[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF BRIAN FOSS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brian Foss in his 
retirement as the Port Director of the Santa Cruz Port District. Brian 
served the Port District for 34 years, managing Santa Cruz Harbor, as 
well as the Santa Cruz Port.
  After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1964, 
Brian spent the next 22 years serving as a pilot for the United States 
Coast Guard, and as a Lieutenant Colonel Combat Rescue Pilot for the 
California Air National Guard Rescue. During his time working as a 
rescue pilot. Brian earned two air medals and one Coast Guard 
Commendation medal.
  In 1977, Brian ended his career as a pilot, and moved to Santa Cruz 
to work as Harbormaster for the Santa Cruz Port District. Brian's 
upbeat attitude and friendliness with coworkers gained him many 
friends, and 2 years later, Foss worked his way up to Port Director for 
the Santa Cruz Port District. For the next 31 years, Foss continued his 
tenure as Port Director, serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the 
District.
  Outside of work, Brian was, and still is, a passionate and active 
supporter of ocean preservation. Brian was the former Chairman of the 
California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference, a 35-year-old 
California port and harbor advocacy association. Today, he is a member 
of the Bay Planning Coalition, the California Marine Parks and Harbors 
Association, and he is a harbor representative for Santa Cruz County 
Inter-Agency Task Force on economic development relevant to the 
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
  But Brian's enthusiasm is not limited to the oceans, but extends into 
his personal life as well. As a devoted father, Brian founded the 129th 
for Kids fund, a benefit program for military children who have lost 
parents in service.
  His dedication to the harbor and passion for life also extended to 
his employees. His coworkers described him as a fun, considerate, and 
polite guy to hang around, who made a difference in the lives of 
others; he always made sure to let everyone feel welcome and to have a 
say in decisions. Additionally, Brian taught many of his workers how to 
effectively work in public service, and always made sure to try to do 
the right thing for everyone.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to extend our Nation's deep gratitude for 
Brian's service to the United States and his local community. I know I 
speak for every Member of Congress in expressing my bittersweet 
feelings towards his retirement, and our thankfulness for his 
contributions to our Nation. Though Brian Foss may be retiring, he will 
not be leaving the hearts of all whom he has touched.

                          ____________________