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HJ 672

Celebrating the life of Colonel Gerald William Hyland, USAF, Ret.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 16 co-sponsors

HJ672ER memorializes Colonel Gerald W. Hyland, honoring his long military and public service (USAF Reserve, Fairfax County), expresses sadness, and directs a copy to his family.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ672ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 672

Summary: House Joint Resolution 672 (HJ672ER) – Celebrating the life of Colonel Gerald William Hyland, USAF, Ret.

A ceremonial memorial resolution recognizing the life, service, and contributions of Colonel Gerald William Hyland, USAF, Ret., a longtime Fairfax County public servant and respected figure in Virginia’s local and state government communities.

Purpose and Intent

  • Officially note with sadness the passing of Colonel Gerald William Hyland, commend his decades of military and civilian service, and express the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.
  • Request the Clerk of the House of Delegates to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to his family as an expression of the Assembly’s esteem.

Honoree: Background and Achievements

Key biographical highlights included in the resolution:

  • Personal and education:
    • Born in Holden, Massachusetts; attended College of the Holy Cross; earned a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
  • Military service:
    • Reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force with the Judge Advocate General’s Office; four years of active duty in Normandy; 30 years in the Air Force Reserve Command.
  • Legal and professional career:
    • Longtime legislative counsel for the Credit Union National Association; co-founded Hyland & Hyland law firm (with his wife Carmen) in 1976.
  • Public service and leadership:
    • Fairfax County zoning board experience; elected Mount Vernon District Supervisor (1987–2015; 28 years).
    • Leadership roles on state and national levels, including chair of the Virginia Railway Express, president of the Virginia Association of Counties, and member of the National Association of Counties board.
  • Community and personal life:
    • Built a family life and farm in Parksley; engaged in farming activities and sharing produce with friends and family.
    • Preceded in death by his wife Carmen and his companion Shirley; survived by his daughter Gigi and other relatives.

Legislative Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • House actions: Engrossed and agreed to by the House on February 18, 2025
  • Senate actions: Agreed to by the Senate on February 19, 2025
  • Enrolled status: HJ672ER (enrolled) as of March 24, 2025
  • Patronage: Includes multiple House patrons (e.g., Krizek, Bennett-Parker, Bulova, Henson, Herring, Keys-Gamarra, Lopez, McClure, Sickles, Simon, Sullivan, Tran, Watts) and Senate sponsors (e.g., Ebbin, McPike, Salim, Surovell)

Provisions and Language

  • The resolution consists of “WHEREAS” clauses detailing Hyland’s life, service, and recognitions, followed by “RESOLVED” clauses:
    • Expresses the General Assembly’s sadness and acknowledges Hyland’s dedication and legacy.
    • Directs the Clerk to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to his family.

Impact and Implications

  • Primarily ceremonial; does not create legal obligations or funding, but formalizes recognition of Hyland’s contributions to military service, local government, and regional public institutions.
  • Reinforces community memory of Hyland’s impact, particularly in Fairfax County, the Virginia Association of Counties, and the Virginia Railway Express.

Quick Reference

  • Bill: HJ672 (HJ672ER)
  • Title: Celebrating the life of Colonel Gerald William Hyland, USAF, Ret.
  • Status: Enrolled; passed House and Senate in Feb 2025
  • Enrolled date: March 24, 2025
  • Purpose: Memorial recognition and expression of respect for a prominent Virginia public servant and veteran.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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