[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1786-E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF LIEUTENANT DOUG VERISSIMO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, after World War II, in order to continue 
public interest in naval aviation, Admiral Chester Nimitz formed the 
Blue Angels. In June 1946, this elite group performed its first 
demonstration. The Blue Angels have performed for over 322 million 
people in the fifty-three years since that first public flight. Their 
aerobatics, skill and precision have amazed and entertained people of 
all ages. However, these pilots do much more than just fly these 
supersonic planes. They represent the Navy, the United States Armed 
Forces and the entire nation at public functions. They are role models 
to children and adults, demonstrating the values of successful people--
teamwork, education, preparation and respect.
  I would especially like to commend Lieutenant Doug Verissimo, a 
native of Massachusetts. Currently the #5 Lead Solo Pilot in the Blue 
Angels, Lt. Verissimo earned his commission and wings of gold in July 
1989. He joined the Blue Angels in October 1996. Two constituents of 
mine--Mr. and Mrs. Carney Clary of Holden, Massachusetts--met Lt. 
Verissimo in 1997. Since that time, the Clarys have followed Lt. 
Verissimo's career. They relayed to me not only his eagerness to speak 
to children and adults and his commitment to his unit, but also his 
talent in talking to young people about the benefits of a good 
education and striving toward a dream. At this point, I would like to 
enter into the Record the letter from the Clarys documenting the 
extraordinary actions of Lt. Verissimo.
  On August 21 and 22, Massachusetts will once again welcome the Blue 
Angels as performers. Lt. Verissimo will perform his naval duties and 
will demonstrate the kind of role model he is as he meets and greets 
the adoring fans of the Blue Angels. I welcome the Blue Angels to the 
Commonwealth, and I commend Lt. Verissimo for his hard work and 
dedication to the Blue Angels, the Navy and to America.

                                                   Holden, MA,

                                                 January 24, 1999.
     Congressman James McGovern,
     House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman McGovern: Congratulations on your re-
     election. I am writing you this letter per your request after 
     speaking with you at the Worcester Airport on August 27, 
     1998.
       My name is Carney Clary. I reside in Holden having been 
     born and raised in the Grafton Hill section of Worcester. I 
     am married to the former Sheila Haran (a relative of Dan 
     Foley) and are the parents of three children and grandparents 
     to four. I am a three year veteran of the United States Army 
     serving in Korea from 1955-1958. For the past 35 years I have 
     been employed as a Police Officer in the City of Worcester. I 
     am an avid aviation fan and attend all air shows by our own 
     and foreign military services. I am considered the guru of 
     aircraft and their performances by my colleagues and friends.
       I spoke to you about a young Naval Aviator from Falmouth, 
     MA who currently flies with the United States Naval Flight 
     Demonstration Team ``Blue Angels'', 1st Lt. Douglas 
     Verissimo, who last year was the navigator and this year is 
     flying the #6 opposing solo slot. Please bear with me while I 
     attempt to explain to you why I feel this young aviator 
     deserves the Navy Commendation Ribbon and Medal as well as 
     nomination to the next highest rank.
       A Naval Reservist Chief Petty Officer, a friend of the 
     family, who was on active duty serving at the Plantation St. 
     Naval facility in Worcester made arrangements for my wife 
     and I to partake in a social brunch with the Blue Angels 
     Pilots in the Officer's Club on Friday, June 7, 1996. 
     Shortly before this planned event the Commanding Officer 
     grounded the Blue Angels in what was billed as a ``Final 
     Farewell to Boston or the S. Weymouth Naval Air Show.''
       The time is now June 28 and 29th 1997. My family attended 
     the Airshow at Quonset State Airport in N. Kingston, R.I. 
     where after the performance of the Blue Angels, the pilots 
     come to the spectator line and sign

[[Page E1787]]

     autographs. On both these days I spoke with Lt. Verissimo 
     finding him most professional and friendly.
       In July, 1997, we vacationed in Brunswick, Me, at the 
     Parkwood Inn. The Blue Angels also were staying in this Inn. 
     My wife and I were sitting in the coffee lounge when Lt. 
     Verissimo entered with his colleagues. Space being at a 
     minimum the Lt. asked if he could sit with us. I told him how 
     we had seen him and spoken to him in R.I. and how he signed 
     an autograph for my grandson. I went on to tell him how 
     disappointed I was about the failure of the Blue Angels to 
     perform in S. Weymouth and with the commander grounding the 
     unit and I thought this was a setback for Naval Aviation.
       It was at this point that all the people present got to 
     know Lt. Verissimo. He didn't stutter or stammer but went 
     forward stating how the New Commanding Officer George Dom and 
     the rest of the demo team went forward to bring the public 
     the best ever display of aviation skills as expected by the 
     taxpayer for the expenditure of the tax dollars. The 
     remainder of the weekend we had breakfast in the same place 
     and Lt. Verissimo introduced all of the people present and 
     their assignments with the Blue Angels. Never once did he say 
     I, but we, as a team. Lt. Verissimo told us how his mother 
     was originally from Worcester and the main topic of his 
     conversation was education and the importance of it. The Blue 
     Angels left Brunswick and flew over the USS Constitution in 
     Boston Harbor. Two weeks later Lt. Verissimo sent a beautiful 
     picture of a flight display signed by all the members of the 
     Blue Angels personalized to Mr. and Mrs. Clary with an 
     enclosed note from himself.
       On the 1st and 2nd of August, 1998, The Blue Angels were at 
     Hanscom Air Base. When their demonstration was complete Lt. 
     Verissimo again approached the sidelines for the signing of 
     autographs. He did not see us immediately, and let me tell 
     you, we saw a True American Professional in action. He spoke 
     to all, the very young children, kneeling down to be at their 
     level, the teenagers and adults, expressing the importance to 
     the teenagers of continuing education, ``what is your best 
     subject? History, now work on making math your next best 
     subject.'' ``Make sure you make education number one.'' 
     Education and team work. This was his focus. Lt. Verissimo 
     exhibited his skills as a fine Military Aviator whom the 
     United States and the State of Massachusetts should be 
     extremely proud to call one of their own.
       If ever there was an individual most deserving of the Navy 
     Commendation Ribbon & Medal and the nomination to the next 
     highest rank for his performance as a professional Naval 
     Aviator, dedication to his country & service and education it 
     is Lt. Douglas Verissimo.
           Sincerely yours,
     Carney T. Clary.
                                  ____



                                    Congress of the United States,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, DC, April 12, 1999.
     Admiral Norb Ryan,
     Department of the Navy, Office of Legislative Affairs (RM 
         5C760), Washington, DC.
       Dear Admiral Ryan, I am writing to you on behalf of Mr. and 
     Mrs. Carney Clary, who contacted me regarding Lieutenant Doug 
     Verissimo.
       Mr. and Mrs. Clary praised Lt. Verissimo for his teamwork 
     as well as his pride in the Navy and Blue Angels. I am proud 
     and impressed by their account of Lt. Verissimo. His actions, 
     reflecting the values and training of the Navy and Blue 
     Angels, should be commended.
       A copy of the letter from Mr. and Mrs. Clary is included. 
     Please pass my respect, praise and admiration to Lt. 
     Verissimo, as well as to his Commanding Officer. Do not 
     hesitate to contact me if I can do anything else on behalf of 
     the Clary's or on behalf of Lt. Verissimo.
           Sincerely,
                                                James P. McGovern,
                                               Member of Congress.

     

                          ____________________