[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 61 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER ROBERT WALKER DURFEY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 1998

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding 
patriot, United States Coast Guard Commander Robert Walker Durfey, Jr. 
Today, in Corpus Christi, friends and colleagues will celebrate 
Commander Durfey's tenure, to date, in service to the United States. 
All of us wish him well as he continues his service in California.
  During Commander Durfey's tenure at Group and Air Station Corpus 
Christi as Deputy Group Commander and Air Station Executive Officer, I 
have become familiar with his efficiency and uncanny ability to 
exercise good judgment in delicate situations. He was thoughtful about 
keeping my office appraised of situations as they occurred with regard 
to matters of security. He played a pivotal role in Operation Gulf 
Shield, the largest multi-agency counter-drug operation in the history 
of the United States.
  As a former law enforcement officer myself, I am deeply aware of the 
price illegal drugs exact from our communities and our nation. 
Commander Durfey and I share a commitment to keeping drugs off the 
streets of our country. This warrior has been diligent and dignified in 
carrying out the policies of the United States; he is a true public 
servant.
  But that is not the entire reason the Coastal Bend of South Texas 
will miss him. He is just an outstanding human being. He is a devoted 
Christian with a beautiful family. He is decent and dedicated to the 
service, to his family, but most of all to his men. He is thoughtful of 
the sailors in the ranks, and deeply respectful of his superiors.
  He has the highest level of commitment and represents the height of 
integrity. If you are looking for an honest man, go meet Commander 
Durfey. He is always willing to go the extra mile for his duty; he is 
determined to do the job well. The Coast Guard is genetic with him. His 
father was Rear Admiral Robert Durfey (USCG, retired) and Commander 
Durfey readily admits to being in the Coast Guard ``all his bloomn' 
life.''
  We will miss him in the Coastal Bend, but we can find great comfort 
that he will continue his quality service in northern California, which 
is familiar territory to him. He attended high school in Alameda and 
now returns with a vast amount of experience under his belt. While I 
cannot be at his ceremony today, I hope all of you will join me in 
commending this outstanding public servant and dedicated Coastie.

                          ____________________