The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced that its Guardian of the Heartland Annual Tribute to the United States Coast Guard’s Eighth District will take place on Friday, April 3, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Eighth Coast Guard District spans 26 states throughout the Gulf Coast and the heartland of America from its headquarters in New Orleans. Honoring each sector throughout the District, the gala’s Co-Chairs are local business leaders in the community, Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger, of Bollinger Shipyards, and Otto Candies, owner of Otto Candies, LLC. Vice Admiral Vivien Crea, vice-commandant of the Coast Guard, and Anne B. Brengle, president of the Coast Guard Foundation will also give remarks. The men and women of the Eighth District protect and serve our nation from the Appalachian Mountains and Chattahoochee River in the East, to the Rocky Mountains in the West, the US/Mexican border and the Gulf of Mexico in the South, and the North Dakota/Canadian border in the North.
“The Guardian of the Heartland annual tribute is an event where our partners and the community come together to honor and celebrate the heroic efforts of Coast Guard men and women over the past year,” said Ms. Brengle. “More than an expression of gratitude, the tribute will raise funds to support the Coast Guard Foundation’s programs and projects that seek to enhance service and opportunities for Eighth District Coast Guard members and their families.”
In addition to honoring the service of the men and women who wear the Coast Guard uniform and are dedicated to enforcing maritime law, protecting our homeland and preserving the environment, the tribute sponsored by the Coast Guard Foundation will raise funds to support the organization’s important projects and programs that seek to enhance the lives and performance of Coast Guard members, their families and Coast Guard Academy cadets.
In 2008, the Foundation supported Coast Guard members in the District by providing much needed funding to boost morale and wellness support for active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary members involved with natural disaster response activities. Additionally, units in the District received funding for fitness gear and equipment through the Foundation’s Evergreen Fund.
The Guardian of the Heartland Annual Tribute will take place Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Marriott New Orleans, 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. The cocktail reception and silent auction will begin at 6:30 pm with a 7:30 pm dinner reception to follow. Visit www.coastguardfoundation.org for more information.