Chris Bandy, a Coast Guard auxiliarist in Bayfield, Wis., was recognized as the 2012 Coast Guard 'Auxiliarist of the Year' at a recent ceremony held in San Diego, Calif. Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, formally recognized Bandy and awarded him the Coast Guard Auxiliary Commendation Medal during the Auxiliary National Conference. Bandy enrolled in the Coast Guard Auxiliary in June 2010 and quickly earned the reputation as an enthusiastic volunteer, subject matter expert, and Paddle Smart Program manager in the Apostle Island National Lakeshore area of Lake Superior.