GICA | News | Press | August 31, 2001

GULF INTRACOASTAL CANAL ASSOCIATION PRESENTS AWARDS AT 96TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, AUGUST 31, 2001 - The Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association honored Mr. Charles Broussard of Kaplan, Louisiana, Mr. R.H. "Bob" Parker of Houston, Texas, and Capt. Michael Heaps of San Diego, California, at its annual convention held August 22-24 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Capt. Heaps earned the GICA's Dale Miller award for heroism on the waterway by saving the lives of two men. Broussard and Parker received the association's Honorary Life Membership award for their extraordinary efforts in support of the organization.

Captain Michael Heaps receives the Dale Miller award from board member Vernon Behrhorst.

The rescue effort that secured the Dale Miller award for Capt. Heaps occurred in the Houston Ship Channel in May of last year. While commanding the M/V John W. Morgan, Heaps heard cries for help from two individuals clinging to an overturned skiff in the channel. They'd escaped the sinking M/V Vecturian, but neither could swim, and at least one of the men was entangled in debris under the water's surface.

Heaps maneuvered his vessel to the vicinity of the two men, who were near exhaustion from trying to stay afloat. While another crewmember held the Morgan in position, Capt. Heaps made two dives into the channel to retrieve each of the men.

Once safely aboard the Morgan, Heaps provided dry clothing, food and beverage for the men, both of who credit Heaps for saving their lives. In addition to receiving the Dale Miller award for his heroic efforts, Capt. Heaps was also honored in May of this year with the U.S. Coast Guard's Silver Lifesaving Medal, presented by Admiral Roy Casto.

Leroy Goodson (left) presents Honorary Life Memberships to Charles Broussard (2nd from left) and Bob Parker (far right). Rose Broussard is also pictured.

Charles Broussard earned the GICA's Honorary Life Membership award for the numerous and continuous sacrifices he has made on behalf of the organization. He has given of his time, personal finances and his own land to advance and protect the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Broussard has been a member of the organization for 44 years, and during that time has served the GICA as President, Secretary, Vice President for Louisiana, and General Director.

R.H. "Bob" Parker was also presented the GICA's Honorary Life Membership award. While Parker, too, is recognized for countless contributions of time and resources, he is credited largely for the survival of the association in its youth, when finances for its continued operation were either inadequate or nonexistent.

The Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association was established in 1905 in Victoria, Texas, and serves the five Gulf Coast states. It is largely responsible for facilitating construction of today's Gulf Intracoastal Waterway - the third busiest waterway in the nation. Today, it is the only organization whose primary purpose is to insure this waterway is operated, maintained and improved to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally sound water transportation.

For further information, contact:
Raymond Butler, Executive Director
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Association
Ph: 281.996.6915 / Fax: 281.992.4383
E-mail: info@gicaonline.com
Web: www.gicaonline.com