annual Valor Awards sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present 123 awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze and Silver Medal of Valor.

Twenty-two members of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following Valor Award Recipients:

Silver Medal of Valor

PFC Daniel Boring

PFC Christopher Sheffer

PFC Morgan Walker

Bronze Medal of Valor

PFC Francisco Rivas-Umanzor

Certificate of Valor

2nd Lt. Roman Rauhala

2nd Lt. William Redfern

Sgt. Kevin Reilly

MDC Paul Hensel

Ms. Patricia Alexander

Lifesaving Certificate

MDS Jerry Grady

PFC Timothy Pillon

PFC Joseph Nicholson

PFC Luiz Costa

PFC Mark Combs

PFC Elizabeth Tracy

PFC Omar Mercedes

PFC Connor Delgado

PFC Cecil Richardson

Ret. PFC Melissa Meler

Dep. Brendan Yunger

Dep. Andrew Crossan

Dep. Nichell Bailey-Holiday

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the 2019 Valor Award Recipients, and thank all of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Mr. Elliott Branch, who is retiring from the Department of the Navy after more than 34 years of faithful service to our nation, culminating in his service as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Acquisition and Procurement for the past 10 years.

Mr. Branch started his federal service in 1978 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard as a Contracting Intern with the Naval Regional Procurement Office before transitioning to Naval Air Systems (NAVAIR) Command as a Contract Specialist in 1980. While serving at NAVAIR, he supported HARM, HARPOON, T-45 and F-14 Weapon Systems. From 1986 to 1993, Mr. Branch served as Branch Head and Deputy Division Director for Sea Combat Systems, Undersea Weapons and Shipbuilding at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

In 1993, he became a member of the SES as the Director, Shipbuilding Contracts Division, at NAVSEA. He went on to serve as Executive Director, Acquisition and Business Management for the Navy, responsible for policy and oversight of contract operations throughout the entire Department. While in this position, he also served as Project Executive Officer, Acquisition Related Business Systems. In this role, he was responsible for the formulation and execution of a multi-year effort transforming the Navy from a paper-based to an electronic acquisition system.

From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Branch spent time in the private sector where he specialized in acquisition and project management education as well as training and consulting for the federal workforce and its associated contractors. He also served as the Chief Procurement Officer for the Government of the District of Columbia as the agency head responsible for procurement operations, policy, and for formulating legislative proposals for local and Congressional consideration.

In 2006, Mr. Branch became the first civilian Director of Contracts at the Naval Sea Systems Command where he led one of the largest and most complex procurement organizations in the Federal government for two years. As the senior civilian for contracting at NAVSEA, Mr. Branch was responsible for the contractual oversight of the Nation's most complex shipbuilding and weapons systems procurement programs. His duties involved the obligation and expenditure of approximately $25 billion annually.

Elliott Branch will finish his career after spending the past 10 years as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Acquisition and Procurement in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development and Acquisition. He has served as the senior career civilian responsible for acquisition and contracting policy that governs the operation of the Navy's world-wide, multibillion-dollar acquisition system. Mr. Branch was the principal civilian advisor to the Navy Acquisition Executive for acquisition and procurement matters, serving as the Department of the Navy's Competition Advocate General and is the leader of the Navy's contracting, purchasing, and government property communities.

I am proud to represent Mr. Branch in Congress, and I thank him and his family for his honorable service to our nation with the United States Navy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Branch fair winds and following seas as he concludes a distinguished career of public service.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2019 Fairfax County Student Peace Awards.

The Fairfax County Student Peace Awards began with one high school in 2006 to encourage high school aged students to think about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. By 2013, the program was being offered in every public high school in Fairfax County, as well as in three private schools.

Participating high schools choose one Junior or Senior, or one student group active in promoting peace and/or removing the causes of conflict. Examples of outreach include: committing to peace by engaging in activities that strive to end conflict, either locally or globally, seeking to discuss or otherwise resolve potentially controversial issues within the school or community, promoting the understanding of divisive issues and situations to bridge language, ethnic, racial, religious, gender, sexual orientation, or class differences, and working to resolve conflicts among students or members of the community who feel isolated or alienated.

