[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING COMMANDER BION STEWART--A TRUE COAST GUARDSMAN

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2014

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service, 
dedication and professionalism of Commander, CDR, Bion Stewart, who has 
served as the U.S. Coast Guard Liaison to the House of Representatives 
from August 2011 to July 2014. CDR Stewart is a consummate professional 
and exemplifies the Coast Guard's Corps Values of Honor, Respect, and 
Devotion to Duty. Over the last three years CDR Stewart's supreme 
knowledge of Coast Guard operations and strategic priorities has been 
invaluable to the Members of the Coast Guard's oversight Committees as 
we make critical decisions in an austere budget environment.
  CDR Stewart worked with Committee staff and Coast Guard leadership to 
prepare for crucial operations, acquisitions, and policy hearings, and 
was integral in supporting our Subcommittee's efforts in the passage of 
the Coast Guard Authorization Acts of 2012 and 2014. CDR Stewart's 
superior expertise in Coast Guard acquisitions and budget priorities 
was an invaluable resource as the Congress supported the Coast Guard's 
vital recapitalization and modernization efforts during the 111th, 
112th, and 113th Congresses.
  As the only former Coast Guardsman in Congress, and as a Member of 
the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I am honored 
to represent the fine men and women of the United States Coast Guard 
who serve our Nation with distinction. The men and women who serve as 
Congressional Liaisons take on a monumentally difficult but crucially 
important challenge; one which is as important to the success of the 
Coast Guard as the cutter and aircraft crews who protect our waterways 
every day. I would like to thank CDR Stewart for his dedication and 
service in this challenging position.
  He has been a tremendous help to my staff and me. I want to 
congratulate him on his upcoming promotion to Captain, and wish him 
fair winds and following seas as he continues his outstanding service 
to our Nation.

                          ____________________