[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF RICHARD L. ``DICK'' MOEHL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2018

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to acknowledge the 
extraordinary life and service of Richard ``Dick'' Moehl.
  Through his lifetime of exceptional leadership and steadfast 
devotion, Dick became an indispensable part of Michigan's First 
District. His legacy to the people of Michigan will not soon be 
forgotten.
  Dick was born on November 9, 1931, to parents Ora Waller and June 
(Andrews) Moehl. He graduated from University High School in 1950 and 
enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. Before shipping off 
overseas, Dick married his high school sweetheart Margaret in 1953. 
Following his service, Dick graduated from the University of Michigan 
School of Business Administration and went on to work at the Beacon 
Investment Company for more than 32 years. In 1983, Dick helped found 
the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (GLLKA), one of the 
first such organizations in the country. Two years later, he was 
elected as its president. In what has become known as the ``Miracle of 
the Straits,'' the GLLKA under Dick's leadership launched an initiative 
to restore the St. Helena Island Light Station--a then-dilapidated 
lighthouse built in 1873 on the west side of the Straits of Mackinac.
  Dick was critical in raising funding and support for the GLLKA's work 
on St. Helena. This included soliciting grants and organizing 
volunteers, including many from Michigan Boy Scout and Girl Scout 
Troops, with dozens of Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Recipients leading 
Service Projects on the island. BSA Troop 4 of Ann Arbor has received 
numerous awards for its dedication to the project, including the ``Keep 
Michigan Beautiful Award'' in 1990. In 1991 the Troop was awarded the 
``Take Pride in America'' award, Midwest Living's ``Hometown Pride 
Award'', and President H. W. Bush's 630th ``Daily Point of Life'' 
Award. The invaluable work done by these volunteers would have been 
unobtainable if not for the leadership and dedication given to this 
project by Dick Moehl.
  Dick retired as President of the GLLKA in 2012, after successfully 
saving the St. Helena from ruin and ensuring that the structure will be 
given the care it needs for years to come. Outside of his work in the 
Straits, Dick played a key role in the creation of the National 
Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 by testifying before 
Congress and the Michigan Legislature. He also spearheaded the effort 
to retire the USCGC Icebreaker Mackinaw WAGB-83--the ``Queen of the 
Great Lakes''--in Mackinaw City, helping to create the Icebreaker 
Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Dick was honored as the George Romney 
Volunteer of the Year in 2000 by Governor John Engler, and in 2005 
became an Honorary Alumnus of Central Michigan University. Other honors 
include the Lifetime Achievement Award from Emmet County as well as the 
Ross Holland and Lifetime Achievement awards from the American 
Lighthouse Council.
  While Dick passed away in December of 2015, his leadership and 
devotion remain a shining light for those who have followed after. 
Thanks to his work, future generations of Michiganders will be able to 
enjoy the waterways and rich history of our beautiful state. A 
commemoration ceremony will be held for Dick on August 25th by the 
``Friends of Dick Moehl Society'' aboard the Mackinaw, where a special 
recognition marker for him will be unveiled.
  Mr. Speaker, the impact of Dick Moehl's extraordinary life cannot be 
overstated. His friends and family can take pride in knowing that the 
state of Michigan is a better place thanks to his life's work. On 
behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me 
in recognizing an outstanding community leader whose contributions will 
continue to bless Michiganders for many years to come.

                          ____________________