CG Foundation 17th District Tribute
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 17th Annual Tribute to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Seventh District will take place on Monday, November 1, 2010. The event will honor the work of the men and women of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District who deployed to Haiti and aided in the relief efforts associated with the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the country in January of this year. In addition to honoring these individuals and celebrating the service of all our guardians who enforce maritime law, protect our homeland and preserve the environment, the tribute will raise funds to support the Coast Guard Foundation’s important projects and programs. These initiatives seek to improve the lives and performance of Coast Guard members, their families and Coast Guard Academy cadets, through college scholarships for children, as well as grants for enlisted members.
Two awards will be presented for unit and personal heroism in response to the catastrophe in Haiti. The men and women of Air Station Clearwater, Florida, will be honored for their outstanding service in Haiti January 12 through February 28, 2010. As a result of the Unit’s contributions, the Coast Guard evacuated more than 1,150 American citizens, performed over 240 medical evacuations, transported over 715 first responders and delivered more than 360 pounds of critically needed cargo and equipment. An award will also be presented to CDR Evan Grant, the United States Coast Guard’s Liaison Officer to Haiti, for his heroic actions on the night of the earthquake and the days and weeks following the devastation. Grant commenced emergency medial assistance and triage at Killick Haiti Coast Guard Base in Carrefour. Over the next several weeks he also rescued survivors from crumbling structures and facilitated the delivery of humanitarian supplies by USCG cutters. Grant is personally responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of Haitian, American and foreign citizens in a time of need, and through his efforts at the seaport and airport, indirectly responsible for saving the lives of thousands more.
“The Coast Guard was the first on the scene in Haiti and were everywhere following the earthquake, providing much needed relief for the injured,” said Ross Roeder, chairman of the board, Coast Guard Foundation, and a resident of St. Petersburg. “Our tribute to Commander Evan Grant and the men and women of the Seventh Coast Guard District celebrates the heroic efforts they performed to help Haiti and its people.”
The Tribute to the United State Coast Guard Seventh District will be co-chaired by Mr. Roeder and St. Petersburg businessman, community supporter and philanthropist Ed Ameen. United States Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., and Congressman Bill Young will deliver remarks. Rear Admiral William D. Baumgartner and Commandant Papp will present the awards. Dick Crippen will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
The 17th Annual Tribute to the United States Coast Guard Seventh District will be held on Monday, November 1, 2010 at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, 501 Fifth Avenue Northeast in St. Petersburg, Florida. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 pm, with dinner and program to follow at 7:30 pm. For more information on the Coast Guard Foundation’s gala tribute to the United States Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, please visit the Coast Guard Foundation website (www.coastguardfoundation.org).
