[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16215]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING UNITED STATES COAST GUARD VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2012

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor our veterans.
  There are no words that can express the gratitude that the American 
people owe all of the men and women who choose to serve the United 
States of America in the armed services. We are all humbled by the 
sacrifice they make--knowingly putting themselves in harm's way while 
also leaving loved ones behind. This commitment is the mark of 
America's finest citizens and those who answer to a higher calling. 
Allow me to honor, from the United States Coast Guard: Sammie Stewart, 
Jr., Steven Bernard Rising, Omar K. Payton, Shane J. Nicholas, Randy 
Kevin Jopp, Jr., David R. Hetticher, Andrea Naomi Johnson, Christopher 
Daniels, William O'Boyle, Jacob G. Bryan, Sandy Guerra, Eric Driggs; 
from the National Security Agency: Allyn C. McKinney.
  Finally, it is not our tanks, weapons or machinery that make the 
United States Armed Forces the best military in the world. It is our 
young men and women who serve professionally with honor and 
distinction. If not for these exemplary citizens, freedom and the 
American way of life would not be safe and secure. For these 
sacrifices, we respect and should commend their service everyday of the 
year. Congress has designated, November 11th 2012 as the official day 
showing our gratitude.
  Please join me in honoring these American heroes for their bravery 
and sacrifice in defense of this great nation.

                          ____________________