Rear Adm. Joel R. Whitehead retires

U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joel R. Whitehead (retired), former commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, is accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Martha Whitehead, after the Eighth District change of command ceremony and Rear Adm. Whitehead's retirement ceremony in New Orleans, Friday, June 5, 2009. After 34 years of dedicated service Rear Adm. Whitehead retires and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, presented by U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Thad Allen. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas M. Blue)