[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 CONGRATULATING BORDER PATROL AGENT THOMAS H. NUETZEL ON RECEIVING THE 
2005 TOP HUMANITARIAN AWARD FROM THE U.S. BUREAU OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER 
                               PROTECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, as we continue our commitment to securing our 
nation's borders, I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to 
one of our outstanding border patrol agents, a former resident of 
Kailua, Hawaii and a real ``local boy'': Thomas H. Nuetzel.
  Today, at the 2005 Commissioner's Annual Awards Ceremony, Tom will 
receive the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection's Top 
Humanitarian Award in recognition of his bravery and service. Tom is 
currently assigned to the Office of Field Operations at the Douglas 
Port of Entry in Arizona.
  In July, while on the way home from dinner, Tom, his wife Dawn, and 
their two children observed a rollover vehicle accident. The couple 
stopped to assist the two adults and two young children trapped in the 
vehicle. The driver told Tom that there were several full gas cans in 
the trunk of the overturned vehicle. The heavy rainfall, flooding, and 
severe lightening magnified a critical situation.
  Tom and Dawn immediately called Emergency Medical Services. Then, 
standing in knee-deep water, Dawn kept the passengers calm as Tom 
extracted each family member through a broken window. The passengers 
awaited the arrival of EMS in Tom and Dawn's car. All victims of the 
rollover accident are doing well, thanks to the selflessness of Tom and 
Dawn Nuetzel.
  Again, I extend a sincere mahalo (thank you) to Tom and Dawn for 
their act of courage and compassion. I would also like to thank all our 
border patrol agents that work daily to keep our nation safe and 
secure.
  Mahalo, and aloha!

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