June 10, 2008 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 9 12089 number of occasions by being able to partici- CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVER- gansett, Rhode Island, in 1966 and will retire pate in forums that the temple has run, which SARY OF NORTEX MODULAR at Station Point Judith in Narragansett on the have helped me and others fulfill our duties to SPACE IN LEWISVILLE, TX 20th of this month, having served continuously relate to our constituents. in the Coast Guard in reserve and active duty Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to be HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS status for almost 42 years. Master Chief Dow- able to salute the members of the Mishkan OF TEXAS ney is retiring as Command Master Chief of Coast Guard District One (Boston, Massachu- Tefila Congregation on this 150th Anniversary, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and congratulate them on their opportunity setts)—one of the nine Command Master both to look back on a very proud history, and Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Chiefs in the Coast Guard. He has served in to look forward to the promise of continued Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise this position since September of 2006. great service in the years ahead. today to congratulate the outstanding accom- Seaman Recruit Jack Downey reported to plishments of Nortex Modular Space of the Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, f Lewisville, Texas, an exemplary organization New Jersey, on November 11, 1966, and in North Texas that is celebrating its 10th An- completed basic training in February 1967. HONORING THE LEGACY OF niversary. Seaman Apprentice Downey reported to Coast CONSTANTINO BRUMIDI Nortex Modular Space is a small business Guard Cutter Casco (WHEC 370) on March 8, manufacturer with 95 employees based in 1967, and was promoted to Seaman on No- Lewisville, and it is the leading manufacturer vember 1, 1967. HON. JOHN L. MICA On December 15, 1967, Seaman Downey OF FLORIDA of durable and energy efficient mobile and modular office and classroom buildings. Jim reported to Coast Guard Air Station Salem, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and Sherry Stewart started Nortex Modular Massachusetts where he was a rescue boat Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Space in Highland Village in 1998 and have a crewman for water take-offs and landings—in lease fleet of over 700 mobile office and mo- the days of amphibious fix-wing aircraft. Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Seaman Downey transferred to Station bile classroom units honor the life and legacy of Constantino Point Judith, Rhode Island, in March 1968, The company specializes in the sale, lease, Brumidi, who has been referred to as the Mi- where he served on active duty until 1970, rental, repair and renovation of modular and chelangelo of the United States Capitol Build- then 81⁄2 years in reserve status, returning to portable buildings, mobile office trailers, port- ing. It is appropriate that Congress honor his active duty in 1979 and continuing his service able classroom buildings, re-locatable build- incredible contributions to our Nation by at Pt. Judith until 1982. While stationed at Pt. ings, modular church buildings, GSA modular awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal. Judith, Downey was promoted to Boatswain’s buildings, temporary offices, classrooms, as On July 26, 1805, Constantino Brumidi was Mate Third Class on January 16, 1969, to born in Rome, Italy of an Italian mother and a well as medical and special use buildings to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class on December Greek father who inspired him with a love of government and private industry. 16, 1969, to Boatswain’s Mate First Class on liberty. While Constantino Brumidi’s Greek an- Nortex Modular Space has clients all around April 1, 1972, to Chief Boatswain’s Mate on cestry stirred his passion for liberty and citi- the country and even overseas. Customers in- September 1, 1975 and to Senior Chief Boat- zenship, his Italian heritage provided the art clude the U.S. Department of the Interior, the swain’s Mate April 1, 1980. styles of the Renaissance and the Baroque U.S. Secret Service, the City of Dallas, the Senior Chief Downey returned to sea duty which influenced the artwork of the U.S. Cap- U.S. Army, the Texas Department of Trans- on the Coast Guard Cutter Chase (WHEC itol. portation, the University of Texas at Arlington 718) on January 10, 1982. and the University of North Texas. Constantino Brumidi became a citizen of the In addition to service on the CGC Casco In 2005, Nortex Modular Space was recog- United States as soon as he was able, em- and CGC Chase, Boatswain’s Mate Downey nized by DiversityBusiness.com, the nation’s bracing its history, values and ideals. Begin- had many temporary assignments afloat on leading multicultural internet site, as one of the ning in 1855, Constantino Brumidi designed CGC Seneca (WMEC 906), CGC Reliance Top 100 Small Businesses in Texas. Small and decorated one House and five Senate (WMEC 615), CGC Neah Bay (WTGB 105), businesses form the backbone of the Amer- committee rooms in the Capitol, as well as the CGC Cape George (WPB 95306) and CGC ican economy, which is the strongest in the Senate Reception Room, the