The Citizens of Excellence Group

10/14/2017

Dear Family and Friends,

The great part about being a parent is when you have a Coworker that looks out for you. Especially concerning the wellbeing of your children. In addition, Not too many people can say they would get along with someone in an 8x12, 36 degree meet cooler for 8hrs.
But Zach being the man he is makes that possible.
So today would like to recognize and thank another man in our community for their excellent contributions!
Zack, thanks for all that you do!

-Travis Walker

Shoutout to BCBA Banks Collage Basketball Association, Chick-fil-A at Charlottesville Fashion Square, and Texas Roadhouse - Charlottesville for your continued support!

10/03/2017

Dear Family and Friends,

We will be closing out the year strong by recognizing many more amazing men, women, and children of our community.
Please make sure you inbox or email us at [email protected] to let us know what family, friend or loved one you would like to have recognized for their excellent service to our community!
~Travis Walker

08/25/2017

Dear Family and Friends, !!

I love my Squad!
I mean, they're not perfect; but by them being in the pursuit of perfection makes them an group of men. The CitizensOfExcellenceGroup had to present the to these sick fellas!
It feels good to know I'm amongst men who have The heart and mind for their community. Their level of care and regard for the men, women and children that they encounter is rare. It's a privilege to have that as a part of my circle. It's a privilege to watch fathers of that circle put on a display of fatherhood that not only encourages me, but challenges me as well.
Like I stated before, my squad isn't a perfect group of perfect men, so we've witnessed each other make countless mistakes. Yet, it has been a blessing watching these men humble themselves and own up to their mistakes. It takes a certain level of bravery to do that.
That same bravery is what allows these men to go out in the community and provide the love, hope and service the way that only THEY can do!
Dowell, a.k.a "Moose," thanks for always providing a reason to laugh and think positive, especially during those moments when all we wanted to do IS curse or fight! Watching you grow into the man that you are becoming has been a blessing. Watching you strive to elevate yourself, in hopes of becoming more complimentary to Skylar is inspiring. Thus, I'm most proud of you and the example of "dad" that you are. Keep riding clean, bro!
Ray Razors, thank you for all of the talks, encouragement, and perspective. Letting me know that there's nothing wrong with the fact the we are just "a man's man." Watching you love on your wife Sarah the way you do helps me stay encouraged and believing in marriage. Proud of you, bro!
RC, a.k.a. Sizzle, thank you for always having the Word of God ready for me, and some Sizzle humor to go along with it! During those moments when things seemed like they were going to go south very quickly, The peace that's in you has always allowed there to be balance amongst us. You do remember that one time you lifted Bear up with one hand?!
Fernando, the Young Phenom! Thank you for the spark you added to the shop, and to our lives! You're just the mother-lovin' man! When I became a single man again I didn't think I'd want to go out, have fun, or even date again. I was "out of the game." But one day I sat in your chair.... you put one of the dopest cuts on me... I looked at myself in the mirror and said, "shiiiiiiid, I ain't doing too bad!" The rest is history!
Bear... honestly. You just do "Bear Stuff!" No One knows what you're about to do. But we know what you're about to do. That's that Moose 'ish you're always doing! And that's why you love you. Whenever I had a problem or a need, you didn't dwell on the issue, or ask a bunch of questions. You just got straight to the solution. Much appreciated!
Will, whenever I come into the shop declaring that I need some wreck, you're that one brother that doesn't hesitate to oblige. Helping me turn a self-destructive moment into a constructive one; for everyone! Brother, you have created a place of refuge for us, The Squad. That same place has now become a place of refuge for the entire community! There have many attempts made to destroy this place. Attempts Made by us, made by others. Yet this place still stands. In turn, we all still stand. Together. [You understand what I just did there.]
I'm proud of you. I'm proud to call you my bother. Keep growing, Good King.
Long story short, I know who my six groomsmen will be if I ever get married again. I also know the six men who will carry me in the end.
Y'all some sick fellas. But I love y'all!

