[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CHRISTELLA GRESS ON RECEIVING THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD 
      AUXILIARY COMMODORE GREANOFF INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to honor Ms. Christella 
(Chris) Gress from Grand Island, New York, who today received the first 
annual Commodore Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award from the 
United States Coast Guard.
  The Commodore Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award recognizes the 
most distinguished United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 
Commander, and parallels existing Coast Guard leadership awards for 
officers, chief petty officers, and civilians. The United States Coast 
Guard Auxiliary, established by Congress in 1939, has more than 27,000 
members who are engaged in missions that involve boat safety education, 
search and rescue, and homeland security operations.
  Ms. Gress is the Immediate Past Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 35, 
District 9 Eastern Auxiliary Region. As Commander of her Flotilla, Ms. 
Gress dedicated over 800 hours of her time to advance the mission and 
goals of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Her commitment to the 
Auxiliary becomes even more impressive when one learns that she is 
holding multiple college teaching-jobs and working on a doctoral 
dissertation.
  Ms. Gress is described as tireless and a natural motivator, and is 
credited with developing a strong sense of collective identity within 
her Flotilla. Ms. Gress hosted team exercises and fellowship events 
that welcomed new members and increased activity among experienced 
members. Under her leadership, Flotilla membership participation 
expanded in programs including vessel examinations, operations, and 
public education. In addition, Ms. Gress was the driving force behind 
an award-winning Flotilla newsletter.
  Madam Speaker, Ms. Gress has earned the respect and high admiration 
of her community and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. I am 
proud to recognize her as the first recipient of the Commodore Greanoff 
Inspirational Leadership Award.

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