I am pleased to include in the Record the names of this year's Student Peace Award winners: Kora Coker, Annandale High School; Nick Price, Cedar Lane High School; Deepika Joshi, Centreville High School; Yahang ``Annie'' Wang, Chantilly High School; Lara Demir, Fairfax High School; Delina Kiflom, Hayfield Secondary School; Lydia Goff, Herndon High School; Kamila Elyazgi, King Abdullah Academy; Sumaiya Hague, Langley High School; Oscar Manuel Lopez Hernandez, Lee High School; Hannan Mumtaz, Madison High School; Luka Gabitsinashvili, George C. Marshall High School; Neha Rana, McLean High School; Burhan Ahmed, Mount Vernon High School; Romina Soleimani, Mountain View High School; Lauren Haymes, Quander Road School; Sophia Liao, South Lakes High School; Angie Sohn, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology; Diana Argueta, West Potomac High School; Laura Kirk, West Springfield High School; Maxihikio (Makee) Neves, Westfield High School; Xuan Huynh, W.T. Woodson High School.

Madam Speaker, the efforts of these young people are the building blocks of a more peaceful and tolerant world. I commend them on their efforts and dedication, and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating each award recipient and thanking them as well as Fairfax County Public School System and sponsor organizations for all they have done for our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 144th Recruit Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 17 graduates to reflect on the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the brave men and women who have served before them to protect our community.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School consists of an extensive and demanding 24-week program. In addition to two weeks of orientation, recruits completed seven weeks of EMT training and fifteen weeks of fire suppression training. Upon graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of Firefighter I/II by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.

These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task Force 1, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015. They also saw extensive work in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of disaster relief and rescue efforts in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Fairfax County is fortunate to have such excellent ambassadors for our community and I commend them for all that they have done to protect lives and property not only here in Fairfax County, but around the world. As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 144th Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of Fairfax County with honor and distinction. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the 144th Recruit Class:

Kathryn Auer

Levi Bingman

Carter Bowns

Austin Cole

Austin Collins

Bernard Cory

Joshua Davis

Joshua de la Cruz

Alberto Gonzales Cabrera

William Maccallum

Mark Martinez

Amos Nissley

Benjamin Rothwell

Zachary Stratton

Sophia Therriault

Christopher Uhrin

Kevin Weaver

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I thank them for their service to their community and to all members of the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nominees for the 2018-2019 Prince William County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award. Teachers who meet the criteria for the award are those who instill in students a desire to learn and achieve, understand the individual needs of students, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter, and have the ability to share it effectively. The selected winner will be named the Prince William County Teacher of the Year.

As the second largest school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Prince William County Public Schools educates 90,000 students in ninety-eight schools. The impact of these teachers is apparent as PWCS is ranked the highest in the entire state with their on-tune graduation rate.

Each Teacher of the Year Award nominee exhibits excellence in teaching by serving as an effective leader in and out of the classroom, fostering strong rapport with parents and peers and providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students to learn and develop.

I extend my personal congratulations to the following nominees for the 2018-2019 Prince William County Teacher of the Year Award: Simon Bhagwandeen, Potomac High School; Leslie Browngold, Gravely Elementary School; Marianne Burns, Patriot High School; Garrett Carlson, Colgan High School; Pamela Clute, Potomac High School; Jennifer Diehl, Buckland Mills Elementary School; Gail Drake, Battlefield High School; Gail Drake, Battlefield High School; Julie Faith, Stonewall Jackson High School; Lauren Fenner, Swans Creek Elementary School.

Amanda Grant, Ashland Elementary School; Amy Hardt, Buckland Mills Elementary School; Elizabeth Hoffmann, The Nokesville School; Carl Hood, Alvey Elementary School; Kristen Keskel, Ashland Elementary School; Jennifer Kimble, Graham Park Middle School; Kathy Lamont, Antietam Elementary School; Pamela Lansberry, King Elementary School; Christy Lazer, Bull Run Middle School; Elizabeth McKeown, Pennington Traditional School; Ashley Meyer, T. Clay Wood Elementary School.

