Herbert C. Conaway, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 284.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Reva Foster on her retirement from Willingboro Township, where she served as director of the senior citizen center, as well as executive director of the Department of Aging and Veterans Affairs, and community affairs.

After joining Willingboro Township in 1993, she became a fierce advocate for seniors and veterans in the region. Under her leadership, the town's senior services program grew into a highly respected, State- recognized resource that provided a welcoming community for generations of residents.

Her responsibility expanded to include the township's community affairs and Veterans affairs departments where she continued to champion programs that have improved the quality of life for Willingboro residents.

As a reflection of her achievements, in 2020, the senior citizen center was renamed the Reva Foster Senior Center, and in 2024 she was inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Reva and thank her for her career of tireless advocacy and service.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6007, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, after Anthony ``Tony'' Gallopo. I am pleased to have co-led this effort with my colleague from New Jersey, Representative Gottheimer, and pleased to speak in support of this bill today.

Mr. Gallopo was a keystone in the northern New Jersey community. Born in 1961, he grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey, and led a life dedicated to service. Mr. Gallopo was active in his local fire department before enlisting in the Navy.

After serving as a seaman, Mr. Gallopo returned home to become a leader locally in Sussex County, serving as vice commander of the New Jersey Department of The American Legion and commander at American Legion Post 86.

Mr. Gallopo was a tireless advocate, and his dedication to caring for his fellow veterans was unparalleled. Mr. Gallopo hosted roundtables for both students and returning veterans to help them succeed in seeking better job opportunities. His leadership in evaluating student applicants to our Nation's service academies on his congressional district's Service Academy Nomination Selection Committee helped to cultivate the next generation of servicemembers.

Mr. Gallopo was instrumental in the expansion of healthcare for veterans in his community. His advocacy helped lead to the opening of a Sussex County VA community-based outpatient clinic.

Mr. Gallopo's critical role in opening this clinic will continue to benefit veterans in northern New Jersey for generations.

Mr. Gallopo passed away in 2020, but his memory lives on in the countless veterans who have access to healthcare within their local community because of his work. There is no better way to express our gratitude for Mr. Gallopo's lifetime of service to his fellow veterans than to rename the clinic he tirelessly fought to open in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), who is the author of this legislation. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6007 to honor this very deserving veteran, and I yield back the balance of my time.