1. Gerry D. Ryan
62g9 Clark Street
Chincoteagu€ lsland, YA 23336
757-33ffi214
May 15,2(X19
Capt. Mark Ogle
Sector Hampton Roads
4(XXl Coast Guard Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA 23743
Re: BMl Donald Lee Merritt
It has been my privilege over the past few years to work with and see BMl Merritt in action. ln my roles as an
officer in the Chincoteague lsland Charterboat Association and the Chincoteatue Chamber of Commerce,
I have found that Lee has always stepped forward when help was needed.
He has contributed to the safety of our waters by initiating no wake buoys at the annual pony srim, conducted
meetings and contacted local businesses regarding illegal charter operations and kept the dtarter boat
captains up to date on local channel relocation-
ln addition, when called upon, he has rallied his personnel and pitched in on such community proiects as the
Chamber of Commerce Easter Decoy Festival and the annual Oy*er Festival.
t have observed that the personnel under his command have the utmost respect for him. This carries out into
the community.
We will miss him but wish him well in his new assignment.
Sincerelv-
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Gerry d'orn d {
Secrertaryfireasurer, Chincotque lshnd (|larte*oat Aswiation
Prcident, Cftincoteague Chamber of Commerce