[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 132 (Friday, September 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE ASHEVILLE DIVISION U.S. NAVAL SEA CADETS

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                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 7, 2007

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work 
and dedication of the cadets and volunteers of the Asheville Division 
U.S. Naval Sea Cadets. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps program is a 
federally chartered youth training organization for students ages 
eleven to seventeen that is designed to educate young people about 
service in the Navy and Coast Guard both ashore and afloat.
  The Asheville Division provides the young people of Western North 
Carolina with unparalleled opportunities to learn new skills and 
experience new challenges in a safe, alcohol and drug free environment. 
Some Cadets choose to continue to serve their country through military 
service, while many others go on to pursue civilian careers. Regardless 
of their future path, cadets benefit from the lessons learned in the 
program--good citizenship, self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, 
and leadership skills.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Katelyn 
Kassel for reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer, the highest rank a 
cadet can achieve while participating in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps 
Program. CPO Kassel is the first in the history of the Asheville 
Division to reach this honor. She is currently enrolled at the 
University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she is participating in 
the Army ROTC program and studying as a pre-law student.
  I am extremely proud of CPO Kassel for her hard work and dedication 
to this program. She was a wonderful asset to the program at her high 
school and serves as an excellent role model to other students. I have 
no doubt that CPO Kassel will serve our country well in the U.S. 
military.
  I commend each of the cadets for their service in this important 
program, as well as the volunteers who keep this program going, 
especially Commanding Officer LTJG Heath Collins and Executive Officer 
R. Scott Lunsford. I ask each of my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the cadets and volunteers of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets 
in Asheville and throughout the United States.

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