CITATIONS TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

THE AUXILIARY MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

COMMODORE STEVEN M. BUDAR

Commodore BUDAR is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as National Vice Commodore from November 2004 to September 2006.  Commodore BUDAR’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to achieving the highest levels of program performance were key elements of the Auxiliary’s extraordinary support of Coast Guard missions.  With unparalleled organizational skill and insight, he effectively synchronized National and District Auxiliary leadership with Coast Guard Headquarters Directorates to smoothly integrate Auxiliary competencies, reliability, and readiness into the Coast Guard’s strategic efforts.  Commodore BUDAR exercised tremendous team spirit and professional poise as he deftly coordinated all Auxiliary directorate and departmental activities until the establishment of a permanent National Chief of Staff position at the end of 2005.  Providing clear direction and expectation, he guided program managers to unify the Auxiliary’s 30,500 members into a cohesive force that delivered over 8.5 million hours of support to the Coast Guard.  Applying outstanding expertise in Auxiliary policy coupled with an innate business acumen, Commodore BUDAR developed the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.’s Strategic Business and Marketing plan.  In so doing, he oversaw a comprehensive reorganization of the Association’s infrastructure and staff that positioned it for greater efficiency and effectiveness in its membership, outreach, and partnership programs.  Commodore BUDAR’s dedication 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. DENISE C. CASTROGIOVANNI

Ms. CASTROGIOVANNI is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Chief, Commercial Fishing Vessel Examination Division from October 2005 to September 2006.  Combining extensive programmatic expertise with exceptional organizational skill, Ms. CASTROGIOVANNI contributed invaluable insight and assistance to development of the Coast Guard’s Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety business plan.  By fervently advocating Auxiliary capabilities to significantly augment Coast Guard efforts while concurrently promoting Auxiliary engagement with commercial fishermen, she led the Auxiliary to a 22 percent increase in support of commercial fishing vessel safety examinations and the Dockwalker program.  Recognizing the need for standardized guidelines for several vessel examination programs, Ms. CASTROGIOVANNI generated many innovative and detailed proposals for the Coast Guard’s Office of Vessel Activities that were incorporated into its commercial fishing, uninspected passenger, and uninspected towing vessel policies.  Ms. CASTROGIOVANNI applied remarkable initiative and leadership by coordinating meetings with Coast Guard District Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Coordinators that garnered vital input and support for the formulation of these policies.  Her personal commitment and resolve yielded well-defined training and qualification requirements, valuable reimbursement guidelines, and clear vessel safety program performance standards for Auxiliary vessel examiners across the nation.  Ms. CASTROGIOVANNI’s dedication 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. RICHARD A. CLINCHY, III
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A THIRD)

Mr. CLINCHY is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Chief, Education Department from January 2005 to July 2006.  Displaying extraordinary perseverance and managerial skill, Mr. CLINCHY concurrently led the Education Department while overseeing the successful launch of the Auxiliary’s new marketing operation.  Exercising superb foresight and planning, he led a wholesale revitalization of the Auxiliary’s public education courses.  Under Mr. CLINCHY’s leadership and direction, the “America’s Boating Course” became the course of choice by Auxiliary boating safety instructors and a new popular standard for the recreational boating public.  With a penchant for corporate diplomacy and cooperation, he worked closely with McGraw-Hill to create a Coast Guard Auxiliary boating skills library suitable for classroom venues and stand- alone sales.  Mr. CLINCHY applied remarkable ingenuity and resourcefulness by coordinating several projects with other boating safety counterparts including a partnership with the boat builder Skier’s Choice to advertise and pay the “America’s Boating Course” fee for each of its new boat owners.  Demonstrating outstanding initiative and commitment, he crafted significant revisions to the Instructor Development Course and facilitated establishment of an electronic training aids library available for ready reference and download from the Education Department’s web page.  Mr. CLINCHY’s dedication 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. ROBIN L. FREEMAN
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Ms. FREEMAN is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Deputy Chief, Education Department from January 2005 to September 2006.  Ms. FREEMAN expertly coordinated the comprehensive revision of the Auxiliary’s flagship boating safety public education course, “Boating Skills & Seamanship.”  She diligently ensured that the sweeping updates were made to the course’s content and meticulously screened dozens of illuminating photographs and images from manufacturers and the Auxiliary Photographers Corps for inclusion in the new textbook.  Applying remarkable program expertise and mentoring skills, Ms. FREEMAN coordinated development of two new Auxiliary instructor workshops and the new Auxiliary Instructor Development Course.  Her extraordinary technical competence was instrumental to the development of markedly improved graphics for the “America’s Boating Course,” and she was a key contributor to the development of AuxPlus PE, a new public education database designed to track public education course participants across the nation.  As a direct result of Ms FREEMAN’s uncompromising commitment to the provision of high-quality educational products, the use of the “America’s Boating Course” as a principal short-course option for the boating public grew more than 30 percent.  A consummate representative to international forums, she made substantial boating safety education presentations at the prestigious International Boating and Water Safety Summit as well as at the Caribbean Search and Rescue Subject Matter Expert Exchange held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  Ms. FREEMAN’s dedication and devotion to duty are heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