Melissa Morgan, Chris Yung Elementary School; Jeanie Noel, Freedom High School; Norman Pattarozzi, Osbourn Park High School; Emily Ramirez, Brentsville District High School; Rebecca Schelling, Antietam Elementary School; Brian Shepard, Battlefield High School; David Shuler, Battlefield High School; John Spaulding, Independence Nontraditional School; Jennifer Tallman, Lake Ridge Middle School; Crystal Watt, Ashland Elementary School.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the nominees for the Prince William County Public Schools 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year Award and in thanking them for their dedication to our children. Their continued service will ensure that Prince William County Public Schools students continue to receive a world-class education in a vibrant learning environment.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Buchanan Partners and Nancy Hersch Ingram who have demonstrated incredible dedication and service to the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Their many contributions have helped grow the arts in our community and at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. The Hylton Performing Arts Center serves to enrich, entertain, and celebrate the community through arts and educational programs. The Hylton Performing Arts Center provides a variety of cultural experiences for all ages, and we are thankful to have this Center in our community.

The Buchanan Partners have played a key role in establishing the Hylton Performing Arts Center's vision by sponsoring the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery. This gallery features local and regional artists and serves to enrich the community through various visual art experiences. They continue to reach out to the community and live out their mission of ``Developing Values. Building relationships.'' It is my pleasure to honor the Buchanan Partners for their contributions and efforts.

We are also very fortunate to have an exceptional visual artist, philanthropist, and founding supporter of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Nancy Hersch Ingram. She earned her Masters of Fine Arts degree from American University and now serves on the George Mason University Science and Technology campus advisory board. Nancy continues to help other members of our community by providing visionary artistic influence and philanthropic support. Her art work is held in permanent collections of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and other art institutions. She has been a pillar for artistic enrichment in our community, and demonstrates the values we seek in our community leaders. It is my pleasure to honor Nancy Hersch Ingram.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Buchanan Partners and Nancy Hersch Ingram for their many contributions to the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Chairman/CEO Roger Krone and the 32,000 employees of Leidos on the occasion of the company's 50th anniversary.

Founded in 1969 by Dr. J. Robert Beyster as Science Applications Incorporated (SAI), the company that would become Leidos was a result of Dr. Beyster's lifelong commitment to innovation. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1924 and raised in the midst of the Great Depression, Dr. Beyster watched as his family struggled through incredible hardships to provide for themselves. He joined the Navy after graduating from high school and served on a destroyer during World War II. With the help of the GI Bill, he attended the University of Michigan after his naval career and earned several degrees, including his Ph.D. in nuclear physics in 1950.

After earning his doctorate, Dr. Beyster spent five years working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory before spending a dozen years with General Atomics in San Diego. His time there came to an end shortly after Gulf Oil acquired General Atomics. Dr. Beyster felt that senior management had little interest in the research his department was performing. He resolved to create a company where that would never be the case and which nurtured a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. That vision led to the creation of SAI, which changed its name to SAIC in 1984.

I served as Director of Community Relations for SAIC from 2002 to 2008 and will always remember fondly my time with the company. I was pleased to be present in Congress in 2009 when SAIC made the decision to relocate its headquarters from San Diego to my district in Tysons. I'm not sure anyone, including Dr. Beyster, could have foreseen the growth that this company would experience. What began as a $50,000 loan with Dr. Beyster's house as collateral has evolved into a $7 billion Fortune 500 powerhouse. In 2013, SAIC bifurcated its company into two entities; Leidos, the solutions-focused parent company and a services business spin-off which carried on the SAIC name. I am confident that both of these companies will continue the fine legacy that has been left by Dr. Beyster, Roger Krone and so many others over the last 50 years.

The impact of Leidos and SAIC is not solely confined to a profit margin or a balance sheet. Both companies have received numerous accolades for their work in their communities, including being named one of the Best Places to Work by the Human Rights Campaign in 2017, receiving an Annual Corporate Equality Index Score of 100 percent and being named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute just last year. When I served as Director of Community Relations, I saw firsthand the engagement in and care for the community that SAIC/Leidos exhibited. The community was not merely where their facilities were located; it was their home and they treated it accordingly. We could all stand to learn from their example.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Leidos on this momentous occasion and in wishing them great success in all their future endeavors. I have no doubt that they will continue their myriad contributions to our economy, our government and our community for many more decades to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame (NVFHOF) and to congratulate the 2019 inductees and scholarship award recipients.

Participation in organized sports instills many values that will serve our youth well throughout life, including sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, and the work ethic developed by striving for success and working to achieve a common goal.

