Tribute to Lieutenant Commander James Mathieu

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
June 1, 2004
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.