[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF COMMANDER KARL VAN DEUSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding naval officer, Commander Karl Van Deusen, who has served 
with distinction and dedication during the last year as a Navy 
Appropriations Liaison Officer in the Assistant Secretary of the Navy's 
(FM&C) Appropriations Matters Office. It is a privilege for me to 
recognize his many outstanding achievements and commend him for the 
superb service he has provided to the Department of the Navy, the 
Congress, and our great Nation.
  During his tenure in the Appropriations Matters Office Commander Van 
Deusen provided the members and staff of my Committee on 
Appropriations, and our Subcommittee on Defense, with timely and 
accurate support regarding Department of the Navy plans, programs and 
budget decisions. His valuable contributions have enabled the Defense 
Subcommittee and the Department of the Navy to strengthen its close 
working relationship and to ensure the most modern, well-trained and 
well-equipped Naval Forces attainable for the defense of our great 
nation.
  In addition to his professional relationship with my Committee, Karl 
has become like a family member to Beverly, to me, and to my sons. He 
is a constituent from St. Petersburg, Florida and he has served as a 
role model for my sons, who he has inspired to pursue careers in the 
United States Navy and Marine Corps.
  Karl is also a recognized hero. He was recently awarded the Navy 
Commendation Medal for his courageous actions immediately following the 
September 11th attack on the Pentagon. Without regard for his personal 
safety, Karl time and time again helped bring fellow service members 
and civilians out of the burning building that terrible day.
  Mr. Speaker, Commander Karl Van Deusen is the epitome of a United 
States Naval Officer. He now embarks on the dream job of any sailor, 
taking command of a ship and her crew. As he assumes command of the USS 
Gonzales, one of our nation's newest destroyers, I know the many 
friends he has made in working with the Congress will miss him greatly. 
Of course, our loss is his new crew's gain, and I am confident that 
Karl will be a great Captain who will ensure that his ship and crew are 
ready for whatever lies ahead.
  I join with my colleagues today in wishing Commander Van Deusen, his 
wife, Beth, and their five children, Bonnie, Jon, Margaret, Todd, and 
Cora the very best in one of the best jobs in the world. This great 
American family has made many sacrifices during a Navy career in which 
Karl has distinguished himself with an unselfish service that 
exemplifies the Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment. 
Clearly Commander Van Deusen is one of the best our nation has to offer 
and as he departs the Pentagon to return to sea duty, I call upon 
colleagues to wish Karl and his family every success and ``fair winds 
and following seas'' for the captain and crew of the USS Gonzales.

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