COMMODORE FREDERICK C. GATES

Commodore GATES is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as National Directorate Commodore for Member Services from November 2004 to September 2006.  Commodore GATES exhibited exemplary foresight, leadership and management skills in directing the efforts of the Auxiliary’s Personnel Services, Member Training, Information Technology and Public Affairs Departments.  With a penchant for detailed stewardship and effective teamwork, he fostered collaboration amongst the departments to efficiently manage resources, enhance their respective programs, and effectively check the reduction in Auxiliary membership after the first year of background check implementation for all members.  Demonstrating superb teamwork and diplomacy, Commodore GATES coordinated the Personnel Services Department and the Coast Guard Academy Admissions Office to effect the biggest change to the Auxiliary Career Counselor program since its inception by shepherding its transition to the new Coast Guard Academy Admissions Partners Program.  Working collaboratively with the Coast Guard’s Human Resources Directorate, he provided instrumental leadership and direction to establish the New Auxiliarist of the Year Award that promptly improved Coast Guard-wide recognition of outstanding new Auxiliarists.  Possessing a deep appreciation for facilitating the flow of organizational information, Commodore GATES formulated and planned the creation of the National Commodore’s website and the On Course e-newsletter.  His visionary and technical skills contributed greatly to development of the Auxiliary Business Plan, the monthly Memo to the Commandant, Flag Conference presentations, quarterly reports to the Commandant and many leadership speeches and memos.  Commodore GATES’ dedication 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. JESSE L. HARRUP, JR.
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. HARRUP is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Chief, Boating Department from January 2005 to July 2006.  Mr. HARRUP applied exceptional initiative and diplomacy by coordinating the Auxiliary’s interactions with a diverse range of boating safety counterparts including private industry, States, and other government agencies.  He provided pivotal advocacy and direction to effect the renewal of the Auxiliary’s strategic alliance with Boater’s World retail stores, implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding with the national boating magazine, “Soundings.”  Through his tireless mentoring and motivation, Mr. HARRUP gained significant and progressive annual growth in the volume of BoatUS boating safety grant submissions by Auxiliary units as well as in the actual amount of funds awarded each year.  As a result, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has become the recipient of more annual BoatUS boating safety grant funds than any other boating safety organization.  Mr. HARRUP effectively blazed a new trail in the professional development of boating safety professionals by working closely with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to craft a revolutionary new State Liaison Officer’s Handbook that was integrated into the training curriculum for both Auxiliary State Liaison Officers and State  Boating Law Administrators.  A consummate instructor and emissary, Mr. HARRUP skillfully orchestrated the  establishment of a State Liaison Officer Qualification Guide and facilitated vital Auxiliary contributions to educational standards defined by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.  Mr. HARRUP’S dedication 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 HELMUT HERTLE
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A THIRD)

Commodore HERTLE is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as National Directorate Commodore for Operations and Marine Safety from November 2004 to September 2006.  Demonstrating exceptional leadership and organizational skills, Commodore HERTLE charted the strategic direction, tactical objectives, and programmatic way-points for the successful completion of the Auxiliary Homeland Security Tasking Matrix.  In order to ensure that this formidable goal was achieved in a timely manner, Commodore HERTLE closely guided and monitored development of tools to support Auxiliary participation in drills and exercises, and he crafted the concept of operations for shore-side Auxiliary patrols.  With keen insight and appreciation for the operational concerns of Coast Guard command authorities, Auxiliary program managers, and requirements set forth in Operation Neptune Shield, he carefully analyzed the issues for Auxiliary operational units and identified remarkably innovative courses of action to support new demands.  Commodore HERTLE tirelessly coordinated and collaborated with many Coast Guard Headquarters offices to formally redefine Auxiliary participation in Maritime Domain Awareness efforts and effectively pioneered the Maritime Observation Mission into the Auxiliary’s lexicon.  Combining superb initiative with dogged determination, he oversaw development of several revolutionary projects including the Auxiliary augmentation plan for Regional Exam Center surge operations, the Auxiliary dive program in Puerto Rico, the Auxiliary Waterway Management and Security Coordinator program, standardization teams for Auxiliary aviation and surface operations, Operation Patriot Readiness Preparedness Planning guidelines, the Auxiliary’s Commercial Vessel Policies and Procedures Guidelines, and unprecedented Auxiliary involvement in the planning for the Spills of National Significance (SONS) 2007 exercise.  Commodore HERTLE’s dedication 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. WILBUR C. HOGAN III

