[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD SECTOR ST. PETERSBURG 
                AND HONORING THE LIFE OF ANDREW DILLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHARLIE CRIST

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2017

  Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the courageous men and women 
of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, located in Florida's 
13th District, and a brave St. Petersburg resident, Andrew Dillman.
  Last week, amid high winds and rough seas, the U.S. Coast Guard 
Sector St. Petersburg, led by its Commander, Captain Holly Najarian and 
Deputy Commander Randall Brown, responded to multiple search-and-rescue 
calls. Within a 12-hour timespan, they assisted 18 individuals in 
distress, seven of which were pulled from the water.
  Pinellas County is a peninsula, on the peninsula of Florida. As such, 
we are fortunate to have three major Coast Guard Commands, Sector St. 
Petersburg, Station Sand Key, and Air Station Clearwater, that patrol 
our waters every day. The work they do is indispensable, and to those 
seven people pulled from the water last week, it was the difference 
between life and death. I salute the Coast Guard for their service, 
protecting our people, property, and national security along our 
coastline. And I will fight for them, providing the resources needed to 
carry out their critical mission. Their budget should be strengthened, 
not depleted or diminished.
  Sadly, last week we were also reminded of the importance of the U.S. 
Coast Guard through tragedy. One of my constituents, Andrew Dillman, a 
brave young man and crewman for a local boat charter company, perished 
in the turbulent waters off Shell Key attempting to rescue a college 
student under his care. A powerful rip current overtook Andrew and 
Chinese student Jie Luo. I offer my deepest condolences to their 
families, and our prayers are with their loved ones during this most 
difficult time.
  Mr. Speaker, putting service before self is a hallmark of the U.S. 
Coast Guard, and Mr. Dillman exhibited that same spirit with his 
actions. This willingness to sacrifice represents the best of who we 
are as human beings. We give thanks for their courage, may it inspire 
us to always be our brother's keeper.
  I am humbled to have this opportunity to honor the service of our 
U.S. Coast Guard and the life of Mr. Andrew Dillman. May he rest in 
eternal peace.

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