[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 88 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING REAR ADMIRAL BENNETT S. ``BUD'' SPARKS, U.S.C.G.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 12, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
memory of Rear Admiral Bennett ``Bud'' Sparks, who passed away May 22 
after a lifetime of service to our country in the Coast Guard. Admiral 
Sparks' dedication to our country and his devotion to his family and 
his community deserve the highest commendation.
  Admiral Sparks was born on October 10, 1925, and enlisted in the 
Coast Guard Reserve in 1942. His service spanned the globe and he saw 
action in the Atlantic, Pacific and European theaters of operations 
while flying as a combat aircrewman on both antisubmarine and air-sea 
rescue missions. After the War, he transferred to the active Coast 
Guard, where he received a field promotion to ensign in 1957 after 
having served in all enlisted ranks through chief petty officer.
  He later flew mapping missions over Alaska from 1946 to 1957 for the 
Coast Guard and as a civilian. In 1966 he took up his first of nine 
consecutive commands over 23 years. During this time, he served as 
commanding officer of four Coast Guard Units, three Coast Guard Groups 
and two U.S. Navy Maritime Defense Zone Sectors. He attained flag rank 
in 1985, and received his second star in 1987.
  Throughout his career, Admiral Sparks received numerous decorations 
for his service. Among them are the Navy Distinguished Public Service 
medal, two Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service medals, the Legion 
of Merit, Meritorious Service medal, two Coast Guard commendation 
medals, the Coast Guard Achievement medal, the Arctic Service medal 
and, of course, his Coast Guard Combat Air Crew Wings.
  Admiral Sparks was also a dedicated advocate for other reserve 
officers, fellow veterans and his community. He has served as both 
president of the Reserve Officer's Association of the United States--
the first Coast Guard officer to hold this position--and as Chief of 
the U.S. Delegation to the Inter-Allied Confederation of Reserve 
Officers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He also chaired the 
California Veterans Board, where he worked tirelessly to ensure and 
enhance the rights and benefits of California Veterans, and was active 
on the board of the North Bay Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association of 
Northern California and Nevada.
  However, perhaps the most enduring legacy of Admiral Sparks will be 
as the devoted husband of his wife Betty and as a loving father and 
grandfather. He is survived by four of his children; Bennett Jr., 
James, John and Julieann, his sister Doris, as well as his 11 
grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
  Madam Speaker, it is fitting at this time that we honor the life, 
service and memory of Admiral Sparks. His dedication to his country, 
his family and community are a testament to a great man who will long 
be remembered by those who knew him. We are lucky to have had him as a 
neighbor, a friend and an inspiration.

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