Unalaska, AK – A coastguardsman deployed in the Bering Sea got a phone call from President George Bush wishing him a merry Christmas yesterday. Michael Tapp, a boatswain's mate on the cutter Rush, was one of ten servicemen and women to receive the customary Christmas call from the president. He's the only one of the ten who isn't stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Persian Gulf.

A White House press release recognized Tapp for reorganizing the Rush's deck division, and also for the Coast Guard Commendation Medal he received for his work with the Transportation Security Administration in his home state of Michigan. The Rush couldn't be reached by phone today.