[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 57 (Thursday, April 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E575-E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO BM1 ROBERT M. FLICKINGER

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2008

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
BM1 Robert M. Flickinger, recently named the 2007 Coast Guard Enlisted 
Person of the Year. Since the start of his Coast Guard career, he has 
risen through the ranks, attaining the rank of Boatswain's Mate 1, BM1, 
in June of 2004. During his course of duty, he has also served as a 
training petty officer and the Executive Petty Officer of Aids to 
Navigation Team Baltimore.
   In the Coast Guard, it is said that the most versatile members of 
their operational teams are the boatswain's mates. BMs are capable of 
performing almost any task in boat operations and navigation, and 
supervise all personnel assigned to a ship's desk force. BMs can be 
found in nearly every duty station available throughout the United 
States and various locations overseas. They serve on every Coast Guard 
cutter, from harbor tugs to sea-going icebreakers. Additionally, BMs 
will often act as Federal law enforcement officers. BMs are officers-
in-charge of many patrol boats, tugs, small craft, and small shore 
units including search and rescue stations and aids to navigation 
teams. BMs use their leadership and expertise to perform the missions 
of the Coast Guard, at sea and on shore.
   As Executive Petty Officer of Aids to Navigation, ATON, Team 
Baltimore Boatswain's Mate First Class Robert Flickinger has 
continuously provided exceptional leadership and guidance to the crew 
he oversees. While engaged in over 100 ATON missions in the past year, 
his professionalism and assertive leadership have led to his unit's 
zero operational mishap rating. Boatswain's Mate First Class Flickinger 
is often described by his superior officers as ``recruiting poster 
quality'' due to his unsurpassed uniform appearance, military presence, 
and overall demeanor. His superiors

[[Page E576]]

routinely rely on him to supervise or solve difficult problems and 
demanding situations. Boatswain's Mate First Class Flickinger 
consistently seeks to improve the quality and enjoyment of Coast Guard 
life with an uncommon commitment to the morale and welfare of others. 
These exceptional qualities are likely the reasons lie was given the 
title of 2007 Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year.
   In addition to the prestigious Person of the Year Award, Boatswain's 
Mate First Class Flickinger has received several additional military 
awards. He is the recipient of the Commandant's Letter of Commendation, 
three Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, and two Coast Guard Achievement 
Medals. He has also been presented with the Transportation 9-11 Ribbon, 
the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism 
Medal.
   Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor BM1 Robert 
M. Flickinger. His legacy as compassionate yet assertive leader will be 
remembered by his crewmates and superiors for years to come. It is with 
great pride that I congratulate Boatswain's Mate First Class Flickinger 
on his exemplary service to our Nation in the United States Coast 
Guard.

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