The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact for Military Children awarded five Stafford County Public Schools with 2022 Purple Star Designation; Margaret Brent Elementary and North Stafford High School for the first time, Rockhill, Widewater, and Winding Creek elementary schools for the second time.

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Alex Trouteaud, 42, from Barnesville, Md. finished in first place with a time of 1:04:14, today in the Marine Corps 17.75K marathon. 

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Fairfax County officials just launched a tourism plan that could impact commerce in Prince William County in an indirect way, solidifying the global economics theory on a smaller scale.

While there is a river boundary between the two counties, the main elements in Fairfax County’s plan are within easy access to key river crossings, making it an easy trip if taken during the right time of day.

Fairfax County’s plan was launched in late February when Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck created the Tourism Task Force at the National Museum of the U.S. Army.

The museum was scheduled to open June 4, but its timeline has been delayed due to the coronavirus.

“The museum will open when the conditions can ensure the health and safety of the museum visitors and staff, and the museum is ready to begin daily operations,” said a statement on the museum’s website.

The museum built on an 84-acre site right off the Fairfax County Parkway, close to the Richmond Highway intersection, at 1775 Liberty Drive, Suite 400 in Fort Belvoir. The 185,000 square-foot museum facility will use tanks, helicopters, weapons, and technology to tell the 240 years of Army history, similar to the Marine Corps museum in Quantico.

This massive undertaking is led by a joint effort between the U. S. Army and non-profit organization, the Army Historical Foundation (AHF).

“The National Museum of the United States Army will certainly be a tourist highlight of Fairfax County, which has been a great partner on this project. We also expect the entire National Capital Region and Commonwealth of Virginia to also benefit once the Museum opens,” said retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Roger Schultz, President of The Army Historical Foundation.

The new military museum will bring increased interest to existing destinations in Northern Virginia and the Richmond corridor, including Prince William County.

“Prince William County shares a regional vision to elevate the quality of life, by harnessing tourism and economic development opportunities showcasing the many Northern Virginia cultural, recreational and visitor attraction assets. We do this through fostering partnerships including the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, the Northern Virginia Tourism Partnership, NOVA Economic Development Alliance, and other regional collaborations,” stated Ann Marie Maher, Prince William County’s Director of Tourism.

Museum tickets must be reserved in advance, but they are free.

The Workhouse Arts Center recently opened a suffragist museum that will act as another magnet for tourism along with the resident artist attractions, live presentations, and a unique living quarters built in former prison buildings.

In addition, the attractions in southern Fairfax County include George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Mason Neck Park, bicycle facilities at Fountainhead Regional Park, and along the GW Parkway, a planned ski slope on a landfill in Lorton, historic Woodlawn, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House.

These are all within close proximity to the Occoquan River and Prince William County.

“It is our vision that this collaboration will accelerate South County economic development and provide new opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” Storck said.

Tourism in Fairfax County has created around 30,000 jobs and brought in nearly $6o million locally, according to a press release.

FORT BELVOIR — The National Museum of the United States Army is now accepting applications for volunteers to provide visitor support when the Museum is open.

Ms. Zelpha Anderson, Chief of the Visitor Services Division, says she is looking for individuals who are passionate about the U.S. Army and sharing the stories of the men and women who have worn the Army uniform throughout our nation’s history.

There will be a variety of volunteer opportunities, such as visitor services, special events, tours, education, outdoor activities, and administration.

Through the application process, interested volunteers will have the opportunity to share their skills, interests, and abilities to help match them to a volunteer position.

The Museum anticipates approximately 750,000 visitors annually and will be open every day of the year except Dec. 25.

“The Museum will be a premier travel destination and will offer an assortment of programs and events in addition to touring the historic galleries, and we will need a robust volunteer force to ensure an outstanding visitor experience,” said Anderson.

Anderson says her goal is to gather a group of 300 volunteers who are trained and ready for the Museum’s opening in 2020.

The volunteer application is available now; interviews will begin late this summer, and training will begin in the fall.

The Museum staff also has a goal of developing a volunteer corps that will reflect the diversity of the Army and of their visitors and encourages all to apply.

“You don’t need a specific degree or work experience to be a volunteer,” emphasized Anderson. “What we need is you.”

To learn more about volunteering at the Museum, or to apply, visit online or call (800) 506-2672.

National Day of Service participants Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia have donated repair services to a Vietnam veteran and his wife. From the press release:

Vietnam Veteran and Wife will Benefit as Locally-Owned Mr. Handyman Franchise Donates Repair Services on Sept.7, 2018

Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia Participating in 2018 National Day of Service, Giving Back and Bringing the Community Together

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The Northern Virginia Veterans Association (NOVAVETS) is an organization with a sole purpose of supporting veterans, transitioning military members and their families throughout the Northern Virginia region.  Located in Manassas, VA, the association is a one-stop hands-on non-profit that provides that support at no-cost to the veteran or family member.  Those in need are connected to local community resources that best meet their requirements.  Because of the vast need for services and support, NOVAVETS focuses its efforts on the most vulnerable of veterans and those with extraordinary needs.

Founded in 2015, by Retired Major Angela McConnell (PhD), who is also an expert in health services, NOVAVETS is unique in veterans support by guiding the client through the vast and often confusing network of available resources until the problem or issue is resolved.  Relying on a cadre of support specialists, which include military retirees and health care experts, NOVAVETS utilizes pre-screened and verified service and support partner companies and entities to fill the veteran’s need.  Since its founding, NOVAVETS has assisted hundreds of veterans and family members, ranging from veterans needing mental and other health services, to families facing immediate eviction, to obtaining transportation to a veteran’s doctor appointment, to home and yard care help, to hospice care assistance, and to meeting the recreational needs of the severely injured.  Despite the overwhelming successes achieved in coordinating care and assistance to the veterans, the demand continues to grow.  Relying exclusively on volunteers to fill its ranks of supporting the needs of the association, NOVAVETS is especially in need of executives to oversee and coordinate the organization’s operations.  These positions are ideally suited to retired military members, military spouses, or retired professionals.  Compensation is knowing that one made a difference in a hero’s life.  Contact NOVAVETS at 703-659-0788 or www.novavets.org.

David Bice is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General and is Chairman, Board of Directors, NOVAVETS.  He lives in Woodbridge, VA.

The Citadel, New York Institute of Technology and University of Scranton have high achievers, according to press releases we received from each institution:

Patrick Ryan of Manassas, VA (20112) was awarded gold stars by The Citadel for achieving a 3.7 grade point average or higher during the 2018 spring semester. Cadets and students who achieve gold star recognition are also placed on The Citadel's dean's list.

And...