[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11029]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JAMES MATHIEU

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I congratulate and honor LCDR James Mathieu 
of Sanbornville, NH on the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of 
honorable service to the United States as a member of the United States 
Coast Guard.
  Rising through the ranks from recruit to his current rank, LCDR 
Mathieu distinguished himself on numerous occasions. From his Honor 
Graduate status in Recruit Training, through his successful completion 
of various training and vocational schools, to the achievement of ever 
increasing rank, LCDR Mathieu has upheld the Coast Guard motto of 
Semper Peratus, Always Ready.
  Jim's afloat assignments included Coast Guard cutters Hamilton, 
Chase, Bibb, Unimak, and Vigilant. His operational ashore and staff 
assignments include the Coast Guard Academy, Group Woods Hole, Group 
Portland, Coast Guard Headquarters, and Station Miami Beach as 
Commanding Officer of a 400 man detachment in Miami Beach. Tasked with 
search and rescue, law enforcement and environmental response, LCDR 
Mathieu led his team in the Coast Guard's busiest multi-mission 
station. With an impressive record of rescues and other successful 
missions, LCDR Mathieu proved that his unit was ready for countless 
tasks in support of the United States' maritime interests. Jim retires 
from the Office of Coast Guard Congressional Affairs, serving as 
Governmental Liaison to the United States Coast Guard.
  A proud husband, father and grandfather, LCDR Mathieu is married to 
the former Lori Anne Dowd, herself a career Coast Guard officer. 
Together, they have raised a family of one son, James Michael II, and 
one daughter, Melissa. As a family, they were often faced with the 
challenges borne by so many who serve our country. They were also 
rewarded by the satisfaction of knowing they have participated in a 
noble and just cause.
  Throughout his entire career, LCDR James Mathieu has set his 
standards high and striven to meet them in every endeavor. Through the 
junior ranks, leadership positions, and as a family man James Mathieu 
has continually distinguished himself.
  Jim exemplifies the words of Daniel Webster who said:

       ``God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are 
     always ready to guard and defend it.''

  Because of his efforts, the liberty of this country is made more 
secure. On behalf of the State of New Hampshire, as he charts a new 
course in life, I wish him fair winds and following seas.

                          ____________________