[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO DAVID L. COON

                                 ______


                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 1994

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to an 
exceptional American, David L. Coon, who will be retiring, after 20 
years of distinguished service, from the U.S. Capitol Police Force.
  Dave began serving his country more than 40 years ago when he joined 
the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954. He attained the distinguished rank of 
Gunnery Sergeant. During his career in the corps, Dave served two 
combat tours in the Vietnam conflict, 1965-67 and 1970-72.
  As a young marine in 1965, Sergeant Coon served as the acting 1st 
Sgt. for Gulf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, in the Republic of 
Vietnam. After his first tour in Vietnam, Sergeant Coon served as a 
marine recruiter in Canton, OH. Many of us remember the turmoil our 
Nation experienced during the sixties. Sergeant Coon and his family 
lived a short distance from Kent State University during the tragic and 
well-documented student protests of the war.
  Dave was then selected for duty as the administrative chief for the 
Marine Corps Officer Basic School at Quantico, VA. Shortly thereafter 
he was again ordered to return to duty in Vietnam. When Gunnery 
Sergeant Coon returned from combat duty he was transferred to Marine 
Corps Headquarters, Washington, DC serving as the administrative chief 
of the Manpower Plans and Policy Division where he retired in 1974.
  During his Marine Corps career Gunnery Sergeant Coon was a recipient 
of the Naval Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal--1 star, Vietnam 
Service Medal--3 battle stars, Combat Action Ribbon, and the 
Presidential Citation Award.
  As a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Capitol Police, officer Coon 
distinguished himself as a professional. As a law enforcement officer 
he was recognized and awarded by his peers for outstanding competency 
and proficiency.
  Officer Coon is also very involved in his community. He currently 
serves on the Spotsylvania County Board of Zoning Appeals. And Dave has 
been very active in the Knights of Columbus where he has held virtually 
every leadership position in the Knights of Columbus, Fredericksburg 
Council.
  I know that officer Coon's family is very proud of him as well. He 
and his wife, Maureen, have raised five children and instilled in them 
the values of family, God, and country. Through Dave and Maureen's 
love, instruction, discipline, guidance and example their five 
children, Kathy, Jim, Jon, David, and Kim have learned the values that 
have shaped their private lives and their public citizenship.
  I want to thank Dave for his distinguished service to our Nation, and 
wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

                          ____________________