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CLEARWATER, Fla. — A man rescued by the Coast Guard was reunited with the rescue crew that saved his life Tuesday at Air Station Clearwater.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued Marion “Lee” Ellison, who was suffering from chest pains and in need of emergency medical assistance on a 53-foot tug boat 7 miles west of Egmont Key, Florida, May 16, 2014.
During the reunion, Ellison formally met the rescue crew and took a tour of the air station.
He expressed his gratitude for their efforts and he said if it was not for the crew he would not be here today.
"I wanted to shake their hands and thank them in person," said Ellison. "All four of them will have a special place in my heart."
The four crewmembers from the air station who performed the rescue are Lt. Michael Carroll, pilot; Lt. Kevin Murphy, copilot; Petty Officer 3rd Class Bradford Garrison, rescue swimmer and Petty Officer 2nd Class Andre Altavilla, flight mechanic.
"We don't get a chance to meet our survivors very often," said Garrison, "It's awesome to have them come to base, and it really gives you the sense that you're doing good."