Representative Reschenthaler Spearheads Efforts with Senators Toomey and Casey, Representative Joyce to Honor Arnold Palmer
WASHINGTON, D.C– Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) joined with U.S. Senators Pat Toomey and Bob Casey and Representative John Joyce (PA-13) in sending a letter to Commandant of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Admiral Karl L. Schultz requesting a Fast Response Cutter (FRC) or other suitable vessel be named after the late Arnold Palmer. In addition to his legendary professional golf career, Mr. Palmer served as an enlisted member in the USCG from 1951 to 1953.
"Arnold Palmer touched millions of lives through his storied golf career and philanthropic efforts, so it is only right that we honor this great man with a Coast Guard vessel bearing his name," said Rep. Reschenthaler. "As a former Navy JAG, I am hopeful this bipartisan effort will help to preserve Mr. Palmer's legacy of service to country and community for future generations. Those throughout southwestern Pennsylvania are grateful for his honorable service in the Coast Guard, his philanthropy, and his dedication to our community."
"Arnold Palmer represented the very best of Pennsylvania," said Senator Toomey. "I am honored to support this request for a Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter to be named after Latrobe's favorite son. From his time as an enlisted member of the Coast Guard to his accomplishments on and off the golf course, few personified generosity, kindness, and commitment to community more than Arnold Palmer. An FRC named in his honor would be a fitting and lasting legacy to one of the finest individuals our commonwealth has ever called its own."
"Arnold Palmer was an icon and great ambassador for Pennsylvania on the national stage,"said Congressman Joyce. "Not only was Mr. Palmer a champion on the golf course, through his many charitable works and his service in the United States Coast Guard, he was a champion in all aspects of his life. Having a Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter named after him is an honor that Mr. Palmer has undoubtedly earned and I am pleased to join my colleagues in making such a request."
"It would be very meaningful to have a Cutter named after our dad, as it is known to charge ahead in service of others. We are immensely proud of my dad's service in the United States Coast Guard and appreciative of the positive impact that it had on his life," said Amy Palmer Saunders. "He credited the USCG with making him a more mature, better person, and the values and patriotism he forged there were handed down to his children and grandchildren and continue to impact our family."
To this day, Arnold Palmer's philanthropic efforts, known as "Arnie's Army," continue through the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women in Orlando, Florida, and the Arnold Palmer Cancer Center at Excela Hospital in Unity Township, Pennsylvania.
The following members have also signed onto this bicameral, bipartisan letter: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-2), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Madeleine Dean (PA-4), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), Susan Wild (PA-7), Matt Cartwright (PA-8), Dan Meuser (PA-9), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Glenn "G.T." Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Conor Lamb (PA-17), and Mike Doyle (PA-18).
Background
Arnold Palmer was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania in 1929 and graduated from Greater Latrobe High School in 1947. In 1951, Mr. Palmer attended recruit training at Cape May, New Jersey. There, he was assigned the role of physical fitness and self-defense instructor. He would go on to serve as a yeoman for Rear Admiral Roy L. Raney, Commander of the 9th Coast Guard District Auxiliary in Cleveland, Ohio. Arnold Palmer credited his successful golf career to his enlisted service, stating: "The knowledge that I gained, the maturity that I gained in the Coast Guard was unbelievable … It matured me. It made me a better person."
FRCs are named after enlisted leaders, trailblazers, and heroes of the USCG. To date, Congress has funded 56 FRCs with the 29th such vessel being commissioned into service on November 8, 2018.
###