For 29 years, the NVFHOF has recognized the efforts of players, coaches, officials, and cheerleaders from local youth and scholastic football programs, and has inducted a few exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the game. In addition, the NVFHOF presents several student-athletes with scholarships to help defray the cost of college.

I commend the NVFHOF and congratulate the following students, coaches, and community leaders who are being recognized during the 29th Annual NVFHOF Awards Banquet:

$2,000 Scholarship Award Recipients: Conley J. Ku, Miles M. Thompson, Nicholas E. Kuzemka.

Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame 2019 Inductees: Jonathan Allen, Paul Hayden.

Football Official of the Year: Frank Hill, Jr.

Karl Davey Community Achievement Award: Martha Coleman.

Tom Davis Meritorious Service Award: Derek and Jenni Green.

Gene Nelson Commissioner of the Year Award: Brandon Miller.

High School Coaches of the Year: Mickey Thompson, Tom Verbanic.

High School Players of the Year: Eugene Asante, Tyquan Brown, Jordan Houston, Dakwandre Marshall, Taylor Morin, Christian Yost.

Youth Coaches of the Year: Boomer DeConti, Tom Hamm, Rodney Saldivar, Stanley Wilkins.

Youth Players of the Year: Chase Murchison, Jaellyn Carlo, George Lynch III, Adam Stewart, Jack McLaury, Evan Ross, Chase Geter, Cameron Petrey, Dylan Lyerly, Marcus Williams, Jaylen Ware, Cash Crosby, Ethen Mack-Moore, Tyree Hogan, Christos Proctor, Bryson Thompson, Colton Quaker, McCormack Koopman, Isaiah Ragland, Jake Nielsen, Donovan Mullins, Clifton Dorsey, Bobby Schroder.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Mark Meana and the Northern Virginia Hall of Fame, as well as those students, coaches, and community leaders who are being honored at the 2019 Football Hall of Fame celebration.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the incoming 2019 officers of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. OWLVFD is located in Prince William County, Virginia, 25 miles from our Nation's Capital. The OWLVFD goes on an average of 20,000 runs per year, aiding 80,000 residents in a 27 square mile area.

Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1938, the OWLVFD is comprised of committed community members who volunteer their time, energy, and financial resources to ensure the safety of the families and property in and around Woodbridge. During its 80 year history, the Department has continued to expand and there are now three stations staffed by approximately 250 volunteers who serve and protect an ever- growing local population. From their bravery in action to their presence with the youth in the community, OWLVFD is readily available for the families of Woodbridge.

It is with great honor that I include in the Record the names of the following Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department Officers:

Department President--Dave Williams.

Department Chief--James McAllister.

Executive Vice President--George Smith.

Membership Secretary--Scott Shaw.

Board of Directors--Michelle Bauer, Kevin Lewis, Melissa Payne, Rebecca Barnes, Zach Wessolleck, Jonathan Baldwin, Michael Clark, Anna Smith.

Election Officer--Sabrina Brandon Ricks.

Treasurer--Debbie Haight.

Sergeant-At-Arms--Rick Moore.

Assistant Chiefs--Kurt Bolland, Ernest DeSantis, Steve Godin, Wayne Haight, Rick Michaels.

Rescue Chief--Ed Craig.

Fire Captains--Ben New, Justin Witt.

Rescue Captain--Stephanie Powers.

While a new executive board has been elected and new officers sworn in, the mission of OWLVFD remains the same. The volunteers of the OWLVFD continue to put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of the residents of the area and have educated and mentored the youth in Woodbridge, not only teaching fire safety education, but also strengthening community relations.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the men and women of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department for their service to our country and steadfast commitment to their community and in congratulating the newly-elected officers and board members. I thank them for their dedication and to all, I say: ``Stay safe.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2019 Dale City Multicultural Achievement Awards and Scholarship Fund winners.

For 35 years, the Dale City Multicultural Achievement Awards and Scholarship Fund has been dedicated to promoting higher education by providing young adults with partial or full scholarships. Sponsored by the Dale City Christian Church and through its work with area youth and community partners, it advocates and encourages achievable independence. This is done through providing guidance and financial assistance to high school graduates and continuing this guidance as they begin their next academic chapter in higher education. In its years of service, the Dale City Multicultural Achievement Awards and Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $300,000.00 in scholarships for higher education. Through its partnership with local leaders and other groups it has been able to unite the community and inspire these young adults.

