CITATIONS TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

THE AUXILIARY COMMENDATION MEDAL

MR. ERNEST A. DAVENPORT
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. DAVENPORT is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief Aide to the National Commodore from November 2004 to September 2006.  Demonstrating exemplary professionalism and dependability, Mr. DAVENPORT  provided invaluable behind-the-scenes leadership and direction at six meetings of the National Executive Committee, two National Training Conferences and two National Auxiliary Conferences.  He adeptly provided essential executive service by ensuring the National Commodore’s personal agenda strictly adhered to established schedules, reservations, invitations, and transportation, and oversaw all room and facility arrangements whenever the National Commodore served as presiding officer.  Combining superb event coordination and utmost consideration for guests, Mr. DAVENPORT supervised all transportation arrangements for Very Important Persons (VIPs) while consistently ensuring that every VIP was kept on schedule with timely and relevant information regarding agendas, speaking engagements, and event invitations.  Personifying the “Semper Paratus” spirit, Mr. DAVENPORT was always prepared to meet the myriad emergent requests for logistical and clerical support that characterized high-profile events.  His steadfast commitment and genuine concern for all with whom he dealt cast a fine reflection upon the Coast Guard Auxiliary and enhanced its reputation for cooperation, professionalism, and hospitality.   Mr. DAVENPORT’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. PAUL A. DEVITA

Mr. DEVITA is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Intermediate Courses Branch from October 2005 to September 2006.  Demonstrating exceptional administrative and organizational skill, Mr. DEVITA was principal author and content editor for the thirteenth edition of the Auxiliary’s cornerstone public boating safety course, “Boating Skills & Seamanship.”  Applying dogged determination and a penchant for detail, he combed each chapter of several previous course editions to balance continuity with the need for revision.  Mr. DEVITA diligently spent hundreds of hours in libraries, on the internet, and interviewing recreational boating experts to ensure that the new course reflected the most up-to-date technological information on boating trends and practices.  With superb insight and an innate ability to anticipate student needs, Mr. DEVITA crafted relevant and comprehensive updates to the course’s diverse chapters ranging from small boat handling to the fundamentals of marine weather and communications.  Determined to create a high-quality and lasting product for Auxiliary customers, Mr. DEVITA worked ceaselessly to meet production deadlines.  Mr. DEVITA’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MS. GAIL A. FISHER

Ms. FISHER is cited for outstanding achievement and while serving as Chief, Training Department from November 2004 to September 2006. Displaying superb initiative and foresight, Ms. FISHER transformed Auxiliary member training from traditionally-based learning to a blended training program that embraced internet-based e-learning applications. Her inspirational leadership and unflagging determination were instrumental to the significant reduction in unused Auxiliary C-school quotas from an average of over 26 percent to less than seven percent.  This remarkable achievement allowed for the reprogramming of tens of thousands of dollars in Coast Guard training funds to expand other Auxiliary training programs.  Demonstrating outstanding administrative ability, she reorganized the Training Department to gain efficiencies in curriculum development and increase Auxiliary instructional design and distance learning capabilities. Ms. FISHER provided exemplary guidance to Auxiliary program managers by writing 26 new position descriptions that clearly defined Auxiliary member training objectives and performance expectations. With keen insight and profound leadership experience, she evaluated and revised the Auxiliary Mid-level Officer’s Course, significantly enhanced the Rear Commodore Academy curriculum, and provided significant assistance to  the development of a new Auxiliary Senior Officer Course.  Ms. FISHER’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

