Coast Guard Foundation Hosts 31st Annual Salute to USCG

Non-Profit’s Annual Gala Celebrates the United States Coast Guard Service Across the Nation.

 

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 31st Annual Salute to the United States Coast Guard will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2011 in New York City. The event will honor the bravery and courage of the guardians who enforce maritime law, protect our homeland and preserve the environment. Guest will include Master of Ceremonies James Loy, USCG (Ret.) former commandant, ADM Robert Papp, USCG commandant, VADM Robert C. Parker, USCG commander of the Coast Guard’s Atlantic Area, and Anne B. Brengle, Coast Guard Foundation president. Performances will be given by the Coast Guard Band and the United States Coast Guard Academy Glee Club.

 

• During the tribute, Coast Guard Foundation Heroism Awards will be presented:

 

The crew of CGNR 6038 – Aircraft Commander LT Andy Schanno, Copilot LT William Snyder, Flight Mechanic AMT3 Nick Giumette and Rescue Swimmer AST2 Craig Power – will be recognized for its January 6, 2011 rescue of an injured hiker on Mount Ripinsky near Haines, Alaska. Hiking on top of a 3500-foot mountain when the weather changed for the worse, the hiker used his cell phone to call police and reported he tried to descend the trail in whiteout conditions and became disoriented, slipping on a step slope and falling over a cliff. Unaware of his position, the hiker reported back pain and limited mobility to descend from his location. The crew of CGNR 6038 launched from Air Station Sitka and arrived to the Mountain where weather conditions prevented flying about 500 feet, and ground fog and snow showers greatly limited visibility. Demonstrating exceptional resourcefulness, the crew used a track beam spotlight to signal the hiker to better pinpoint his location. Due to limited fuel and weather conditions, the crew returned the next day. Faced again with dangerous weather conditions, gusting down drafts, and a mountain face encased in snow and ice and marked with rocks and trees, the determined crew located and hoisted the hiker to safety.

 

The crew of CG-MLB 47254 – Surfman BM2 Conor Bennett, Engineer FN Michael Callahan and Crewmembers BM3 Matthew Karas and SN Austin Bartosz – will be awarded for the rescue of two individuals on October 10, 2010 after their vessel capsized in breaking seas in Tillamook Bar Bay, Oregon. The 56-foot DOUBLE EAGLE fishing boat was hit broadside by a 16-foot plunging break. With two crewmembers onboard, the boat immediately capsized and was ripped in half. The crew of MLB 4754 was immediately briefed and prepared the deck to recover the two individuals trapped in the surf and in danger of being swept into the exposed rocks. The crew demonstrated extraordinary teamwork, operational risk management and seamanship battling extreme seas condition to save the lives of the two fishermen.

 

“Our annual tribute brings together our partners and the community to honor the heroic efforts of men and women who wear the Coast Guard uniform,” said Ms. Brengle. “The event is more than a celebration of gratitude for the Coast Guard member who keep America safe. It will raise funds to support important Coast Guard Foundation programs and projects that seek to enhance service and opportunities for Coast Guard members and their families.” For over 40 years, the Coast Guard Foundation has been committed to inspiring leadership, learning and a proud legacy of service to our nation by supporting the men of women of the United States Coast Guard. 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 morale programs, including funding recreation, exercise and family-oriented facilities.

 

Taking place Thursday, October 13, 2011 at the Marriott Marquis, Broadway Ballroom, 1535 Broadway, New York, New York, the event will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. dinner reception. For more information on the Coast Guard Foundation’s Annual Salute to the United States Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit the Coast Guard Foundation website at www.coastguardfoundation.org.
 
 

• About The Coast Guard Foundation

 

The Coast Guard Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1969. It was initially created to provide funds for academic, athletic, and morale needs of the Coast Guard Academy and its cadets, which were not covered by federal operational funding. In 1986, the Foundation expanded its charter to support projects that enhance the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families. A Board of 100 Trustees from all parts of the country governs the Foundation. The Trustees elect from their members a 30 person Board of Directors to oversee the management of the Foundation. Located in Stonington, Connecticut, the Foundation employs a staff of ten civilians responsible for meeting the Foundation’s objectives and working closely with the Coast Guard on all issues.

 

WHO: The Coast Guard Foundation
WHAT: Annual Salute to the United States Coast Guard
WHEN: Cocktail reception 6:30 pm, Dinner and Program 7:30 pm — Thursday, October 13, 2011
WHERE: Marriott Marquis, Broadway Ballroom, 1535 Broadway, New York, New York