[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           WELCOMING REAR ADM. NORMAN T. SAUNDERS TO FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 1997

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Rear Adm. Norman T. 
Saunders to south Florida as the new Commander of the Seventh Coast 
Guard District and Maritime Defense Command Seven.
  Admiral Saunders, in his 30 plus years of service, has represented 
the U.S. Coast Guard with distinction. Before joining the Seventh 
District, Admiral Saunders served as chief in the Office of Law 
Enforcement and Defense Operations. In this capacity, Admiral Saunders 
directed several Coast Guard programs including enforcement of laws and 
treaties, operational and military readiness, intelligence, and 
investigative and security activities. The success of these programs is 
a testament to the leadership of Admiral Saunders.
  Admiral Saunders is the recipient of numerous decorations including 
two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat 
``V'', two awards of the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Navy 
Commendation Medal with Combat ``V'', and the Coast Guard Achievement 
Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, the Seventh District, which encompasses 1.8 million 
square miles in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, plays a vital 
role in deterring illegal narcotics from entering our streets and 
communities. Keeping illegal narcotics out of the hands of our youth is 
one of the many difficult challenges the Coast Guard and the Seventh 
District face everyday. In addition, the Seventh keeps illegal 
immigrants from entering the United States. Since 1992, over 43,000 
Cuban and 58,000 Haitian migrants have been interdicted by the Seventh. 
Whether it's fighting the war on drugs or illegal migrant 
interdictions, I am certain Admiral Saunders will continue the great 
work of the Seventh District in keeping our shores and waterways clear 
of any potential dangers.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Florida congressional delegation, I 
welcome Admiral Saunders and his wife Chris to south Florida and urge 
my colleagues to pay tribute to a man who continues to serve his 
country with honor.

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