MR. DAVID N. HAND
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. HAND is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Department from July 2005 to August 2006. Exhibiting exceptional managerial skill and commitment, Mr. HAND provided solid proposals and comprehensive justifications to secure ongoing Coast Guard funding for management of the America’s Waterway Watch program and the support of several other Auxiliary marine safety and environmental protection programs. His perseverance and advocacy were instrumental to significantly raising the degree of Auxiliary participation in planning and execution of the 2006 Spills of National Significance exercise.  Displaying exceptional motivation and resourcefulness, Mr. HAND launched the Auxiliary recreational support initiative that resulted in the creation of a joint Coast Guard and Auxiliary team to determine the needs of national recreational boating programs and identify avenues to support them.  He similarly facilitated creation of comprehensive guidelines for the Uninspected Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety program and the Dockwalking program, and he diligently coordinated the Auxiliary’s final report on implementation of the Auxiliary Waterway Management and Security Coordinator Pilot Program at the District level.  Mr. HAND’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MS. ALINE M. HARRISON

Ms. HARRISON is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Operations Projects and Educational Outreach Division from February 2005 to September 2006.  Exercising superior analytical skills and insight, Ms. HARRISON thoroughly assessed the Auxiliary’s outreach efforts among its operational components and developed a detailed plan to improve communications with district staff officers.  Authoring several extensive studies and creating hundreds of internet links, she significantly enhanced the Operations Department web site by including resource sections for the surface, aviation, communications, and aids to navigation programs.  Determined to increase customer satisfaction, Ms. HARRISON spearheaded the novel effort to develop a website for “Best Practices” and to recruit member input on attainment of operational excellence.  Recognizing that the department newsletter, “Up Top in Operations,” was not meeting member needs, she instituted professional editorial practices, revamped the publication’s composition, and expanded the content to include a diverse array of topics in each issue.  Displaying an exceptional spirit of commitment, Ms. HARRISON volunteered to become the department’s subject matter expert in Contingency Planning.  Working closely with her Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Department counterparts, she created an Operations and Marine Safety Directorate website as a readily accessible repository of information on contingency planning, response exercises, and lessons learned.  Ms. HARRISON’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. PHILIP L. HELMER
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. HELMER is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as the National Conference Coordinator from November 2004 to September 2006.  With exceptional foresight and meticulous attention to detail, Mr. HELMER conducted thorough site selection surveys of several venues in various locations across the country for all of the Auxiliary’s major national events.  These included two National Conferences and two National Training Conferences that were attended by many Coast Guard Flag Officers, foreign emissaries, governmental representatives, and thousands of Auxiliarists.  He provided invaluable technical guidance for site selection of the International Search and Rescue Competition held in Portsmouth, Virginia and several National Area Planning Meetings in support of the Area Commodores.  Exercising invaluable team-building and negotiating skill, Mr. HELMER identified and resolved all concerns raised by national staff, regional Auxiliary conference coordinators, and hotel management on every occasion.  His flawless coordination of all aspects of each event ensured that presenters received reliable and dependable audio-visual support of any kind, that all static displays and booths were fully accommodated, and that agendas were kept complete and on schedule.  Mr. HELMER’s tireless and pro-active efforts always resulted in noticeably comfortable and enjoyable environments for the conduct of Auxiliary business, casting a well-deserved reflection of Auxiliary pride and professionalism.  Mr. HELMER’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MS. KAREL K. KESTER

Ms. KESTER is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Marine Safety Division and Chief, Marine Safety Special Projects Branch from October 2004 to September 2006.  Ms. KESTER was instrumental to the expansion of the Auxiliary marine safety program by facilitating the development of six new Auxiliary Trident program Personal Qualification Standards and a 90 percent increase in Auxiliary Trident program qualifications.   Demonstrating remarkable initiative and determination, she led the Auxiliary Waterway Management Security Coordinator pilot project that resulted in establishment of recreational boating subcommittees in six Captain of the Port Zones to facilitate maritime security outreach to the recreational boating public.  Employing an enthusiastic spirit of teamwork and cooperation, Ms. KESTER played a pivotal role in several joint efforts with the Operations Department to define Auxiliary roles and responsibilities with respect to the Maritime Transportation Security Act, Maritime Security Condition Support Guidelines, and Operation Patriot Readiness preparedness planning and exercises.  Her keen insight and incisive judgment in aligning the Marine Safety Division staff with Sector organization helped significantly improve Auxiliary communications with Coast Guard program counterparts.  Ms. KESTER’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

COMMODORE JOSEPH J. LANZ, JR.

