Retired Army Lieutenant General Robert F. Foley, now the Director of the Army Emergency Relief organization and Congressional Medal of Honor winner, will be the featured guest speaker at the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association breakfast meeting on Monday, February 19, 2007. This annual event celebrates the Association's 233rd year of serving the City of Alexandria. Known as George Washington's fire company, the establishment dates back to 1774.
At its meetings the Association honors Americans who have made distinguished contributions to community, state and country. Past recipients have included, Astronaut Neil Armstrong, Bob Hope, US Presidents, governors and Alexandria leaders. General Foley will now be included in this list.
Foley, on November 5, 1966, as an Army Captain in Vietnam, lead an attack near Quan Dau Tieng to extricate another company. During this encounter he and his unit came under heavy enemy fire, and Captain Foley was responsible for rallying his troops to carry the momentum of the attack. At one point when the enemy mounted a fierce defense, Captain Foley moved personally to direct a critical phase of the battle. Receiving critical wounds, he lead assaults on several enemy gun emplacements and single-handedly destroyed three such positions. He was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon Johnson on May 1, 1968.
The Friendship meeting will take place at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites at 625 First Street, Alexandria. A three-course breakfast meal will be served. The Alexandria Gazette will describe its Alexandria Living Legacy program.. In addition to the Living Legacy distinction, each selectee will be presented with an honorary Friendship membership in recognition of their selection. The program will also include the presentation of the Ben Lynt Distinguished Service Award to an Alexandrian. Reverend Ben Lynt was the Chaplain for Friendship for over 40 years. This award is always a surprise for the recipient and is a much-coveted recognition for service to the community.
The breakfast meeting is open to the public for a cost of $25 per person. Corporate tables of 10 are available for $250. Reservations may be made until February 15, by calling 703-751-6416.