[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 13, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6064-S6065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF LEWIS J. BUCKLEY

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, last Friday, my Senate colleagues and I 
voted unanimously to confirm the nomination of Lewis J. Buckley to the 
rank of captain in the United States Coast Guard. This confirmation is 
well-deserved and bears a particular significance to the United States 
Coast Guard.
  Captain-Select Buckley is the conductor of the Nation's Coast Guard 
Band. Since its formation in 1925, this organization has developed an 
international reputation as one of the finest professional concert 
bands in the world. And since 1965, the Coast Guard Band has been the 
permanent, official musical representative of the nation's oldest 
maritime service.

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  However, unlike its counterparts in the nation's four other military 
services, the Coast Guard Band has never been led by an officer over 
the military grade of O-5. Captain-Select Buckley's promotion 
demonstrates the ascendance of an institution with a laudable and grand 
tradition. Once regarded as the Coast Guard Academy's local music 
ensemble, the Coast Guard Band now routinely tours throughout the 
United States. It also often represents the Coast Guard around the 
world and will certainly promote a distinguished image of the country's 
new Department of Homeland Security.
  The Coast Guard could not have found a finer leader to oversee the 
ongoing evolution of this important institution. Captain-Select Buckley 
is an accomplished jazz trumpeter as well as music composer, arranger, 
and director. He is the recipient of the American Legion's 
Distinguished Service Citation and two Meritorious Service Medals.
  Since his appointment as conductor of the Band in 1975, Captain-
Select Buckley has led the Coast Guard Band to play more concerts on 
air on National Public Radio than any other wind band, military or 
civilian--a fine testament to his able leadership and to the musical 
talent of the Coast Guard Band's men and women.
  Mr. President, I am proud that my colleagues acted to confirm this 
nomination, to honor my constituent, Captain-Select Lewis J. Buckley, 
and to pay tribute to an historic musical institution, headquartered in 
New London, Connecticut.

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