Commodore LANZ is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as the Auxiliary National Chairman for the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fundraising Campaign from February 2004 to August 2006.  Exhibiting profound determination and concern for the welfare of others, Commodore LANZ established and led a task group of Auxiliary regional representatives to promote annual Coast Guard Mutual Assistance fundraising efforts from national down to local Flotilla levels.  He worked ceaselessly to ensure timely preparation and distribution of Mutual Assistance campaign packages and promotional materials to his task group counterparts and over 30,000 Auxiliarists.  Exercising superb leadership and direction, Commodore LANZ achieved continuous growth and success through its fundraising campaigns.  As a direct result of his motivational spirit, clear guidance, and deep personal commitment, the Auxiliary contributed more than $75,000 to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, established itself as the single largest contributing organization, and peerlessly embraced the Mutual Assistance motto, “We help our own.”  Commodore LANZ’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MS. ANNE R. LOCKWOOD

Ms. LOCKWOOD is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Special Projects Division from January 2005 to August 2006.  Demonstrating superior professional skill and competence, Ms. LOCKWOOD was the principal author of a new Auxiliary Instructor Development Course.  She combined exceptional innovation and insight to restructure the Coast Guard’s resident Instructor Development Course into a portable course for training Auxiliary instructors.  Applying formidable journalistic expertise, Ms. LOCKWOOD combined optimal elements of the Coast Guard’s Instructor Development Course with components she created based upon her professional background.  The resultant highly relevant and up-to-date training program incorporated not only pertinent adult learning techniques but also provided particular training on useful facilitation skills.  Her progressive and enthusiastic approach to training and preparing Auxiliary instructors to handle diverse student populations helped pioneer fresh and flexible methods for effectively teaching the nation’s recreational boaters.  Ms. LOCKWOODS’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. JEFF G. MAHL

Mr. MAHL is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Information Technology Department from November 2004 to September 2006.  Exercising superb programmatic leadership and organizational skill, Mr. MAHL coordinated rapid and progressive development of Auxiliary computer system capabilities and facilitated activation of a new central computer server that led to the seamless integration of hundreds of Auxiliary unit websites.  His clear and steadfast guidance was instrumental to the design and implementation of an attractive, new Auxiliary web site that significantly enhanced the Auxiliary’s image particularly in the eyes of prospective members and site visitors.  Demonstrating uncanny resourcefulness and initiative, Mr. MAHL thoroughly researched and deployed an innovative internet conferencing system as a cost-free tool for conferencing and instruction among national staff.  Exercising keen insight and managerial expertise, he reorganized the Information Technology Department for significantly improved performance and established a Special Projects Division to provide comprehensive internet-based assistance to national staff and general Auxiliary membership.  A consummate team player, Mr. MAHL worked closely with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Inc., Public Education Department, and Vessel Examination Department to pioneer the new data collection program, AuxPlus, and he adeptly managed the Auxiliary e-Directory by incorporating upgrades to the security of Auxiliary personnel data.  Mr. MAHL’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

COMMODORE L. DAN MAXIM

Commodore MAXIM is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as the National Commodore’s Administrative Support Assistant from November 2004 to September 2006.  Demonstrating superior professional expertise and organizational insight, Commodore MAXIM researched and composed many significant documents for the National Commodore.  He worked tirelessly to ensure the accuracy, timely development, and comprehensive preparation of the Auxiliary Maritime Domain Awareness White Paper, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Business Plan, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Business and Marketing Plan, Coast Guard Flag presentations, the National Commodore’s “On Course” e-newsletter; and many other documents.  With profound commitment to the sanctity of written words and determined to craft an enduring legacy for the National Commodore’s administration, Commodore MAXIM created and published strategic plans for the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. in addition to the National Commodore’s direction and support documents.  His unparalleled ability to communicate myriad messages through diverse written venues was invaluable to the Auxiliary’s capacity to achieve remarkable success in the face of considerable challenge and adversity.  Commodore MAXIM’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. FREDRIC D. MILLER, JR.

