Coast Guard Foundation honors U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska

by Amanda Cohen on 5 Aug 2010 The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that its Biennial Alaska Awards Dinner in tribute to the United States Coast Guard will take place on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Honoring the heroic efforts of the guardians who enforce maritime law, protect our homeland and preserve the environment, this year’s gala Co-Chairs are Morgen Crow, executive director of the Coast Village Region Fund and Janis Ivanoff, vice president and chief executive officer of Norton Sound Economic Development Association.

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell as well as United States Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich; Admiral Robert Papp, Commandant and Master Chief Petty Officer Michael P Leavitt, of the United States Coast Guard; and Anne B. Brengle, president of the Coast Guard Foundation will also be in attendance to recognize the heroic efforts of service men and women in the region.

During the program, awards will be presented for Heroic Action, Individual Excellence and Unit Mission Excellence. The Crew of CG-6573, LT Jason Smith, LT Greg Gedemer, AST1 Matthew Thiessen and AMT3 Blaize Potts will be recognized with the Heroic Action Award for their January 30, 2009 rescue of a fisherman near Cold Bay, Alaska.

Receiving the Individual Excellence Award for unsurpassed performance, AMT1 Joe L. Miller will be honored for his outstanding leadership and exceptional ability to inspire his crew, maximize limited assets and find inventive ways to overcome challenges. The Unit Award for Mission Excellence will be presented to the United States Coast Guard Cutter HICKORY for its multi-mission platform excellence in the areas of aids to navigation, law enforcement, marine safety, and search and rescue.

'We are honored to recognize the men and women who wear the Coast Guard uniform and celebrate another year of their heroic efforts,' said Ms. Brengle.

'Especially poignant this year after the loss of crewmembers of CG-6017, based at Air Station Sitka, Alaska--it is a reminder of the essential bravery and sacrifice made by Coast Guard members and their families everyday in service this nation and its citizens. Our annual awards dinner brings together our partners and the community in a proud expression of gratitude.'

In addition to honoring the Coast Guard, the event will raise funds raises funds to support the Coast Guard Foundation’s important projects and programs that seek to improve the lives and performance of service members, their families and Coast Guard Academy cadets.

For over 40 years, the Coast Guard Foundation has been committed to inspire leadership, learning and a proud legacy of service to our nation by supporting the men of women of the United States Coast Guard and their families.

The Foundation provides higher education grants to enlisted personnel, reservist and their children, higher education financial support for families of Coast Guard members lost in the line of duty, financial relief to Coast Guard families who have lost possessions in natural disasters, and support for numerous moral and wellness boasting endeavors including funding recreation, exercise and family-oriented facilities.

During the tribute, there will be reflection to honor the crew of CG-6017 that was lost in a crash off the coast of Washington last month. The Foundation has been actively seeking financial contributions for its Family Disaster Relief and Fallen Heroes Scholarship Funds to support the families of the fallen crewmembers. The organization will also air a 30-second public service announcement that highlights its service and support on behalf of Coast Guard members.

The Alaska Awards Dinner will take place Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at The Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W fifth Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska. A VIP cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 pm, with a dinner reception and program to follow at 7:30 pm.

For more information please visit: www.coastguardfoundation.org