Coast Guard Foundation announces 2015 Tribute in New Orleans

by Coast Guard Foundation on 4 Mar 2015 The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of Coast Guard members and their families, announced today the details of its Annual Salute to the eighth Coast Guard District.

Held on Friday, March 13th in New Orleans, Thomas Allegretti and the American Waterways Operators (AWO) will be honored at the event for their support, and special recognition will be given to a motor lifeboat crew from Pensacola, Florida and an aircrew from Air Station Houston, Texas. The New Orleans salute raises approximately $500,000 each year to fundeducation, support and relief programs for the Coast Guard Foundation.

Allegretti, serving as AWO president and chief executive officer, and the AWO will be honored for more than 20 years of support of the Coast Guard Foundation.The national advocacy group for the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry, the AWO promotes the long-term economic soundness of the industry and works to enhance its ability to provide safe, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation. AWO members operate on rivers, coasts and lakes, moving vital commodities safely; reducing air emissions, water pollution, and highway congestion;and providing family-wage jobs for tens of thousands of Americans.

A 29-foot response boat crew stationed at Coast Guard Station Pensacola will be recognized for their efforts on September 10, 2014.The decisive actions and professionalism of BM2 Patrick Mooneyham, MK2 Jonathan Merrill, BM2 Nicholas Dziama, BMCS Brian Guarino, SK2 Katy Cravis, BM3 Michael Eisner, MK3 Dylan Collins, SN Aaron Black and SN Bridget Crilley resulted in the saving of the life of one mariner and the arrest of a dangerous individual. Also, Air Station Houston-based LT Derek Lehr, LT Erin Gill, AET3 Ryan Beard and AST3 Shane Moore will also be honored as an exceptional unit as a result of their efforts on October 13, 2014. Thanks to the superior performance, diligence, perseverance, and devotion to duty of Air Crew 6559, the lives of two sailors were saved.

'Every day the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard take risks to ensure our safety,' said Anne Brengle, Coast Guard Foundation president.'We are humbled by the dedication of the individuals and honored to recognize their service.'

The eighth Coast Guard District, headquartered in New Orleans, covers all or part of 26 states throughout the Gulf Coast. It stretches from the Appalachian Mountains and Chattahoochee River in the east, to the Rocky Mountains in the west, and from the border between the U.S. and Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border in North Dakota. Part of the Department of Homeland Security, the men and women of the eighth District are vital in protecting the 900 miles of coastline and 10,300 miles of inland navigable waterways located in their area of responsibility.

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit website or call (860) 535-0786.