Mr. MILLER is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Course Development Division from January 2005 to January 2006.  Demonstrating extraordinary determination and technical skill, Mr. MILLER performed a sweeping review and overhaul of the Auxiliary’s “Weekend Navigator” boating safety course.  Recognizing the need to update and improve public education course offerings, he developed a blended learning approach to the course’s construct which combined the best attributes of distance learning tools with traditional classroom education.  Mr. MILLER created attention-grabbing and interactive online course materials to supplement and expand upon associated classroom activities.  His meticulous attention to detail resulted in a comprehensive, competency-based boating safety course that incorporated performance-based charting exercises and practical online tests that rapidly developed students’ navigation skills.  Mr. MILLER’s innovative and insightful approach to course development significantly reduced the workload for Auxiliary instructors by enabling them to maximize their time addressing students’ questions during classroom sessions, and delivered a markedly superior learning opportunity for the nation’s 70 million recreational boaters.  Mr. MILLER’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

MR. RONALD K. NUSLY

Mr. NUSLY is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Forms Development Division from May 2005 to August 2006.  Demonstrating exceptional initiative and impressive technical prowess, Mr. NUSLY identified countless ways to leverage technology for the direct benefit of Auxiliarists by designing easy-to-use, self-tutorial electronic forms.  Faced with a pressing need to simplify the submission process and improve accuracy for Auxiliary member reimbursement of official travel expenses, he developed self-auditing versions of the Department of Defense and Coast Guard travel voucher forms.   Determined to increase the efficiency of processing newly required background check documents for every Auxiliarist, Mr. NUSLY created an amazingly innovative electronic version of the lengthy Personal History Standard Form 86, the Security Center Verification of Citizenship form, and associated personal background forms. These remarkably well-designed forms enabled pertinent information to immediately transfer to other linked forms.  Mr. NUSLY’s masterful efforts crafting these helpful tools significantly reduced the duplication of manual data entry, increased the accuracy of data submission, and markedly reduced the frustration of Auxiliarists when using forms.  As a direct result of his diligence and deep concern for his shipmates, major savings in time, effort, and resources were garnered by the Guard Personnel Services Center, the Coast Guard Security Center, Director of Auxiliary offices, and Auxiliarists.  Mr. NUSLY’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

COMMODORE GEORGE A. PENDERGAST

Commodore PENDERGAST is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Aids-to-Navigation Division from November 2003 to September 2006.  Commodore PENDERGAST revitalized the Auxiliary aids-to-navigation, bridge administration, and chart updating programs by working closely with Auxiliary, District, and Headquarters program managers and achieving more than a 55 percent increase in Auxiliary program support.  He adroitly navigated the Auxiliary into the Coast Guard’s concept of operations for short range aids to navigation by overhauling and updating Auxiliary Aids-to-Navigation C-school curriculum so that it focused on meeting Coast Guard program needs.  Exercising exemplary leadership and direction, Commodore PENDERGAST coordinated Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown resources to provide more than 75 Auxiliary students with comprehensive training and technical skills to quickly and proficiently serve as aid-to-navigation verifiers and local Auxiliary program staff officers.  As a committed and innovative team player, he partnered with the First Coast Guard District Aids-to- Navigation Office and New England harbormasters to develop an internet-based Private Aid-to-Navigation management system.  Commodore PENDERGAST’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. ROBERT T. PLATT
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SEVENTH)

