June 22, 1973
Page 20868
AMERICAN VICE CONSUL ROBERT HENRY CAYER
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, James Barry Coughlin, a 26-year-old Vietnam veteran from my hometown of Rumford, Maine, died tragically last April in Rabat, Morocco. With the help of American Vice Consul Robert Henry Cayer, Barry's family was able to journey to Rabat to see Barry before his death. His family has since written me that Mr. Cayer's helpfulness went beyond his high professional competence to a thoughtful personal concern.
The Coughlin family has asked me to bring Mr. Cayer's work to the attention of the Senate, and for this purpose I ask unanimous consent that the following letter be printed in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
RUMFORD, MAINE,
May 22,1973.
Hon. EDMUND S. MUSKIE,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, D.C.
SIR: It is the sincere hope of the family of the late James Barry Coughlin that you will personally read this letter.
Barry grew up in Rumford, attended Rumford schools and went on to graduate from the University of Vermont. He was drafted and served in Vietnam.
Earlier this year while on a trip through Morocco, he became very ill from eating local mushrooms. Barry died in Rabat, Morocco, on April 13 at the age of 26. Before his death we were able to make the journey to Rabat to see him. His family will never be able to express in words the depth of generosity and thoughtfulness extended to them by Vice Consul Mr. Robert Henry Cayer and his staff during their brief and trying time in this unfamiliar environment.
From the time Mr. Cayer phoned Rumford to advise us of Barry's critical condition until seven days later when he put us aboard a plane in Casablanca to return home from this sad journey, his calming helpfulness smoothed a very rough road of communications and decision making during a most tragic situation. Mr. Cayer's helpfulness went beyond his high professional competence to a thoughtful personal concern.
It’s our urgent wish that recognition of Mr. Cayer's ability and sincerity be placed in the Congressional Record and that the Department of State be informed of the immense and comprehensive service he is giving to the citizens of this country.
Very truly yours,
EUGENE C. COUGHLIN.