On the recordJuly 28, 2006
as we approach the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, it is appropriate that we remember the valiant service of the U.S. Coast Guard. During our Nation's most destructive natural disaster, these men and women went above and beyond the call of duty. The sheer magnitude of the Guard's response was astounding. One-third of its air fleet was deployed in the Gulf region. Six years of search- and-rescue operations were completed in 1 week. More than 33,520 lives were saved. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that these servicemembers were not unaffected bystanders. Sixty-nine percent of Coast Guard members were themselves victims of the hurricane; yet they put their own distress aside to save those in need. These men and women are truly American heroes, despite negative, false reporting by the drive-by media. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11. ____________________
Source
govinfo.gov
