Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2023 17 and Technology, Privileges and Elections, and Rules Committees. Before elected office, Jill had already accumulated an impressive record of service. A graduate of the College of William and Mary and DePaul University’s Law School, she served as Deputy General Counsel in the U.S. Department of Energy, began her own law firm, and served as Chief Counsel of the Republican National Committee. She also devoted a lifetime of service through her legal work for charitable and nonprofit organizations. In 2017, Jill brought her spirit of can-do optimism to the campaign trail by carrying the colors of her Commonwealth and party as the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Virginia. Following the election that November, she returned to her seat in the Senate of Virginia, never pausing for a moment in her work to make life better for all Virginians. But don’t take my word for it. Throughout her service in the Senate, she has been recognized repetitively as Legislator of the Year by the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Courts Clerks Association, the Virginia Treasurers Association, and the Commissioners of Revenue Association of Virginia. She has also been honored as a “Champion of Justice” by the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys and as a “Catalyst for Change” by the Arc of Virginia. As a native Virginian who served in the oldest elected legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, Jill epitomized the anonymous adage that “To be a Virginian, either by birth, marriage, adoption or even on one’s mother’s side, is an introduction to any state in the Union, a passport to any foreign country, and a benediction from the Almighty God.” As November approaches and the days grow shorter and the leaves prepare to fall, so goes the service of Senator Jill Holtzman Vogel in the Virginia General Assembly. As she concludes her service to the people and Commonwealth of Virginia, she casts a long shadow of public service that will endure always. Her legacy will live as she returns home to husband Alex and their six children. Well done, good and faithful servant, well done. Rich Anderson is a retired 30-year Air Force colonel, former four-term member of the Virginia House of Delegates, and current chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. The question is not will the General Assembly survive without James Edmunds — legislators always come and go. Instead, the proper question is, how badly will we miss his gentlemanly manner? It has been my honor to work alongside James Edmunds for the last dozen years. He has remained as humble as he was when he first entered the House of Delegates. As he leaves, he is the same man who arrived at the Capitol in 2010. Too often legislators let their title go to their head and tend to act as if they are a step above those they represent, not James. I have known members of the Edmunds family for over 40 years. Over the years, I heard stories about past generations of the Edmunds family and their commitment to the Halifax community. I heard of their generosity to their employees and those in the county who need assistance. Those stories weave a tale of commitment to Halifax County and those who live there. James is surely a chip off the block, he carries the name and tradition honorably. When the Halifax County Fair lost its sponsor, James stepped up and kept the popular fair active. Additionally, he added another county annual event that is named Heritage Day. As a member of the House of Delegates, James has remained true to his roots. He never forgot that he came to Richmond to serve the people. He has done so ably. In doing so, he has stayed true to his faith in God. His votes in the General Assembly have always reflected his great faith. James is not one to wear his faith on his sleeve but rather by his actions. Likewise, his wife Jennifer, as well as his son and daughter, are reflected in his votes on those issues that are focused on the values of family. James E. Edmunds, II Delegate 2010-2024 BY FRANK RUFF Transition • Employment Education • Benefits Veteran & Family Support Care Centers • Cemeteries Virginia War Memorial www.dvs.virginia.gov (804) 786-0286 Proudly Serving Those That Served See James E. Edmunds, II, continued on page 19
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjQ0MA==