Press Releases
Womack Pays Tribute to Lois Bouton, “The Coast Guard Lady”
Washington,
February 4, 2022
Washington, DC—February 4, 2022....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today spoke on the House floor to honor the life and legacy of the late Lois Bouton of Rogers, who was affectionately known as “The Coast Guard Lady.” Lois—a World War II veteran and member of the Greatest Generation—had a devotion to service and the U.S. Coast Guard that followed her through life. Womack’s tribute recognized her unmatched work to uplift her fellow Coasties by writing thousands upon thousands of letters to those protecting us from coast to coast. This lifelong patriot will be laid to rest in Arkansas on Monday, February 7th.  Watch Congressman Womack’s remarks honoring Lois Bouton here. Transcript of remarks: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the remarkable life of an honorable patriot—the late Lois Bouton of Rogers, Arkansas. She died recently at the age of 102. “Most know her lovingly as the ‘Coast Guard Lady.’ But that nickname didn’t just stem from her 20 years as a member of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 085-05-06 on Beaver Lake in Arkansas. “During World War II, she enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, where she acted as a radio operator. “She was discharged in 1945 from the ‘SPARs’ – the acronym reflecting the Coasts Guard’s motto ‘Semper Paratus – Always Ready.’ “However, her passion for the service never left. “Lois made it a point to visit with wounded and recovering military members—always taking particular care to find her fellow Coasties. “This was just the start of her mission to uplift others. “She tirelessly wrote over 100,000 handwritten letters to greet and encourage personnel. Her words have crossed oceans and seas—reaching legions of Coast Guard members and their families all over the world. “Her dedication earned her the rank of Honorary Master Chief Petty Officer, Department of Defense’s Spirit of Hope Award, the U.S. Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award, and more. But she always maintained that her greatest accomplishment was the joy she helped spread. “I want the nation to know this extraordinary American. “Fair Winds and Following Seas to the beloved Coast Guard Lady from Arkansas. “I yield back.” Video link here. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. ### |