[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO LTJG THOMAS JOHN CAMERON, USCG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2012

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to U.S. Coast Guard 
LTJG Thomas John Cameron, age 24, of Portland, Oregon and to honor his 
service to our country.
  LTJG Cameron was one of four U.S. Coast Guard crewmen aboard an MH 
65C Dolphin helicopter when it crashed into Mobile Bay on February 28, 
2012, during an evening training mission. The accident claimed the 
lives of each of the crew.
  A 2009 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, LTJG Cameron was 
stationed at the Coast Guard's Aviation Training Center in Mobile, 
Alabama at the time of the accident.
  According to the Mobile Press-Register, LTJG Cameron was only two 
days from completing flight certification at the time of the accident. 
After leaving Mobile, he was to have been assigned to USGC Station 
Borinquen at San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  LTJG Cameron was known to his family, classmates and friends as a 
passionate athlete. He was an accomplished soccer player, serving as 
captain of his high school and college teams. Off the field, his 
passion also extended to helping others. His father, John Cameron, told 
the newspaper that his son's goal since 10th grade was to be involved 
in ``lifesaving work.''
  It is not surprising to learn that LTJG Cameron and his fellow 
crewmen of CG 6535 each shared a love of service and a dedication to 
saving lives. The Coast Guard is a vital protector for our nation's 
coastal communities. We can never thank them enough for their 
commitment to our country.
  Mobile is a Coast Guard city and we suffer the loss of LTJG Cameron 
as one of our own. We grieve with his family and we stand with them and 
the entire United States Coast Guard family.
  To quote the words of the Coast Guard hymn,

     Eternal Father, Lord of hosts,
     Watch o'er the men who guard our coasts.
     Protect them from the raging seas
     And give them light and life and peace.
     Grant them from Thy great throne above
     The shield and shelter of Thy love.

  On behalf of the people of Alabama and a grateful nation, I offer 
condolences to LTJG Cameron's parents, John and Bette Cameron, as well 
as to his extended family and many friends. You are each in our 
thoughts and prayers.

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