[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8432]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JACK SUTHERLIN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Capps) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a constituent of mine 
from the 23rd District of California. His name is Mr. Jack Sutherlin.
  Mr. Sutherlin, of Santa Maria, California, served honorably in the 
Coast Guard during World War II. He was stationed off the California 
coast. Mr. Sutherlin's brave actions on December 25, 1943, resulted in 
the safe passage of two escort carriers down the Pacific, along the 
coast, and into San Diego Bay.
  I am very proud to represent Mr. Sutherlin, an example to us all for 
his dedication to our country and for his lifetime of serving our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, the debt we owe to our Nation's veterans is 
immeasurable, and Mr. Sutherlin is no exception. In fact, he's an 
example of those of that Greatest Generation who served nobly during 
the Second World War. His actions in 1943 leave me humbled and honored 
by his sacrifices. We can never repay his service, but we can act 
honorably on his behalf and behave in a way that is indicative of a 
grateful Nation.
  Singling out events like these are important to remind us that 
acknowledging our veterans' bravery and sacrifice is never done. 
Despite the decades that have passed, our country remains indebted to 
the heroic actions of Mr. Sutherlin and his many brothers in arms.
  It's also imperative to remember that we are still a Nation at war 
and that veterans who served decades ago or just months ago or are 
serving today deserve our support, our appreciation, and our profound 
gratitude. Mr. Sutherlin waited too long to be officially recognized, 
and I'm sure he would agree that all veterans deserve timely and 
genuine acknowledgements of their service.
  I am proud of the work my staff completed to assist Mr. Sutherlin 
achieve a formal recognition from the commandant of the United States 
Coast Guard. Just a few days ago, the veterans clinic in Santa Maria, 
California, hosted a reception and a ceremony where the letter of 
recognition from the commandant was read and where many of the Coast 
Guard on active duty stationed at Morro Bay, California, were present 
to see someone of the generation preceding them being acknowledged.
  I consider my work on behalf of veterans to be one of my most sacred 
responsibilities as a Member of Congress. Veterans like Mr. Sutherlin 
represent the best this country has to offer, and ensuring his work is 
recognized is of paramount importance. It's an honor to represent a man 
of such integrity, conviction, and dedication to his country. I'm proud 
to include his service in the Congressional Record of the United States 
Congress.

                          ____________________