The annual banquet honors graduating high school students as well as church and community leaders and has become a signature community event highlighting distinguished speakers and showcasing the community's ``best.'' The Dale City Multicultural Achievement Awards and Scholarship Fund's mission is to``help educate the youth of today, to become outstanding citizens of tomorrow.'' It is my honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2019 Dale City Multicultural Achievement Awards & Scholarship Fund recipients:

Pastoral Leadership Award: Pastor Gibrilla Bangura.

Religious Leadership Award: Mrs. Barbara Murphy.

Lifetime Humanitarian Award: Mrs. Joann Bagnerise.

Community Service Award: Ms. Sharon Stone, Mrs. Lisa Hicks.

Business Achievement Award: Jirani--Coffee House, Dawne Horizons--Spa & Wellness Center.

Public Service Award: Ms. Diane Raulston.

Professional Leadership Award: Dr. Vanessa Gattis.

Christian Service Award: Mrs. Aleshia Thomas-Miller, Mr. Alonzo Johnson.

Faithfulness Award: Ms. Jera Stubblefield, Mr. Tyrell Allen.

Dedicated Christian Family Award: Ms. Katrese Harris & Family.

Senior Christian Service Award: Mr. Aaron Dade.

Junior Christian Service Award: Miss Jade Spurlock, Mr. Rey'Jzon Roundtree.

Youth Christian Service Award: Miss Deja Conner, Mr. Brandon Holloway.

2019 Seniors: Mr. Aaron Dade, Miss Desiree Freeman, Mr. Samuel Mitchell, Mr. Kalil Parson, Mr. Keonte Parson.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 2019 Dale City Multicultural Achievement Awards and Scholarship Fund recipients and in commending the Dale City Christian Church for its dedication and commitment to educating the leaders of tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Founded in 1994, NVCT undertook a mission to sustain abundant, thriving and natural places in local neighborhoods and communities. Over the last 25 years, their efforts have led to the protection of over 7,000 acres of land, comprising parks, streams, forests and farms in both rural and urban settings. In a region of over 3 million people and growing, that is an incredible accomplishment that deserves high praise.

In Northern Virginia, we have always made an effort to preserve our parkland and green spaces. This is one of the reasons why our region continues to enjoy such a high quality of life. I was proud during my tenure as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to make environmental conservation one of my top priorities. We set a goal of preserving 10 percent of our open space as parkland. We are currently at 9.7 percent and I am confident that the future will see us reach that goal of 10 percent.

I also saw firsthand the commitment of the membership of NVCT to the goal of conservation. The late Jean Packard, who served as Chairman of the Board of NVCT, was an instrumental figure in the downzoning of the Occoquan watershed.

That decision was arguably one of the most consequential environmental decisions made by the Board of Supervisors. It is no coincidence that the healthiest streams in Fairfax County and the most scenic, ecologically intact open space are found within the boundaries of the Occoquan watershed.

The existence of organizations like NVCT is a testament to the high level of civic engagement and citizen activism that we are blessed with not only in Fairfax County, but in Northern Virginia as a whole. The actions of governments, while important, will never be sufficient by themselves. Organizations like NVCT provide an invaluable supplement, which ensures that we will continue to prioritize preservation and conservation of our natural resources for future generations.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust on 25 years of preserving nature. I commend them for their service to our community and our region and ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them great success in all their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce and to congratulate the incoming 2019 board members.

Tysons has drastically transformed during the past 56 years from a sleepy, rural area to one of the most vibrant regions in the country. This change began when the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved plans for the Tysons Corner Shopping Center in 1962. When the mall opened in 1968, it was hailed as the largest enclosed mall in the world.

Since then, there has been a dramatic influx of technology companies, government contracting firms, and other corporations. Tysons has become the premier business district of the Washington Metropolitan Area and is one of the largest employment centers in the United States. With the opening of Metro's Silver Line and ongoing redevelopment, the region is expected to continue adding not only businesses but also high-density residential housing. 45 million square feet of transit- oriented development is already present in Tysons and more is on the way.

The mission of the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce is to be the unified voice of the business community while ensuring that its ties and commitment to the community are strengthened.

