[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO MARIO M. VITTONE COAST GUARD ENLISTED PERSON OF THE YEAR

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                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2007

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker it is with tremendous pride that I 
rise today to pay tribute to Petty Officer Mario M. Vittone of the 
United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard selected him as the Coast 
Guard Enlisted Person of the Year for 2006. Officer Vittone 
demonstrated outstanding resourcefulness, leadership, and competence 
while serving at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina 
from January 1, 2006 to December 2006.
  While performing the demanding duties of a Night Shift Supervisor for 
the Aviation Survival Technician Shop as the Senior Duty Rescue 
Swimmer, he applied his experience in rescue swimmer procedures, 
aviation maintenance techniques, and team management toward creating a 
standard operating procedures handbook. A brilliant mentor, he also 
designed a web-based service-wide exam study guide for all members of 
the unit and conducted daily training sessions to aid them in exam 
preparation. His unmatched efforts directly improved the readiness 
posture of the entire station and helped junior Coast Guard personnel 
score higher on exams.
  Petty Officer Vittone used his expertise to author more than eight 
separate articles in areas ranging from survival to leadership. An 
accomplished writer, many of his articles have been published and are 
used as a reference by the Leadership Development Center at the Coast 
Guard Academy. Most recently, one of his articles was submitted for 
publication in the Winter 2006 issue of On-Scene Magazine.
  With his stellar reputation for instilling commitment to operational 
excellence, he has delivered inspirational speeches to graduating 
companies as well as visitors at Training Center Cape May. Repeatedly, 
his motivating words capture the audience's attention and draw 
compliments from attendees.
  His selfless contributions go beyond the Coast Guard and are evident 
in the community. As a testament to his unquestionable character, he 
endured a rigorous screening process to be hand-selected as an advocate 
for abused and neglected children in the Virginia Court System.
  Petty Officer Mario M. Vittone's previous awards include the 
Distinguished Flying Cross, Coast Guard Achievement Medal (3), 
Commandant's Letter of Commendation, Coast Guard Basic Training Honor 
Graduate, Coast Guard Rifle Expert Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy 
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (2). 
Through his exceptional achievement and performance, he has proven 
himself as a worthy and distinguished recipient of this award. His 
dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended 
and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

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