-Vega

07/17/2017

BCBA Banks Collage Basketball Association along with

02/09/2017

Dear Family and Friends,

What do you do 20+ years of friendship?
You say thank you!!
I want to take this time to say thank you to my A1, Kea Anderson , The Citizens of Excellence Group ! Thank you for allowing me to driving you crazy with all of my mess! 😁 Thank you for having my back through ALL of my ups and downs. Thank you for standing firm, ready to be best friend I needed at a moments notice. Thank you for returning the favor in driving me crazy as well! Teaching me more and more about the word "unconditional."
Despite the many misunderstandings and disagreements we may have, I cherish every moment of it. Thank you for the love you've shown towards my family, our kids especially!
As the that YOU are, it has been a privilege watching you take the challenges head on in raising a beautiful princess all on your own. You ! 👊🏾👊🏾
That's why i love you and all the "crazy" that's wrapped up inside your 120lb frame!
Kea, thank you for being you!

01/05/2017

Dear Family and Friends,

I want to end this year and go into the new year giving thanks to two of the most influential and encouraging people I've have the privilege of calling "friend."
It is sincerely MY PLEASURE in presenting The Citizens of Excellence Group and award to what I'd like to call, a "Empowered Couple!"
Will Taylor and Erica Taylor!!
I must say, my life has taken so many turns. So many ups and downs. And you guys have been nothing short of when it comes to serving! How you served my family, opening your home, business, and hearts to my family and I has truly been restoring!
Will, in knowing you, I have become a better man, father, and leader. Thank you for being one of the first to assist in bringing The Citizens of Excellence Group and the initiative to life. You acted without hesitation and we the community thank you for that! And Thank you for the many examples you continue to set for not only myself, but for the entire community!
Erica, your, energy, smile, enthusiasm, and encouraging words have all been such a joy!
What an experience it has been over this past year growing and learning. And who would've thought, that it would all start over a large nugget tray from Chick-fil-A at Charlottesville Fashion Square!!!
Will and Erica, because of your hard work and dedication, you all have been able to offer and provide not only great food for the community, but employment as well! THANK YOU!
I truly love you guys and the positive spirit God has gifted your union with! Keep empowering us!
And Happy New Year to you and yours!
May you all be blessed with many more years to come!!

-Travis Walker

12/09/2016

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm grateful to have this opportunity to give thanks and honor to one of my absolute best soldiers in this thing we call life.
My good brother, Ginseng DuJour! Thank you. Thank you for the 14+ years of friendship and brotherhood! What a journey it has been!
Thank you for providing me an ear to listen. Thank you for providing me a place of refuge when I was in a continuous space of turmoil. Thank you for providing my family and I with a vehicle when I was struggling financially. And most importantly, thank you for providing my stomach with the many dishes of Curry Chicken, beans n rice, and Fried Plantains!!! I could go on and on because the list of "thank you for..." is just that long. But I won't. 😜
Man, those 14+ years flew by so fast! But the memories therein are written in stone! You're an awesome man, brother, friend, and fighter! And now I'm looking forward to you becoming the awesome father I know can be! You gotta fight hard for that one though!😉
As always, I'm proud of you, Good King. Thank you for being you, and a part of my crazy circle of life! Stay blessed...

-Travis

11/25/2016

11/24/2016

Dear Family and Friends,

When we consider all of the issues and sensational topics involving police officers and the community, it's important that we also get a chance to see other side of life. I recently teamed up with the Albemarle County Police Dept. and Charlottesville Police Department to recognize and award 3 men of our community. Officer Jose Sanchez, Officer Jonathan DeLange, and Officer Paul Quillon.
These men have made such an impact on the lives of my family, friends and associates, changing and elevating our perspective of men and women in uniform.
Having an opportunity to thank these men face to face, shaking their hands and exchanging hugs in process made the moment a life changing one!
Again, to Jose, Paul, and Jonathan, I say thank you. Thank you for being excellent men, husbands, fathers, brothers and friends.... TO ALL OF US! Thank you for letting that excellence extend to the work place as well! They way you gentlemen extended yourselves to my circle of family and friends made such a positive impact, helping to further bridge the gap between the community and the police department. It was a privilege to come and share my story and experience with you guys and others of the department, and then presenting The Citizens of Excellence Group .
I encourage the community to reach out, meet, congratulate, and support these men of our community!

