Last week I had the privilege and honor to spend a week in Guatemala with a mission group from Aldersgate Church.  For years I have worked with the youth of the church-both as an assistant youth director and as the Sr. High Sunday School teacher-but this was the first time I was able to serve directly with the youth as they spread their message of joy and love throughout the world. People young and old from our community regularly bring resources, labor, and love to people in Guatemala, Cambodia, Belize, and other countries - as well as many locations within our own nation's borders.  The impact they make on the lives of those less fortunate is amazing, and I feel truly blessed to have been able to share in that mission.

Taking a week off from the campaign was difficult - as there is much to do and many people still to meet.  However, I believe that the work we did in Guatemala was so important, and the commitment to go so serious, that the week away was well worth it.  I return with a renewed commitment to help others, with increased energy to be a vehicle for good in our world, and a heightened understanding of what is truly important.  

We went to Guatemala to help the people there.  Immediately upon arrival I knew that their grace and love of life - so evident in them even as they suffer abject poverty - would help us more than anything we can ever do for them.  We built stoves for their homes - they gave us peace and grace.  

It is great to be back, and I look forward to seeing you all out on the trail.  Let us all remember why we do this - to serve our fellow man.

Check out pictures of my trip on Facebook and in our media center.
... 08/02/09

Thank you once again to Sid and Kristy Smith for hosting an event for us, and for special guest Congressman Tom Davis. You can check out these photoes and more at our media center. ... 07/14/09

In the tragic aftermath of Civil War, with the wounds and divides between neighbor still fresh and deep, America stood together, inspired by General John A. Logan’s Decoration Day Order, to pay tribute to those who had died in defense of freedom.

The General said, “Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor…”

General Logan issued his order on the 5th Day of May, 1868. America agreed, as a people, to pay reverent tribute to our fallen. In keeping with this tradition our nation still celebrates Memorial Day, and at 3:00 PM on 25 May, 2009 we stand together in silence to remember those who died in defense of freedom. My family and I join each of you to celebrate our country and commemorate the sacrifices freely given for liberty and peace throughout the world.

We must not forget, however, that General Logan’s declaration continued to say “…let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.”

And that is why it is important also that on Memorial Day, and every other day of the year, we assess whether we are, in fact, placing the care of the Veteran and the families that support them in order of highest priority. Our veterans have earned our continued and most generous support. Our nation has a solemn responsibility to help them with all we have, to support their families, and to stand with those who bear the wounds of war so that they may recover and reach their full potential. A nation has no greater commitment, and we must not fail in this task.

I wish each of you a wonderful Memorial Day. Let us never forget those who have served to bring us peace, let us never tire in our efforts to repay this debt, and let us remain ever vigilant in the protection of the freedoms for which these brave Americans fought and died.

As General Logan said over 100 years ago, ”If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.”

God Bless. ... 05/25/09

Dear Citizens of the 44th District:

I am honored to ask for your vote this November, and am thrilled at the prospect of representing you as your Delegate in Richmond. 

In these turbulent times I am convinced that Virginia needs strong and involved leaders who are active in the community, respect the rights of all Virginians, and support the initiatives we need to grow our economy and protect our citizens and our neighborhoods.  I hope that my candidacy can serve to both bring our district together and to give everyone a voice in the decisions that impact our Commonwealth.

My years of leadership in the military, in business, and in our community have prepared me well to represent the people of the 44th District. Whether serving as a soldier, at the helm of both large and small businesses, or in volunteer positions here at home, I have continually sought to address the important issues while adhering to first principles.  I have worked hard, honestly, and passionately to do the right things for the right reasons.  Over the coming weeks I will be making that case to all the people in our area, and I hope that you will support me in that effort.

My campaign will focus on the core issues that effect each of us everyday.  I will put forward ideas to help grow our troubled economy, improve our State’s fiscal condition, streamline our government for the benefit of citizens, improve transportation in Northern Virginia, and protect our rights, our safety, and our communities.  I will stress how we can all work together, regardless of political party, to enhance educational opportunities and education quality for our children, reform our government so that we provide needed services at a cost we can afford, and protect our environment while fostering a pro-business culture in Virginia.  Together I know we can do great things, and I look forward to having the opportunity to be your representative.

This race will not be easy, and I will need to support of many, many people – people who will volunteer, raise or contribute campaign resources, and help get the vote out.  With a positive message and the great support of people like you, I know we can do it!

I promise to run an honorable campaign that we can all be proud of, and if elected, to serve with energy, dedication, and respect for all Virginia citizens.

Sincerely,  

Jay McConville ... 05/14/09