Office of the Point Hannon (WPB 82355). Many of these world. They account for half of gross domestic Vice President and most notably, the Presi- Temporary Assigned Duty assignments were product, more than half of American jobs, and dent’s Room, which represents Brumidi’s su- necessitated by the Coast Guard’s need to three-fourths of new jobs created each year. preme effort ‘‘to make beautiful the Capitol’’ of ‘‘fix’’ a leadership issue—a position Jack Dow- Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that the United States. ney found himself in on more than one occa- I rise today to recognize Nortex Modular sion. In 1865, Constantino Brumidi completed, in Space and celebrate its 10-year anniversary. On February 21, 1984, Senior Chief Dow- just 11 months, his masterpiece, ‘‘The Apothe- This excellent company has served North Tex- ney returned to shore duty at Group/Station osis of Washington,’’ in the eye of the Capitol ans for 10 good years, and I am certain they Woods Hole, Massachusetts where he was dome. In 1871, Constantino Brumidi created will continue their good work for many more Officer-In-Charge of the Station. the first tribute to an African American in the years to come. Senior Chief Downey took command, as Of- Capitol when he placed the figure of Crispus f ficer-In-Charge, of Coast Guard Cutter Towline Attucks at the center of his fresco of the Bos- (WYTL 65605), a 65-foot harbor tug/ice- ton Massacre. In 1878, Constantino Brumidi, HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF breaker, on June 15, 1987. at the age of 72, and in poor health, began MASTER CHIEF JOHN E. DOW- On November 1, 1988, Senior Chief Dow- work on the Rotunda frieze, which chronicles NEY, UNITED STATES COAST ney transferred to Coast Guard Station Chat- the history of America. On February 19, 1880, GUARD ham at the elbow of Cape Cod, Massachu- Constantino Brumidi died at the age of 74, setts, where he faced one of his most chal- four and a half months after slipping and near- HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR lenging assignments—dealing with an unfor- ly falling from a scaffold while working on the OF MINNESOTA giving and ever changing environment, and a Rotunda frieze. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES community whose faith in the Coast Guard Constantino Brumidi, proud of his artistic ac- was at a low-ebb because of a failure of lead- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 complishments and devoted to his adopted ership. Senior Chief Downey, whose skills as country, said: ‘‘My one ambition and my daily Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, it gives a Boatswain’s Mate are only exceeded by his prayer is that I may live long enough to make me great pleasure to rise today to honor a skills in dealing with people, not only mastered beautiful the Capitol of the one country on truly great member of the U.S. Coast Guard— the treacherous Chatham Bar, he won the lov- earth in which there is liberty.’’ Master Chief John E. ‘‘Jack’’ Downey—who ing respect of the community. Madam Speaker, Constantino Brumidi’s life was throughout his 41 years of service ‘‘al- Senior Chief Downey’s time in Chatham had and work exemplifies the lives of millions of ways ready for the call.’’ both harrowing and amusing moments. In immigrants who came to pursue the American Master Chief Downey enlisted in the Coast 1991 Station Chatham acquired a much-need- dream. Guard at age 19 from his hometown of Narra- ed new surf capable rescue boat—the 28-foot

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:46 Jan 21, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E10JN8.000 E10JN8 WReier-Aviles on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BOUND RECORD 12090 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 9 June 10, 2008 LeCompte (CG 280502). In October—shortly 87-foot Patrol Boat operating out of Group most of his career in Coast Guard District after the boat arrived, Cape Cod and New Woods Hole with responsibility for law en- One, and much of that in Group Woods Hole England were slammed by the ‘‘No Name’’ or forcement, fisheries patrols, search and res- (now Sector Southeast New England). His tre- ‘‘Halloween’’ Storm—later known as the ‘‘Per- cue, environmental protection and port, water- mendous local knowledge of the treacherous fect Storm.’’ Downey and his crew secured the ways and coastal security. waters in this region added value to every one boat in the north ‘‘jog’’ of the Chatham Fish On August 28, 2006, Master Chief Downey of his Coast Guard assignments—and he Pier in preparation for the onslaught of the became the Command Master Chief, First often called on this local knowledge to keep storm. Little did they know just how ferocious Coast Guard District, Boston, Massachu- Group Commanders ‘‘out of trouble.’’ Master the gale would be—as the storm intensified setts—the senior enlisted advisor to Rear Ad- Chief is a leadership ‘‘fixer’’—the person you and the tide rose to record levels, boats broke miral Timothy S. Sullivan, Commander, First go to when there is a unit in trouble. loose from their moorings and debris piled up Coast Guard District, on issues and initiatives The communities where Master Chief Dow- in the jog. One fishing vessel landed up pertaining to all Coast Guard members and ney has served have recognized him with against the LeCompte, prompting Downey to their families within District One. awards and proclamations too numerous to On June 20, 2008—after 41-years of contin- comment, ‘‘Well that’s a $120,000 fender mention—they would cover several walls were uous service in the United States Coast you’ve got there.’’ he to display them—because Jack under- In May of 1993, at the Change-of-Com- Guard—Master Chief John E. ‘‘Jack’’ Downey stands well the important roll the Coast Guard mand, hundreds came from all over Cape Cod returns to Station Point Judith, Rhode Island plays in the lives of New England towns. Local to honor Jack Downey for his dedication and where he will—with regret—retire. officials, townspeople and fellow mariners service to the maritime community, and to Master Chief Downey has received many have recognized his great contribution and will wish him well in his next assignment across awards during his distinguished career. Having miss his steadying hand. Nantucket Sound at Coast Guard Station held the position of Officer-In-Charge of boat Brant Point on Nantucket Island, Massachu- force units for more than 17 years of the more In fact, a Group Commander once said that setts, where he took command, as Officer-In- than 20 years he served in the boat forces after Jack Downey retires, ‘‘the Coast Guard Charge, on May 17, 1993. community, he was the first recipient of the should hire him back, not to train Officers-In- On June 26, 1998, Senior Chief Downey re- Joshua James Keeper Award—the ‘‘Ancient Charge of small-boat stations, but rather to turned ‘‘home’’ to as Officer-In-Charge of Keeper’’ award—that recognizes longevity in train Group Commanders.’’ Coast Guard Station Point Judith, Rhode Is- the Coast Guard boat force operations. This Throughout the Coast Guard—and particu- land, and was promoted to Master Chief on award is named in honor of Captain Joshua larly in Southeast New England—there are September 1, 1998. James—the most celebrated life-saver in U.S. Coast Guard men and women, Officers-In- While Officer-In-Charge of Station Point Ju- history—who served in the Massachusetts Hu- Charge, who were mentored by Master Chief dith Master Chief Downey was called upon by mane Society and the U.S. Life-Saving Serv- Downey. Many of them—along with many re- the Group Commander to fill temporary com- ice. James died at the age of 75 after drilling tired officers, including former District and mands concurrent with his responsibilities for his crew during a northeast gale in March of Group Commanders, fellow boat-drivers and his Station. On one occasion, when the Offi- 1902 shortly after the tragic loss of a life-sav- shipmates—will join the Vice-Commandant cer-In-Charge of CGC Hammerhead (WPB ing crew off Monomoy Point in Chatham, Mas- and the Atlantic Area Commander of the 87302) was not-fit-for-duty due to a leg frac- sachusetts. Coast Guard on June 20th to honor his long ture, Master Chief Downey assumed com- Master Chief Downey’s other Coast Guard service and dedication to the Coast Guard. mand of a brand new class of patrol boat with awards include the Meritorious Service Award John E. ‘‘Jack’’ Downey’s service to the which he was completely unfamiliar, and on with a gold star and operational distinguishing country, the United States Coast Guard and another he returned to Station Brant Point on device, the Coast Guard Commendation New England are best expressed in the words Nantucket to lead the Station while the Officer- Medal with three gold stars and an operational used by Superintendent Sumner Increase In-Charge was assigned to a joint service distinguishing device, the Coast Guard Kimball when he spoke of Joshua James— academy. On both the occasions answered Achievement Medal with operational distin- the call—all the while ensuring that Station guishing device, the Coast Guard Good Con- Here and there may be found men in all duct Medal with silver star, and the Letter of walks of life who neither wonder or care how Point Judith ran smoothly and fulfilled all its much or how little the world thinks of them. responsibilities. Commendation with an operational distin- They pursue life’s pathway, doing their ap- Master Chief Downey left Point Judith and guishing device. In addition to his Coast pointed tasks without ostentation, loving in 2000, and on August 10th became the lead Guard awards, Master Chief Downey is the re- their work for the work’s sake, content to instructor for the Command and Operations cipient of the prestigious NAVY League Doug- live and do in the present rather than look School at the Leadership and Development las A. Monro Award that is ‘‘awarded for inspi- for the uncertain rewards of the future. To Center located at the Coast Guard Academy rational leadership . . . to the Coast Guard them notoriety, distinction, or even fame, in New London, Connecticut. enlisted member who has demonstrated out- acts neither as a spur not a check to endeav- Master Chief Downey returned to sea duty standing leadership and professional com- or, yet they are really among the foremost of those who do the world’s work. on July 2, 2005 to take command, for a sec- petence.’’ ond time, as Officer-In-Charge, of Coast Madam Speaker, you may have noticed that Master Chief John E. ‘‘Jack’’ Downey is one Guard Cutter Hammerhead (WPB 87302) an Master Chief Downey has managed to spend of those men.

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