[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING COMMANDER JoANN BURDIAN'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COAST GUARD

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                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2017

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, each of us that serve in this distinguished 
body has the deepest and most profound respect for the men and women 
who serve in America's Armed Forces. It's because of their service and 
sacrifice that this great nation is able to carry the banner of freedom 
across the globe and the American people sleep safe at night.
   Throughout history, Americans have faithfully answered the nation's 
call through periods of conflict and peace--and each of the service 
branches have earned their place as pillars of America's defense 
shield. That shield first and foremost starts at America's shores and 
it's the Coast Guard that is the nation's first line of protection 
against criminals and contraband entering the country through the seas.
   The Coast Guard's backbone is its personnel and I've had the great 
honor of serving as Chairman of the House Subcommittee with direct 
purview over this great organization, which has afforded me the 
privilege to observe our Coast Guard in action. But on this specific 
occasion, I want to recognize one Coast Guardsman in particular who's 
had not only an immense impact on the organization itself, but also 
this entire institution.
   Commander JoAnn Burdian has led the Congressional Affairs office for 
the Coast Guard for the last several years and today marks her last day 
serving in a capacity that has made us wiser and even more appreciative 
of the immense work shouldered by the Coast Guard each and every day. 
Her career in the Coast Guard will continue in her new assignment in 
Seattle, Washington, but her departure no doubt is a great loss for the 
entire Congress.
   Even so, our loss here is the Coast Guard's gain--and I have all the 
confidence that Commander Burdian's exemplary leadership and talents 
will provide tremendous value to the next generation of leaders that 
will continue serving the nation's interest as members of the Coast 
Guard. And when I think of the type of leader that this nation depends 
on to lead America's men and women in uniform, Commander Burdian is the 
example to follow. Her reputation has been forged through years of 
operational experience and leadership, and her sense of commitment to 
service and country has always defined her approach to representing the 
best interests of the Coast Guard.
   Commander Burdian is a relentless advocate for her service. Her 
pioneering spirit and deep understanding of Coast Guard programs and 
priorities have informed me and others in our collective work and the 
Coast Guard is on better footing today thanks to her immense 
contributions.
   I'm honored to have served with such an outstanding patriot and I 
want to wish Commander Burdian the best of luck as she endeavors on a 
new assignment and the next chapter of her life. She's a Coast 
Guardsman at heart--but I'm also proud to call her a friend. And I ask 
today that we all recognize this great American for all the work she's 
done and will continue doing on behalf of the nation.

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