Mr. HOGAN is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Deepwater Special Projects Assistant for the Office of Cutter Forces (G-RCU) at Coast Guard Headquarters from January 2005 to March 2006.  Showing unparalleled dedication, Mr. HOGAN dedicated over 1900 hours of his own time drafting the Capability Development Documents for the National Security Cutter, the Offshore Patrol Cutter, and the Fast Response Cutter, the Coast Guard’s newest Deepwater Program cutter acquisitions.  These documents, which describe operational performance attributes including key performance parameters and other criteria, will guide the development, demonstration, and testing of current production vessels.  They also outlined the overall strategy for developing full capability, and were a critical step in the development of test plans for operational testing programs by Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Forces.  Validating that the Capability Development Documents contained the most up-to-date information, Mr. HOGAN thoroughly researched and reviewed over 20 references, manuals, and performance specifications totaling thousands of pages, and sought clarification from subject matter experts to finalize derived requirements for each of these cutters.  To ensure the accuracy of the final versions, he efficiently shepherded each document through the concurrent clearance process and adjudicated over 300 comments from numerous Headquarters Directorates and field commands.  His efforts resulted in a comprehensive, well structured and succinct document for each asset, the first and only such material in the entire Deepwater Program. Mr. HOGAN’s dedication to the completion of this immense task eliminated the need to contract development of the documents, saving the Coast Guard an estimated $750,000.  Most importantly, the Coast Guard now has well-defined standards that will guide the operational testing of the Deepwater Cutter fleet and will allow accurate measurement of each new cutter’s operational effectiveness.  Mr. HOGAN’s dedication 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. EDWARD L. HUNTSMAN

Mr. HUNTSMAN is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Chairman of the Legislative Liaison Committee from January 2005 to September 2006.  By providing exceptional leadership and direction to the Auxiliary’s Legislative Liaison Committee Area Coordinators, Boating Department, and the State Liaison Division, Mr. HUNTSMAN marshaled these talented resources into a formidable team.  Applying dynamic organizational and collaborative skills, he ensured this team established strong bonds with the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, and that it consistently provided timely and accurate reports on legislative developments nationwide.   With outstanding programmatic insight and craftsmanship, Mr. Huntsman developed a comprehensive Legislative Liaison Officers’ Guide that launched performance standards and expectations at all organizational levels in addition to clear descriptions of applicable policies and procedures at state and federal legislative levels.  Exercising similar diligence and commitment to high-quality yet cost-effective programmatic tools, he established a National Legislative Web Page as a hub for updated status and information on state and federal recreational boating safety legislation.  His steadfast diligence and determination instituted high standards for the Auxiliary’s Legislative Liaison network and significantly increased its value to the preparation, shaping, and monitoring of boating safety legislation.  Mr. HUNTSMAN’s dedication 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 NICHOLAS KERIGAN

Commodore KERIGAN is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as National Area Commodore – Atlantic Area (East) from November 2004 to September 2006.  With profound leadership and determination, Commodore KERIGAN inspired Atlantic Area (East) to overcome monumental challenges while meeting new strategic business and contingency planning responsibilities across three Coast Guard Districts and 16 States.  Faced with the devastating passages of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, he adeptly marshaled Auxiliary resources from Atlantic Area (East) to provide invaluable assistance in direct support of the Coast Guard as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Despite the loss of a significant number of Auxiliarists after the first full year of background check requirements for all members, Commodore KERIGAN led his Area’s remarkable implementation of recruiting and retention programs that effectively arrested the decline in membership while sustaining annual delivery of more than 2.1 million hours of Auxiliary support to Coast Guard missions.  An unflagging advocate of organizational strength and teamwork, he chaired the Auxiliary’s Study Team Analysis on Succession Management and served on several other study teams, consistently ensuring that vital information was quickly disseminated among Auxiliary leadership.  Demonstrating uncompromising honor coupled with a deep appreciation for the integrity of the Auxiliary organization, Commodore KERIGAN’s personal involvement in the completion of the Coast Guard’s three-year phased implementation of background checks for all Auxiliarists was instrumental to the timely adherence to this new requirement by the thousands of Auxiliarists under his leadership.  Commodore KERIGAN’s dedication 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. GREGORY B. KESTER

