[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOHN HEIBEL

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2007

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
John Heibel, who serves as a Storekeeper Second Class Petty Officer in 
the United States Coast Guard. Recently, Mr. Heibel was awarded 
Baltimore Area Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year.
  The Coast Guard requires the recipient of this award to demonstrate 
pride, professionalism, dedication, and to represent the Coast Guard's 
core values. Mr. Heibel has excelled in all of these categories, over-
qualifying him for this prestigious award.
  Mr. Heibel possesses a solid set of leadership skills and he has 
utilized them in the noblest way possible: serving this country. 
Throughout his career, Mr. Heibel's leadership skills have propelled 
him forward. He began as a Seaman Recruit, then moved up to Storekeeper 
Third Class, and currently serves as Storekeeper Second Class. In all 
of these positions, Heibel demonstrated a commitment to customer 
service, setting a respectable example for his colleagues to follow. He 
continues to challenge himself as a leader by enrolling in Officer 
Candidate School.
  Mr. Heibel has also committed himself to community service, 
volunteering for several causes and organizations. He has volunteered 
for the Fort Meade Turkey Donation, helping to prepare turkey dinners 
for low-income families in the Baltimore area. Heibel also served as a 
unit Morale representative and organized a series of Morale events. He 
planned a picnic at a Baltimore Orioles game which featured the ELC 
color guard in the opening ceremony. Heibel coordinated a private 
viewing of the movie ``The Guardian,'' an event which produced a 
significant turn-out. He also helps to fundraise by selling raffle 
tickets and concessions at Coast Guard softball games.
  Mr. Heibel's accomplishments extend into the classroom as well. After 
earning a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Heibel has 
decided to continue his education by pursuing a master's degree. He has 
enrolled in and completed a series of challenging courses such as 
Business Calculus and Intermediate Accounting.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in honoring John 
Heibel. This outstanding individual will never stop challenging himself 
and his record of success demonstrates that there is no limit to all he 
can achieve. Mr. Heibel's aspiration for knowledge, strides as a 
leader, and service to his country all prove that he is worthy of 
recognition. Let his outstanding accomplishments serve as an example to 
us all as we work to improve our communities and our country.

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