Adm. Thad Allen and Congressman William Delahunt, Massachusetts, make the all important first slice during a cake cutting ceremony celebrating the 69th Anniversary of the Coast Guard Reserve at Coast Guard Headquarters, Feb. 24. Congressman Delahunt, who served as a Radarman in the CG Reserve, noted that the Coast Guard is recognized as one of the highest performing and most effective federal agencies. He commended the efforts of reserve personnel in attendance and across the service. "You are an important part of the value the Coast Guard brings to the nation. We could not do the job without you. As a former member of the Coast Guard Reserve, I am extremely proud of each and everyone of you."Near the conclusion of the ceremony Master Chief Jeffrey Smith, the master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard - Reserve Force, bestowed a unique honor upon the congressman - the rank of chief petty officer.