Mr. PLATT is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Executive Assistant to the National Commodore and AUXDATA Technical Advisor from June 2005 to September 2006.   Displaying keen organizational insight and exemplary administrative skill, Mr. PLATT developed complex scripts for all meetings at Auxiliary National Conferences and National Training Conferences.  Exercising meticulous attention to detail, he diligently ensured the accuracy, completeness, and timely distribution of all agendas.   A trusted executor for the National Commodore, Mr. PLATT reviewed all executive correspondence and drafted countless letters and documents for release.   A paragon of protocol and decorum, he prepared all official invitations that were mailed to senior officials for national Auxiliary events and personally facilitated their replies and accommodations.   When not engaged in Executive Assistant duties at these events, Mr. PLATT dependably worked an AUXDATA Help Desk to deliver unmatched technical assistance for any Auxiliarist.   His innate ability to diagnose system problems and quickly identify corrective measures was instrumental to the progressive improvement of AUXDATA capabilities.  As an integral member of the AUXDATA Work Group, he oversaw prioritization of hardware and software changes in order to maintain system responsiveness and rapidly address the needs of the field.  Mr. PLATT’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. JERROLD B. REDFORD

Mr. REDFORD is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Documentation Division and as Assistant Secretary to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. and the National Support Element from November 2004 to September 2006.  Exercising meticulous precision and superb technical skill, Mr. REDFORD crafted exact and professional transcripts of official proceedings for all meetings of Auxiliary national leaders.  His commitment to polished, high-quality record-keeping was instrumental to the provision of timely and accurate records on which major courses of Auxiliary action were based.  Demonstrating a remarkable ability to catalog and recall the details of all business meetings, Mr. REDFORD provided ready reference for Auxiliary leaders as they disseminated information and guided activities throughout their respective chains of communication.  Displaying superior reliability, accuracy, and objectivity, he ensured that clear and unbiased historical records of pivotal meetings were promptly available to sustain the drive and direction of Auxiliary business.  Mr. REDFORD’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. A. ROMAN RYTERMAN
(GOLD START IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. RYTERMAN is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Treasurer for the Auxiliary from November 2004 to September 2006.  Displaying superior fiscal expertise, Mr. RYTERMAN maintained the Auxiliary’s accounting records and consistently produced comprehensive annual audit reports to validate the organization’s financial status.  His meticulous attention to detail enabled Auxiliary leadership to make accurate, informed, and timely financial decisions that were crucial to the elimination of a budget deficit in fiscal year 2005.  Mr. RYTERMAN’s profound corporate expertise and vision yielded sound budgetary policies that significantly contributed to the annual Auxiliary budget development and approval process.  He adeptly employed comprehensive historical financial records and integrated ongoing organizational changes into his development of rational income estimates.  Demonstrating unparalleled diligence and teamwork, Mr. RYTERMAN reviewed all spending requests and provided unbiased and insightful budget recommendations to Auxiliary leaders.  As bookkeeper for the Auxiliary Center, Mr. RYTERMAN’s invaluable counsel, review, and oversight were instrumental to the efficiency of its day-to-day operation and excellent customer service.  Mr. RYTERMAN’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MS. THYRA K. STEVENSON

