[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E333-E334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS ANDREW KNIGHT, 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 
Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Knight, age 26, of Thomasville, Alabama 
and to honor his devoted service to our country.
  Petty Officer Knight, known by his family and friends as ``Drew'', 
was one of four U.S. Coast Guard crewmen aboard a 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 native of Southwest Alabama, Petty Officer Knight was stationed at 
the Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama where he served as a 
flight mechanic.
  Petty Officer Knight 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.
  I recently visited with Drew's parents to personally extend my deep 
sympathy for their tremendous loss. As I conveyed to them, growing up 
in Camden, which is not far from Thomasville, I know the Drew Knights 
of the world

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are the ones that stand out in any setting--church, school, community, 
and country.
  South Alabama suffers the loss of Petty Officer Drew Knight, a native 
son who loved his country and helping others. 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 Petty Officer Knight's mother and father, Ken and Becky 
Knight, his brother, Todd, as well as his extended family and many 
friends. You are each in our thoughts and prayers.

                          ____________________