At the 230th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this past July, Reston resident James V. Allred was inducted into the Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees. The award was presented by Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Allred was the 93rd recipient of the award, which recognizes employees who have rendered exceptional service and made outstanding contributions during their service with the Corps.
An architect, Allred was responsible for more than 275 projects while with the Corps with a constructed value of more than $4.5 billion, including Walter Reed, Brooke and Madigan Army Medical Centers and Landstuhl Hospital, Germany.
While Allred has been recognized during his career, he has also been recognized for his many years of volunteer work in Reston.
Number of years working in the community:
My wife Joyce, our son Jay and I moved to Reston from Ohio in 1967. Reston had just over 1,000 residents.
About you and your family:
My wife and I have two adult, married children. Jay lives in Reston with his wife Lori and our grandson, Sammy. Our daughter, Joy, lives in Plano, Texas with her husband Larry Morris. We have been married for 42 years.
Education:
I have a bachelor of architecture degree from Kent State University and a master of architecture degree from the Catholic University.
Current Job:
I have an architectural consulting business and currently am Owner’s Construction Representative for the Floris United Methodist Church which is building a new facility in Herndon.
Achievements:
In 2005, enshrined in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees for exceptional service and outstanding accomplishments. In 2003, officially recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for years of pro-bono "leadership, direction and guidance on the Fairfax County Architectural Review Board." In 2001, elevated to College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects (the first CoE employee to achieve Fellowship). In 1999, recognized by Hunters Green Homeowners Association for "contributions to the effective management of association business and operations in his 12 years as president." In 1997, given a Presidential Citation by the American Institute of Architects. In 1997 awarded the Superior Civilian Service Medal by the Department of the Army. In 1996, awarded the Commanders Award for Civilian Service by the Department of the Army. In 1992, awarded Architect of the Year by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1990, awarded the Charles E. Christ Award by the U.S. Army Surgeon General. In 1985, given the Rotary International Service Above Self Award by the Rotary Club of Reston for contributions to youth sports. In 1981, named the Man of the Year by the Reston Times for work to bring the community center to Reston. In 1980, given the Meritorious Service Award by the National Parks and Recreation Association. In 1979, named the Citizen of the Year by the Reston Community Association. In 1975, awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Greater Reston Jaycees.
Activities/interests/hobbies:
Volunteer efforts. Led a successful six-year endeavor to raise money to design, finance and construct a $2.6 million community center that remains the focus of community activities for Reston.
Served five consecutive three-year terms as a pro-bono architect on the Fairfax County Architectural Review Board for Historic Districts, protecting irreplaceable landmarks. Recognized in 2003 by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for "dedicated leadership, direction, guidance and service."
Volunteered as a youth basketball coach, a soccer coach, commissioner and Reston Soccer Association president.
Served as president of homeowners association board from 1988-1999; a deacon in the United Methodist Church; and a Trustee and member of several church building committees.
Hobbies include genealogy, photography, model railroading, travel and spoiling his grandson.
Favorite local restaurant:
Clyde’s restaurant.
Community Concerns: The proposed, new Reston Association governing documents.