[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1032-E1033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING CHIEF IRA LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2018

  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to rise today to honor 
the life and accomplishments of Chief Ira Lewis (USCG, retired) of 
Harker's Island, North Carolina, and recognize his turning 100 years 
old on August 2, 2018. On Saturday, August 18, 2018, the Town of 
Harker's Island and the surrounding community will formally honor Chief 
Lewis as their oldest living citizen. The celebration will include a 
United States Coast Guard reunion, parade, and recognition ceremony.
  Ira Lewis was born on Harker's Island on August 2, 1918. At the age 
of 16, he had to make the difficult decision to leave school early in 
order to support his family. Having four brothers that served either in 
the Coast Guard or Navy, Ira followed suit and joined the United States 
Coast Guard in 1938, serving diligently until his retirement on August 
1, 1959. From his enlistment through March 1957, Chief Lewis' 
assignments included Stations Bellport, Ditch Plans, Forge River, 
Rockaway Atlantic Beach, Smith's Point, Napeague and Moriches Lifeboat 
Station. From March 1957 until his retirement on August 1, 1959, Chief 
Lewis served as the lighthouse keeper at Montauk Lighthouse, Long 
Island, N.Y.
  After retirement, Chief Lewis returned home to Harker's Island, North 
Carolina and began to build his family home with his own hands. This 
home would house his wife, Maggie; son, Phil; and daughter, Ann. After 
completing his home, Chief Lewis went to work at the commissary aboard 
Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point for eleven years. Upon 
completing his career at the commissary, he started a commercial 
fishing business, where he piloted two vessels, and persevered through 
that often challenging career for twenty-three years.
  As the commercial industry began to decline, Chief Lewis looked for a 
new path, and decided to give back to his community. He went on to 
serve with several boards and community improvement teams. Of note was 
the Carteret County Harbor Committee, which helped secure funding to 
upgrade harbors for commercial fishers. Chief Lewis also worked with a 
team to initiate the Veterans' Memorial Project, which now stands on 
the grounds of the Harker's Island Elementary School.
  As a result of his years of service, Chief Lewis was awarded the 
prestigious and exclusive Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2013 by the 
Governor of North Carolina. This award is presented to individuals who 
have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. That same 
year, he was honored with a United States Coast Guard Medallion in 
recognition of his 95th birthday. A revered man, the Core Sound 
Waterfowl Museum of Harker's Island also hosts a permanent Life Saving 
Service and United States Coast Guard display in honor of Chief Lewis' 
many contributions during his career.
  Chief Lewis has given his life to public service through his career 
with the United States

[[Page E1033]]

Coast Guard and his work in the community. In recognition of his long 
life and commitment to service of our nation and fellow Americans, I 
wish to recognize Chief Ira Lewis.

                          ____________________