[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E161-E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING CHIEF IRA LEWIS

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                         HON. GREGORY F. MURPHY

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2020

  Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to 
Chief Ira Lewis, USCG (Ret.) of Harker's Island, North Carolina, who 
passed away recently at the age of 101. Mr. Lewis began his career as a 
fisherman, and then joined the Coast Guard in 1938. He served 21 years 
on the south shore of Long Island, New York, the final 3\1/2\ years as 
lighthouse keeper at Montauk Lighthouse. After retiring from the Coast 
Guard and returning to Harker's Island, Ira worked for 9 years at 
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station as a civilian. He continued 
fishing, and tended the local veteran's memorial, making sure flags 
were flown and grounds were well groomed.
  In 1940 Ira married the love of his life, Maggie Hancock, whom he had 
met in the second grade. They had two children Ann and Phil, and 
eventually grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great great-grandson. 
Unfortunately, Maggie preceded Ira in death in 1999 after battling 
cancer.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring this veteran, patriot and 
public servant, Chief Ira Lewis who valiantly carried on the storied 
tradition of courage, faithfulness and service that characterizes our 
United States Coast Guard. May we never forget the sacrifices made by 
those in uniform, past and present, and always keep our dedicated 
service members in our thoughts and prayers.

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