Coast Guard Foundation Tribute Honors Heroes

20th Annual Dinner to be Held in New Orleans on March 1st, 2013.

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that its 20th Annual Tribute to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Eighth District will take place on Friday, March 1, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Coast Guard Foundation’s New Orleans awards dinner is a festive celebration of the men and women serving in the U.S. Coast Guard's 8th District, which includes the Gulf Coast as well as the inland waterways of the country. The 20th annual celebration will honor longtime supporter and director, Donald "Boysie" Bollinger for his many years of service on the Foundation's board of directors.

The evening’s award for heroism will be presented to a Coast Guard maritime law enforcement crew from South Padre Island, Texas, for its response to and capture of an illegal fishing vessel in US waters. The South Padre Island crewmembers who will be honored at the event are LT Joshua Sagers; BM2 Steven Dann, Jr.; BM2 Alejandro Gutierrez, Jr.; BM2 Richard Haynie; BM3 Christopher Peacock; BM3 Peter Hearn, BM3 Percival Moore, Jr. and OS2 Evan Aherns.

“From hurricanes and natural disasters, to oil spill response and maritime security, and in the face of vast geographical responsibilities, members of Coast Guard’s Eighth District have been responsible for some of the most visible acts of bravery and operational excellence in modern Coast Guard history,” said Anne Brengle, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. “Today we honor an act that typifies the efforts of Coast Guard members everywhere, who tirelessly serve to protect our shores, enforce maritime law, and preserve our environment. We are very proud to support them daily and honor them at our awards dinner.”