I would like to nominate Lieutenant Brian McLaughlin United States Coast
Guard (USCG) to the Whitman Hanson Wall of Fame. Brian has been a member of
the USCG since attending the academy after graduating from the
Whitman-Hanson Regional High School (WHRSD) in 1995. Brian is currently
fulfilling a tour of duty in Kodiak, Alaska along with his wife Amy
(Lundrigan), also a 1995 graduate of WHRHS, and their two children Sagan and
Cole.
The main reason for this nomination is in regards to the heroic efforts
displayed by Brian as co Pilot and the crew of the Jayhawk helicopter in the
rescue of survivors of the ill fated fishing vessel the "Alaska Ranger" in
the frigid Bering Sea on March 23, 2008. The weather in Alaska can become
volatile at any time with high winds, sleet, snow and fog along with
dangerously high seas as it was on that fateful day. Brian and his crew were
the first to arrive on the scene and rescued 12 members of the Ranger from
the frigid water. In total 46 crew members were rescued with efforts from
another USCG helicopter and cutter and a sister fishing vessel,
unfortunately, 4 were not accounted for. There are not enough words that can
explain that terrifying day.
If you were to talk to Brian he would say that they were just doing their
job, and that this is what they train for like several other rescues that he
has been involved in, although, this one is considered one of the most
extreme in USCG history. But it's more than just doing ones job; members of
the United States Coast Guard put their own lives in danger every time they
respond to a rescue. The display of bravery and heroism that they show on a
day to day basis along with exemplary leadership shown by Brian and others
cannot be diminished. Brian is a person humility and valor and recognition
of his selfless actions is truly deserved.
Contact information:
Address
Patricia Lundrigan
19 Wilmot Street
Whitman, MA
Phone:
Home: 781-447-0092
Cell: 617-694-0546
Thompson, Kalee (2008) Inside the Coast Guard's Most Extreme Rescue, Popular
Mechanics July 2008 Issue
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/worst_case_scenarios/4267469.html?pa
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