H.R. No. 1606
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The brave and expert actions of U.S. Coast Guard
Petty Officer James M. Russell of Harlingen resulted in the rescue
of 24 people during Hurricane Ike; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer Russell served as the flight mechanic
on CGNR 6512 from September 12 through 14, 2008; initially
dispatched to Bolivar Peninsula, he found seven people trapped on a
pickup truck amid Ike's harsh winds and pounding storm surge;
thanks to his skilled hoisting and concise conning commands, he was
able to deliver a rescue swimmer directly into the bed of the truck,
and when a wave knocked the rescue swimmer and a survivor into the
water, he quickly slackened the cable to provide them safe maneuver
before lifting them into the cabin; and
WHEREAS, While the storm continued to threaten the Texas
coast, Petty Officer Russell successfully retrieved an injured
woman from an obstacle-ridden street and went on to pick up another
13 people; he subsequently worked with a rescue swimmer to save
three survivors from the patio of a home, again demonstrating his
exceptional hoisting proficiency, and he then aided in the medical
evacuation of an elderly woman; and
WHEREAS, Exemplifying the highest ideals of the United States
Coast Guard, James Russell distinguished himself through his swift,
sure, and courageous response to Hurricane Ike, and he is indeed
deserving of his fellow citizens' deepest respect and appreciation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Petty Officer James M. Russell for his
lifesaving rescue efforts during Hurricane Ike and extend to him
sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Petty Officer Russell as an expression of high regard
by the Texas House of Representatives.
Rios Ybarra
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1606 was adopted by the House on May
4, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House