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-ll tt

{yfr?},rid .fiqa.--Gerry d'orn d {Secrertaryfireasurer, Chincotque lshnd (|larte*oat Aswiation

Prcident, Cftincoteague Chamber of Commerce