Stonington, Conn. – 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 10th Annual Tribute to the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Fourteenth District will take place on Friday, April 6, 2012, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
This event supports Coast Guard members of the Fourteenth District who protect the shores of Hawaii to the distant reaches of Guam and American Samoa. The gala will honor U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka and Mildred Akaka for their years of service to the men and women of the Coast Guard, and showcase Hawaii’s unique history and culture.
The event is chaired by Gary North, executive director of the Hawaii Harbor Users Group, and is supported by Coast Guard Foundation Trustees James Andrasick; Bob Halcro; CAPT F. David Hoffman, Jr., USCG (Ret.); and CAPT John P. Milhauer, USCG (Ret.). Also in attendance will be ADM Robert Papp, commandant U.S. Coast Guard; VADM Manson Brown, pacific area commander U.S. Coast Guard; and Rear Admiral Charles W. Ray, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.
In addition to honoring the Akakas and celebrating the service of Coast Guard personnel who enforce maritime law, protect the homeland and preserve the environment, the tribute will raise funds to support the Coast Guard Foundation’s important projects and programs that benefit the members of the Fourteenth District and their families. The Coast Guard Foundation supports many projects in District 14, including providing college scholarships for children and grants for enlisted members. In 2008, following a fatal Coast Guard helicopter crash off the Honolulu coast, the Foundation established the Family Disaster Relief Fund, which provides assistance to family members of fallen servicemen and women lost in the line of duty.
“We are proud to honor Senator and Mrs. Akaka for their support of and service to the U.S. Coast Guard, and to honor the dedication and heroism of the extraordinary Coast Guard men and women of the Fourteenth District,” said Anne B. Brengle, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “This event promises to be a meaningful evening to recognize the heroic efforts of the guardians who protect our shores and keep us safe on the water. The dinner is a great opportunity for all of us to give back to them.”