[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 19 (Friday, January 31, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONORING THE LIFE OF REAR ADMIRAL JOSEPH COLEMAN, USN (RET.)

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                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2014

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and life 
of Rear Admiral Joseph Coleman, USN (Ret.), who was a voice of vision 
and action in our Jacksonville community for decades. Joe spent 32 
years that spanned two wars defending our country as a member of the 
United States Navy. But, Joe's commitment to his country did not end 
with retirement. Joe reassigned his leadership skills to make the City 
of Jacksonville a better place to live not only for retired and active 
duty military but for all its citizens.
  Joe was a proud member of the Greatest Generation and always claimed 
the title of the ``Navy's best fighter pilot.'' That may be debated 
among fighter pilots, but his contribution to the Navy was considerable 
and his dedication to his country steadfast. He flew Hellcats against 
the Japanese in World War II, served aboard the USS Midway, had 
thousands of flight hours in various aircraft, made 550 carrier ship 
landings, and commanded the aircraft carrier USS Ranger during the 
Vietnam War.
  Joe's list of volunteer activities was both long and varied. Joe 
Coleman came to our town in the military, returned as a veteran, and 
became a great civic leader. Along the way Joe made a significant 
difference in many lives. His guiding hand led to a wonderful 
retirement community in Atlantic Beach called Fleet Landing. Today, 
hundreds of people live in this community near the sea. He was a leader 
in a plethora of military activities like the USO and the Navy League, 
but Joe also served on the board of Florida State Community College, 
the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and numerous other organizations. 
There are those who join boards and there are those who work and make a 
difference; Joe is in the latter category.
  Perhaps it was his fighter pilot quick thinking or his finely attuned 
peripheral eyesight honed from hours of flying, but Joe Coleman is a 
man of vision who encouraged others to take courageous steps and to 
make difficult decisions. He is one of the leaders who changed 
Jacksonville from a sleepy Southern town into the robust metropolis it 
is today. We are considered the most military friendly town in America. 
Joe Coleman played a major role in making us that.
  Joe recently passed away at the age of 91. He embodied our World War 
II heroes as a member of the Greatest Generation. Joe Coleman was 
Admiral Joe to his grandchildren, a patriotic civilian leader in our 
community, and a gentle naval hero to our veterans. I was proud to call 
him friend.

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