-Travis

The RIP Adventures of Vega and The Starting 5 thanks Chick-fil-A Charlottesville Woodbrook Drive Chick-fil-A at Charlottesville Fashion Square 89till and His Image Barber Shop and Natural Hair Studio for your continued support!

11/07/2016

Dear family and Friends,
October marked our first year having established The Citizens of Excellence Group and initiative. I took the month of October to do some more work in preparation for the next phase of citizen recognition and fatherhood development. I will be kicking things off with plenty more awards, gifts, and "thank you's" to many family, friends, and community servants. However, this is also an opportunity for you to participate as well! If you have someone in mind that you feel is deserving of the award, make sure you go to our page (like the page😁) and inbox me the name of the person and a brief summary of how that individual is serving their family or community!
And thanks again for all of your love and support!

~Travis

08/10/2016

Dear Family and Friends,
Being broke down on highway 64, west, Saturday evening wasn't going to stop me from celebrating and honoring one of the most exceptional woman I've been blessed to know!
It has been long over due for The Citizens of excellence Group presenting the award to such a well deserving ! Thanks to my good brother, Paul Diggs, we were able to present the award in a well deserving fashion! Wishing her a , too!
Tiara Diggs, I don't toss the title "Queen" around too often. However, when I use the , YOU are truly the definition of that! And to know that you have an ironclad King beside you in my brother Paul makes and , to me, something to always hope for. You played a major part in what inspired me to start this program.
Never have I seen a Wife hold her Husband down, and lift him up when he's at his lowest the way you did YOUR Husband. I witnessed you face such trying times, alongside the responsibilities of woman, wife and mother. Yet, you executed your duties flawlessly! If you ever complained, I never knew, I never could tell. The emotional roller coaster you may have been on was overcome by the Love and that exuded from you. , , , that's !
Powerful is what you are!
I love you, sis, and I pray many blessings to you, your Union, and your entire family!
~Travis

07/20/2016

Dear Family and Friends,
Once again I find myself in awe of life and it's uniqueness. Dumbfounded at how real the term, "it's a small world," truly is. on a new level, with more understanding on the importance of . As we all know, I am far from perfect. However, I'm truly thankful for what God has placed on my heart, and how The Most High is using my family and I in the development of our community.
So, once again, I'm blessed with the privilege of honoring another community member, Officer Jose Sanchez of The Charlottesville Police Department!
Presenting this brother with The Citizens of Excellence Group is beyond special. It's personal and surreal.
I encountered Officer Sanchez at a very critical turning point in my life. Honestly, it was one of the worst and lowest moments of my life. However, Officer Sanchez not only did his job, but went above and beyond for me, and my family as well. I never thought I would find myself connecting with an officer in that regard or capacity.
Our story and connection goes even deeper when you throw William Jones, His Image, and Lil Denny into it.
The evenings I spent talking with and getting beat by Lil Denny in Madden when he was a kid. The days and nights Will spent conversing with Lil Denny while cutting his hair. The conversation Officer Sanchez was able to have with Lil Denny the day before he found himself holding Lil Denny in his arms as he passed away that following night.
Ladies and Gentlemen, again, this award is personal. This has nothing to do with what's going on in the media today. This is about a man, an officer, a human being making an impact and difference in our community.
To know that he's doing it with a genuine heart- that's what I call "Excellent!"
(Rest In Love Love Denzel)

-Travis