Mr. KESTER is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Deputy Chief, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Department and Chief, Marine Safety Division from October 2004 to September 2006.  With a superb grasp of the myriad issues that characterize post-9/11 maritime transportation security, Mr. KESTER employed a tireless work ethic to develop many vital marine safety and environmental programs.  By closely monitoring Sector realignment throughout the Coast Guard, he developed best practice information that facilitated the re-organization of Auxiliary regions and he markedly improved cross-programmatic communication by re-aligning the Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Department staff to parallel Sector organization.  Possessing a penchant for detailed analysis coupled with an exemplary spirit of cooperation, Mr. KESTER crafted a comprehensive overview of the Maritime Transportation Security Act for the Auxiliary and led joint studies with the Operations Department of Maritime Security Condition support guidelines, preparedness planning, exercises, and land patrols.  His ingenuity and resourcefulness were instrumental to the expansion of program capabilities and readiness as reflected by his development of six new Auxiliary Personal Qualification Standards which garnered a six percent increase in Auxiliary Marine Safety and Environmental Protection program hours and a 21 percent increase in qualified Auxiliary Trident members.  Mr. KESTER’s dedication 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 KENNETH J. KOEPPEN
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Commodore KOEPPEN is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as National Area Commodore – Atlantic Area (West) from November 2004 to September 2006.  Exhibiting exceptional leadership and managerial skills, Commodore KOEPPEN inspired Atlantic Area (West) to overcome monumental challenges while meeting new strategic business and contingency planning responsibilities across two Coast Guard Districts and 24 States.  Faced with the devastating passages of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, he adeptly marshaled thousands of Auxiliary resources from Atlantic Area (West) to provide invaluable assistance in direct support of the Coast Guard as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Despite the loss of a significant number of Auxiliarists after the first full year of background check requirements for all members, Commodore KOEPPEN led his Area’s remarkable implementation of recruiting and retention programs that effectively ceased the decline in membership while sustaining annual delivery of more than 1.2 million hours of Auxiliary support to Coast Guard missions.  Demonstrating uncompromising honor coupled with a deep appreciation for the integrity of the Auxiliary organization, his personal involvement in the completion of the Coast Guard’s three-year phased implementation of background checks for all Auxiliarists was instrumental to the timely adherence to this new requirement by the thousands of Auxiliarists under his leadership.  Esteemed for his tact, diplomacy, and cooperative spirit, Commodore KOEPPEN chaired the Auxiliary study team that addressed the Self-contained Mobile Auxiliary Response Team (SMART) concept, and he provided invaluable insight, objectivity, and conflict resolution to contentious Sector re-alignment studies as well as divisive personnel issues. Commodore KOEPPEN’s dedication 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. DONALD KRISPIN
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A FOURTH)

Mr. KRISPIN is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Chief, Legal Department from November 2004 to September 2006.  Applying unparalleled insight and experience with Auxiliary policies and legal authorities, Mr. KRISPIN provided invaluable counsel in the development and approval of several crucial Coast Guard policies and legislative change proposals.  He spent countless hours working closely with the Coast Guard Judge Advocate General Directorate to clearly articulate, justify, and achieve the passage into law provisions that ensure comprehensive insurance liability coverage for Auxiliarists who offer their vehicles to tow government property.  This closed a significant gap in liability protection that had for years placed many Auxiliarists at considerable personal risk in the course of their committed support of Coast Guard missions.  Demonstrating a mastery of complex issues and instinctive eloquence, Mr. KRISPIN superbly advocated Coast Guard support of a diverse range of Auxiliary concerns including legislative hearing policies, federal regulatory proposals, and a contentious civil law proceeding.  He painstakingly brought many Auxiliary legal staff projects together to culminate in a unique template of Standardized Standing Rules for the more than 1,100 Auxiliary flotillas and divisions across the nation.  This remarkable initiative greatly simplified and expedited the ability of all Auxiliary units to generate, adopt, and implement these vital organizational documents.  Mr. KRISPIN fortified his extraordinary reputation for team spirit and customer service by always being readily available for in-depth discussion or review of Auxiliary matters with regional legal officers, Coast Guard program offices, and other governmental and corporate counterparts.  Mr. KRISPIN’s dedication 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. RICHARD L. LAWRENCE

