[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. MARK SIMONI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2004

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the 
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to honor Mr. Mark Simoni, 9th 
District Rear Commodore of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, for 
his hard work and dedication to promoting recreational boating safety 
within the Great Lakes and the Saginaw Bay. On February 21, 2004, the 
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flint Flotilla 15-02, will gather 
to honor Mr. Simoni during the ``Change of Watch'' awards ceremony to 
be held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan at Mario's Restaurant.
  Mark Simoni was born in Flint, Michigan, on December 19, 1952. He 
graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1971, and upon completion he 
attended the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. In 
1991 Mark became a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary-
Saginaw 15-05. Mark has unselfishly given of his time and resources to 
ensure the safety of boaters and families. His commitment to the U.S. 
Coast Guard team mission led him to hold elected offices such as 
Flotilla Commander-Saginaw 15-05, Division 15 Captain from 2002-2003, 
and Vice Captain from 2000-2001. Mark has also held staff positions on 
the Flotilla, Division, District/Region and National level. Recently 
(2004) Mark was promoted to 9th District Region Rear Commodore of the 
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mark has volunteered countless 
hours in the areas of Public Education, Vessel Safety Checks, Safety 
Patrols, Search and Rescue, Maritime Security and Environmental 
Protection. A fine example of loyalty is when he used his personal 
watercraft to patrol the Great Lakes along with other auxiliarists to 
ensure that Michigan waterways were secure after the September 11, 2001 
World Trade Center tragedy. Mark has proven himself worthy of his new 
title as 9th District Region Rear Commodore. This new position will 
allow him the opportunity to provide administrative and supervisory 
support to the Flotillas and Divisions within his district.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 
108th Congress to please join me in congratulating Mr. Mark Simoni on 
his promotion and also in honoring him for his past deeds. He has and 
continues to serve his country with enthusiasm and steadfastness. I 
wish him all the best in the future.

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