[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 203 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF MR. WILLIAM ``BILL'' SHEPLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 11, 2023

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. William 
``Bill'' Shepler for his years of service to the Mackinaw City 
community and retirement as President of the Icebreaker Mackinaw 
Maritime Museum Board of Directors.
  Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, our country assumed 
heavy demands on the war materials industry. In order to sustain these 
increased production needs, the United States Coast Guard icebreaker, 
Cutter Mackinaw WAGB-83, was authorized for construction on December 
17, 1941. Until decommissioning, The Mackinaw proved to be an essential 
facet of the Great Lakes' economy, colloquially becoming known as ``The 
Queen of the Great Lakes.'' The Mackinaw was essential to the 
maintenance of the shipping lanes of the Lakes, becoming responsible 
for over 100 trapped ships being freed from ice blockages or buildups.
  Following a long and successful career, the ship began its 
decommissioning process and the City of Cheboygan attempted to find a 
suitable home for The Mackinaw. In August of 2004, Mr. Shepler, along 
with Dick Moehl and Sandy Planisek, founded the Icebreaker Mackinaw 
Maritime Museum in order to keep the ship in the Great Lakes. Following 
its successful development, the renowned icebreaker was decommissioned 
on July 10, 2006, and was moored at its permanent berth on July 21, 
2006. With gratitude to the IMMM board of directors under the direction 
of Bill Shepler, the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum welcomed its 
first visitors in the spring of 2007. Visitors can now explore the 
ship's 62-year history, making their way around the Mess Deck, Engine 
Room, Captain's Quarters, Sick Bay, Galley, Navigation Room and more.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the dedicated efforts of Mr. 
Bill Shepler in preserving our history, and I congratulate him on a 
well-deserved retirement. I'd like to wish Bill and the IMMM all the 
best in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________