Mr. LAWRENCE is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty while serving as Deputy Chief, Legal Department and General Counsel and Secretary for the National Support Element from January 1998 to August 2006.  Demonstrating superior legal expertise and organizational skills, Mr. LAWRENCE effectively restructured the Auxiliary Legal Department to meet the growing scope of Auxiliary organization and non-profit activities.  With keen corporate insight, he adeptly guided the organization through many complex challenges inherently faced by non-profit organizations including by-law amendment procedures and the development of Articles of Incorporation.  Mr. LAWRENCE’s diligence in the face of significant fiscal challenges yielded major corporate improvements including a comprehensive realignment of the Board of Directors and detailed protocols for fundraising activities.  A loyal team player and ardent mentor, he provided vital support to several key national Auxiliary entities including the fiscal committee, audit committee, and Auxiliary Center oversight groups.  Mr. LAWRENCE served with distinction as part of the Auxiliary Long Range Planning Committee by imparting valuable legal counsel to its public education, organizational alignment, communications, and recognition program studies.  Mr. LAWRENCE’s dedication 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 WARREN E. MCADAMS
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A FOURTH)

Commodore MCADAMS is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety from November 2004 to September 2006.  Exercising superb leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Commodore MCADAMS led three National Departments and the National Marketing Group to achieve significant advances in recreational boating safety.  His keen foresight and consummate diplomacy were instrumental to the completion of partnership agreements with Boater’s World, Boating World, BoatU.S., McGraw-Hill, Skier’s Choice, Soundings, and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers that resulted in uniformly cogent and cohesive safety messages broadcast to the nation’s 70 million recreational boaters.  Commodore MCADAMS’ tireless coordination with Auxiliary marketing programs secured crucial support for the involvement of Auxiliary regions with the Discover Boating Tour and the Test Drive Tour which earned the Coast Guard Auxiliary the National Water Safety Congress’ 2005 national award for best recreational boating safety program results.   As programmatic executor for the new National Marketing Group, Commodore MCADAMS effectively launched the group and focused its efforts to yield unprecedented support to the Auxiliary’s public education and vessel examination programs as well as Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. membership.  As the Coast Guard’s premier spokesman for recreational boating safety, he wrote six articles per year for the National Association of Boating Law Administrators magazine, “Small Craft Advisory,” on a variety of boating and boating safety topics, represented the Auxiliary with distinction at every semi-annual meeting of the National Boating Safety Advisory Council, and provided invaluable contributions to the Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Planning Panel charted by the Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety.  Commodore MCADAMS’ dedication 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 DAN F. NEIDERHISER
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Commodore NEIDERHISER is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as National Area Commodore – Pacific Area from November 2004 to September 2006.  Demonstrating exceptional leadership and organizational skill, Commodore NEIDERHISER inspired Pacific Area to overcome monumental challenges while meeting new strategic business and contingency planning responsibilities across four Coast Guard Districts and 10 States.  In response to the devastating passages of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, he adeptly marshaled Auxiliary resources from Pacific Area to provide invaluable assistance in direct support of the Coast Guard as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Despite the loss of a significant number of Auxiliarists after the first full year of background check requirements for all members, Commodore NEIDERHISER led his Area’s remarkable implementation of recruiting and retention programs that effectively staunched the decline in membership while sustaining annual delivery of more than 850 thousand hours of Auxiliary support to Coast Guard missions.  With a keen and analytical eye for detail, he chaired the National Study Analysis Team that examined potential realignments and reorganizations of Auxiliary Divisions to improve the flow of information to the deck plate level.  Demonstrating uncompromising honor, coupled with a deep appreciation for the integrity of the Auxiliary organization, his personal involvement in the completion of the Coast Guard’s three-year phased implementation of background checks for all Auxiliarists was instrumental to the timely adherence to this new requirement by the thousands of Auxiliarists under his leadership.  Commodore NEIDERHISER’s dedication 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. LINDA NELSON
(GOLD START IN LIEU OF A THIRD)