The Chamber actively promotes local non-profits and community organizations as well as youth educational programs, and it sponsors multiple events each year in support of these activities. The growth of the Chamber has been the result of the diversity of its members and the leadership of its Board. I am pleased to include in the Record the names of the incoming 2019 board members:

Chairman of the Board: Tucker Gladhill

At-Large Members: Alex Levy, Andrew Clark, Anthony Anikeeff, Audrey Lustre, Chris Tomseth, David MacGillivray, Diana Villareal, Dr. Michelle Walker, Frederick Keown, Gina Gagliardi, James Lawson, Jeffrey Krashin, Jonathan LaCroix, Kara Shelton, Kara Mayle, Kathleen Kelley, Kathy McNeill, Kevin Corey, Maureen Loftus, Maureen Caufield, Miriam Tadross, Rod Loges, Rodney Lusk, Samim Ardeishar, Sanjay Srikantiah, Suzan Zimmerman, Timothy Klinkner, Uppasna Chand, Virginia Case, and Walter Kim.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the incoming board members and in commending the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce for its commitment to promoting the business community while encouraging social responsibility and civic engagement. I wish the Chamber the very best for its continued growth and success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Vienna Business Association (VBA) and to congratulate the incoming members of the 2019 Board of Directors.

Vienna is known for its local charm and strong small business community. Money Magazine and CNN have both rated Vienna as one of the best places to live in the United States. The vibrant community spirit exhibited by its residents and local businesses has fostered an exceptional quality of life that is cherished by so many.

The Vienna Business Association is the voice of the greater Vienna business community. It promotes business opportunities and development through networking and increased interaction between the commercial and residential communities within the town.

Its members help maintain Vienna's small town feel by hosting and supporting many annual community events.

The VBA has thrived thanks to the diversity of its members and the leadership of its Board.

I am pleased to include in the Record the following names of the incoming members of the 2019 Board of Directors:

Incoming Chairman: Mark Sweeney; Incoming Board Members: Ann Cole, Kari Cannistraro, Michael Amouri, Karen Thayer, Bettina Lawton, Preeti Swaminathan, Jeff Bollettino, Greg Kunstbeck, Tim Fricker, Holly Siebold.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the incoming board members and in commending the Vienna Business Association for their commitment to promoting the business community while encouraging social responsibility. I wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker,

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 71st Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for filling an essential role in keeping our community safe.

The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 1948, and for more than 6 decades it has provided lifesaving fire suppression/prevention and emergency medical and rescue services to the residents of Burke and the surrounding communities. It also provides, houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical equipment, provides opportunities for professional growth and development for the membership, and maintains and fosters a strong viable organization.

As one of the county's most active volunteer fire and rescue departments, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve the community. In the last year, the Department responded to 3,829 incidents and provided over 22,000 hours of volunteer service to the community. I am honored to recognize the dedicated men and women who have volunteered for extra duty as Officers or as members of the Board of Directors and to include in the Record their names:

Board of Directors--President: Ian Dickinson; Vice President: John Powers; Secretary: Amy Gold; Treasurer: Patrick Owens; Members at Large: Larry Bocknek, Matthew Bryant, Kenneth Senn.

Officers--Chief: Thomas Warnock; Deputy Chief: Tina Godfrey; Deputy Chief: John Hudak; Captain II: Melissa Ashby; Captain II: Larry Bockneck; Captain II: Keith O'Connor; Lieutenant: Emily Fincher; Lieutenant: Kevin Grottle; Sergeant: Peter Hamilton; Sergeant: Caitlin Curran; Chaplain: Harry Chelpon.

In addition to the men and women who have generously assumed the responsibilities of serving as an Officer or a member of the Board of Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department is also presenting awards to the following individuals in recognition of their exemplary service during the last year.

Officer of the Year: SGT Caitlin Curran

Administrative Member of the Year: Heather Heflin

Rookie of the Year: EMT Susan Weeks

Career Member of the Year: LT Walter ``Al'' Deihl

Firefighter of the Year: FF/EMT Ian Dickinson

EMS Provider of the Year: Paramedic Barry Brown

Team Award: Hall Business Team

Team Award: IT Business Team

Chief's Award: CPT II Melissa Ashby

President's Award: EMT Elizabeth Bartlett

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the department for over seventy years of service and in thanking all of the brave volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the community calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our residents, I say: ``Stay safe.''