[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING COAST GUARD VOLUNTEER JIM CLOUD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 1999

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the 
citizens of Crescent City in honoring Jim Cloud, who for 6 years served 
without pay as Crescent City Harbor's sole marine safety examiner for 
the U.S. Coast Guard.
  During the August district work period, Jim was honored by his 
volunteer peers and the Coast Guard for his dedication to marine 
safety. Indeed, Jim was known for taking his job seriously and, as the 
Coast Guard said during the ceremony honoring him, Jim ``contributed to 
the overall safety of more than 425 fishermen and 170 fishing 
vessels.''
  Crescent City Harbor is home to more than 25 percent of the fishing 
vessel fleet between the Oregon border and San Francisco Bay. The 
coastal waters fished by these vessels are treacherous and the weather 
ever-changing. As such, the role of the marine safety examiner is 
critical to ensuring that commercial vessels are seaworthy and prepared 
for any emergency.
  For Jim, the work was a labor of love. Coming from a long family 
history of seamen, Jim joined the Brookings Coast Guard Auxiliary in 
the mid-1980's. During his tenure, he assisted the Coast Guard in 
search and rescues and teaching boating and safety classes.
  But, in particular, his service as a marine safety examiner will 
always be remembered and appreciated. In conferring its Award of 
Operational Merit, the Coast Guard acknowledged that Jim's efforts 
``helped reduce the number of fishermen deaths, injuries, as well as 
property loss and environmental damage.''
  To which Jim replied ``I feel good about doing my little part. It was 
a good deal for the harbor and a good deal for me.''
  Thank you, Jim, for a job well done.

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