Ms. STEVENSON is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as the e-Commerce Website Development Specialist from November 2004 to September 2006.  Displaying exceptional technical skill and proficiency, Ms. STEVENSON quickly developed a website after the devastating passage of Hurricane Katrina to support fund-raising efforts of Operation Life Ring that facilitated the donation of over $125,000 to Coast Guard families impacted by this and other storms.  She implemented an easy online payment system that enabled donations to be forwarded directly to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. for use in augmenting Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.  Exercising keen insight and preparedness, Ms. STEVENSON designed the website to include comprehensive information and guidance for contributors to make their donations.  Recognizing the need for detailed accounting, she instituted automatic reporting features that provided Auxiliary leadership with up-to-date records while ensuring that appropriate notifications required by the Internal Revenue Service for all donations were promptly issued.  As a direct result of Ms. STEVENSON’s diligence and concern for her shipmates, the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. provided vital support to dozens of Coast Guard families in their greatest time of need.  Ms. STEVENSON’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. EDWARD E. SWEENEY III
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. SWEENEY is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Deputy Chief, Public Affairs Department from November 2004 to September 2006.  Demonstrating remarkable leadership and managerial skill, Mr. SWEENEY directed the Public Affairs Department to successful completion of more than 65 different program initiatives that significantly expanded Auxiliary public affairs readiness and capabilities.  His keen organizational insight and perseverance were instrumental to the establishment of the Membership Quality Assurance Team.  As chair of the Team, Mr. SWEENEY coordinated a comprehensive examination of Auxiliary membership recruiting and retention efforts. Under his steadfast guidance, the Team identified 15 central issues and generated detailed courses of action for each of them.  Exercising superb teamwork and resourcefulness, Mr. SWEENEY greatly enhanced awareness among the Coast Guard and the American public of Operation Life Ring, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.’s fund-raising campaign aimed at helping Coast Guard families that were devastated by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.  His consummate spirit of cooperation was instrumental to the formation of indispensable partnerships with Coast Guard Mutual Assistance and the Coast Guard Foundation that maximized advertisement of Operation Life Ring and resulted in the donation of more than $125,000.  Mr. SWEENEY’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. NICK G. TARLSON

Mr. TARLSON is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Public Affairs Department from November 2004 to September 2006.  Exercising superb initiative and programmatic skill, Mr. TARLSON created the Auxiliary Photographer Corps, Videographer Corps, and Speaker’s Bureau that significantly expanded Auxiliary media capabilities and readiness to support the Coast Guard.  Recognizing the need for comprehensive training to complement these initiatives, he designed and instituted a revolutionary new public affairs training program complete with a multi-tiered series of Personal Qualification Standards, and eight online specialty courses.  Mr. TARLSON tirelessly coordinated efforts on several fronts to markedly increase public appreciation of recreational boating safety and maritime domain awareness.  He oversaw production and publication of more than 150 articles that directly supported the “You’re In Command” and “America’s Waterway Watch” programs.  Demonstrating remarkable diligence and resourcefulness, Mr. TARLSON supervised the distribution of over 120 news releases to thousands of media contacts and gained more than 1,800 different publications and broadcasts of these messages.  Mr. TARLSON’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. DAVID H. THOMAS, II
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. THOMAS is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Administrative Assistant to the National Commodore from November 2004 to September 2006.  Mr. Thomas displayed unparalleled determination and professionalism by ensuring extraordinary accuracy and timely distribution of the annual Auxiliary National Program.  This compilation of organizational contact information was an invaluable Auxiliary reference guide for the dozens of Coast Guard offices, federal agencies, States, and boating safety organizations that received them.  Demonstrating exemplary administrative and organizational skill, Mr. Thomas adeptly managed hundreds of Auxiliary travel requests and associated orders.  He similarly processed all correspondence from the National Commodore to members of the National Board including critical agenda and read-ahead packages for four annual meetings of the National Executive Committee.   A paragon of protocol and decorum, Mr. Thomas prepared all official invitations mailed to senior officials for national Auxiliary events, and personally facilitated their replies and accommodations with utmost courtesy and respect.   His unwavering commitment to superior customer service was consistently reflected by his meticulous preparation and inherent ability to oblige any request for administrative or logistical support.  Mr. THOMAS’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. GREGG L. TRASK

Mr. TRASK is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Personnel Department from November 2004 to September 2006.  Mr. TRASK’s inspirational leadership and commitment were the foundation of the Auxiliary’s concerted recruiting drives that enrolled nearly 3,000 new Auxiliarists in 2005 and another 1,500 new members in 2006.  Demonstrating keen analytical insight and sharp technical skill, he designed a computer program that significantly enhanced responsiveness to web-based questions from people interested in joining the Auxiliary.  Displaying extraordinary unselfishness and sacrifice, Mr. TRASK contributed substantial amounts of his own time and personal resources to expedite the completion of this vital recruiting tool.  As a direct result of his efforts, Flotilla Personnel Officers were able to receive direct online membership queries, provide immediate feedback to website visitors, and save nearly 50 hours of nationwide staff work each week.  A steadfast advocate of customer-centric services, Mr. TRASK oversaw the comprehensive redesign of the Personnel Department’s web site which yielded innovative and easy-to-use recruiting aids like the Membership Drive Tool Kit.  Exercising similar enthusiasm and initiative, he coordinated the development of posters, tri-fold brochures, print-ready advertisements, and PowerPoint presentations to support the growing diversity of Auxiliary recruiting programs. Mr. TRASK’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

