Community Corner

Shep Crow of Mason Neck Named Grand Marshal in Lorton's 4th of July Parade.

He fixed the clock tower, replaced Lorton's "Welcome" sign, co-founded the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce...

The South County Federation has made it's choice - Lorton and Mason Neck champion Marvin "Shep" Crow was unanimously chosen to be the Grand Marshal for the 2013 Lorton Independence Day Parade. 

"Shep has a very long history and appreciation for Lorton," reads the South County Federation proclomation, which was voted on Tuesday night at South County High School. "Shep’s efforts are endless and his energy has no limits."  

Crow, 80, a native of Dillwyn, Va., graduated from Virginia Tech, and spent 20 years in the U.S. Army before retiring as a Lt. Colonel and becoming a defense contractor. He made his first appearance in Lorton in 1954 as the Nike Launcher Pilot Platoon Leader at the Nike Missile Battery. 

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"Oh, boy. A lot has changed since then. Lorton was just corn fields and a recycled area and the junk yard. Now it's recognized as a major source of new housing and businesses," said Crow. 

Crow is a co-founder of the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in 2008; is responsible for replacing the "Welcome" sign in Lorton on Richmond Highway (it carries the logos of 10 Lorton-area organizations and reads "Lorton, Virginia - 1875."); is also credited with repairing Lorton's clock tower and serves on the following boards: 

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  • South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
  • Cold War Museum
  • Harrison House of Virginia, Inc.
  • Harrison House of Virginia Foundation

He is also a member of the VFW, American Legion and Military Officers Association of America. 

"I want to make Lorton stand out from the rest of the towns and cities in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia," Crow told Patch. "We're a growing area and we have a lot to offer." 

Crow's next project is to dedicate a bench at Pohick Bay Park for Mason Neck's Ray Rainwater, who passed away earlier this year.  

Crow and his wife. Louise, have been married for 56 years. The couple have three children and two grandchildren. 

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