COMMODORE JERRY VAN HELTEBRAKE

Commodore VAN HELTEBRAKE is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Director of Auxiliary Investigative Services from January 2004 to September 2006.  Demonstrating outstanding administrative and organizational skill, Commodore VAN HELTEBRAKE served on the Auxiliary Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) Tiger Team and established specifications for PSI processes and task descriptions for Auxiliary fingerprint technicians.  A superb mentor with an innate ability to break complex procedures into easy steps, he consistently provided invaluable PSI training to regional Auxiliary leaders and Directors of Auxiliary and served as the Auxiliary’s program expert for the myriad questions and referrals that arose during the three-year PSI program implementation period.  Applying superior technical expertise, Commodore VAN HELTEBRAKE developed the online exam for Auxiliary fingerprint technician qualification and thoroughly researched fingerprint kit supply sources to facilitate program support.  As a result of his perseverance and diligent efforts, PSIs were fully integrated as an Auxiliary membership pre-requisite, more than 20,000 Auxiliary PSIs were completed, and the Coast Guard saved over $20,000 in fully outfitting Auxiliary regions with PSI supplies.  Commodore VAN HELTEBRAKE’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MR. JOHN L. VANOSDOL
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. VANOSDOL is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Director, Maritime Domain Awareness from November 2004 to September 2006.  Exhibiting exemplary leadership and organizational insight, Mr. VANOSDOL vigorously piloted the Maritime Domain Awareness Project Team’s development of a comprehensive business plan that provided the foundation for the Auxiliary’s safety and security support programs.  His remarkable insight and initiative were instrumental to the timely development, preparation, and accuracy of the revolutionary Auxiliary Maritime Domain Awareness White Paper and the establishment of the Maritime Domain Awareness Coordinator program across Auxiliary regions.  Demonstrating an extraordinary range of expertise and business acumen, Mr. VANOSDOL generated a thorough Strategic Business and Marketing Plan for the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.  This plan described clear courses of action to enable the Auxiliary Association to enhance its business operations and pave the way to improved revenue streams.  Mindful of the dynamic and difficult corporate environment in which the Auxiliary Association had to operate, Mr. VANOSDOL adeptly tailored the Business Plan with considerably diverse and flexible fund-raising strategies to address the myriad contingencies that often challenged success.  Mr. VANOSDOL’s dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

COMMODORE LEWIS J. WARGO, SR.

Commodore WARGO is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Operations Surface Qualifications Branch from June 2004 to September 2006.  As Chairman of the new Auxiliary Surface Operations Standardization Team, Commodore WARGO exercised superior leadership and professional competence in spearheading the compilation of Qualification Examiner program guidelines and procedures from all Auxiliary regions.  His steadfast commitment to team spirit and vast operational experience was vital to the Standardization Team’s successful establishment and its comprehensive assessment of Auxiliary surface operations, training, and qualification programs.  An accomplished facilitator, Commodore WARGO adeptly coordinated all Standardization Team activities, monthly conference calls, and critical meetings at Coast Guard Headquarters.  He diligently developed agendas, gathered and distributed needed materials, and documented the proceedings of all Team meetings.  As a direct result of Commodore WARGO’s unwavering allegiance to Coast Guard operational mission support, the Standardization Team developed standardized Auxiliary Qualification Examiner Guidelines and Procedures that were incorporated into the revised Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Crew Training Manual.  Commodore WARGO’S dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.