Ms. NELSON is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Chief, Operations Department from January 2005 to August 2006.  Exercising exceptional leadership and strategic direction, Ms. NELSON was the driving force behind the sustained readiness and diverse capabilities of Auxiliary operations.  Despite a significant decrease in Auxiliary membership and reductions in the inventories of Auxiliary operational facilities, Ms. NELSON’s unparalleled commitment and advocacy provided invaluable inspiration to Auxiliary operators resulting in their sustained delivery of more than 420,000 hours of operational support each year.  With extraordinary insight and professional expertise, she designed, developed, and launched the Auxiliary Surface Standardization Team and the Auxiliary Incident Command Systems training plan that charted the Auxiliary’s compliance with National Incident Management System and National Response Plan mandates.  Leveraging her vast experience and sharp analytical skills, Ms. NELSON formulated several crucial white papers for Coast Guard Headquarters program managers that objectively supported Auxiliary fuel funding concerns, employment of Coast Guard-owned / Auxiliary operated boats, and optimal integration of Auxiliary resources into the maritime homeland security arena.  A consummate professional and teammate, she served as the principal Auxiliary liaison to the Coast Guard’s contingency planner, operational training, and mishap management communities.  Ms. NELSON’s dedication 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 EVERETTE L. TUCKER, JR
(GOLD START IN LIEU OF A FIFTH)

Commodore TUCKER is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Director of International Affairs and Vice Chairman of the National Legislative Committee from November 2004 to September 2006. A passionate proponent of the synergy between recreational boating safety and international engagement, Commodore TUCKER developed, planned, and obtained approval from U.S. Southern Command for a unique Subject Matter Expert Exchange in the Dominican Republic in 2005 and the third Caribbean Search and Rescue Conference in Miami, Florida in 2006 which involved more than 90 attendees from 30 Caribbean and Central American nations. Under his exceptional leadership, the Auxiliary’s Caribbean Initiative continued to foster the development of boating safety education and maritime domain awareness programs in regional island nations. Commodore TUCKER provided invaluable advocacy and insight for the intricate formulation of comprehensive policy on the utilization of Auxiliarists to testify at governmental hearings regarding boating safety legislation. As a result of his unwavering commitment to the safety of the nation’s recreational boating public, the National Legislative Liaison Committee was consistently recognized by States, private, and governmental organizations, including the National Transportation Safety Board, National Boating Federation, and National Marine Manufacturers Association, as an integral link between constructive legislative activity and the nation’s 70 million recreational boaters. Commodore TUCKER’s dedication 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 CAROL A. URGOLA

Commodore URGOLA is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as National Chief of Staff from November 2005 to September 2006. With exceptional leadership and organizational skills, Commodore URGOLA brought an ideal combination of personal attributes to bear on the successful establishment of this new and pivotal Auxiliary leadership position. She provided an invaluable interface between National Auxiliary Leadership, National Auxiliary Staff, and Coast Guard Headquarters Directorates that provided seamless, steady, and successful Auxiliary support of the Coast Guard’s strategic efforts. With unparalleled drive and commitment, Commodore URGOLA directed the Coast Guard Auxiliary Resource Alignment Study Team to comprehensively match Auxiliary unit resources and capabilities with their Coast Guard counterparts which led to the first-ever Commandant’s Auxiliary Policy Statement, a sweeping treatise that set the standards for Coast Guard and Auxiliary interaction. Applying an unrivaled expertise in organization and policy, she revised the Auxiliary’s Operating Committee Guide and developed the Strategic Planning Model for National Staff. Commodore URGOLA provided superb representation to the Commandant’s Leadership Advisory Council and was instrumental to the development of the Coast Guard Leadership Framework by the Coast Guard’s Office of Leadership and Professional Development. Despite the grueling challenges posed by her Chief of Staff responsibilities, she sustained significant personal commitment to professional training for District Commodores and Vice Commodores along with leadership and management training for elected officers throughout the Auxiliary. Commodore URGOLA’s dedication 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. PETER J. URGOLA
(GOLD START IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. URGOLA is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Chief, Vessel Examination (VE) and Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program (RBS-VP) Department from January 2005 to July 2006. Mr. URGOLA applied superb administrative and leadership skills in focusing the efforts of several groups to re-engineer the RBS-VP program. His innate talent at motivating and directing people to achieve outstanding results in the face of adversity was critical to the Auxiliary’s ability to sustain an average of 172,000 vessel examinations and marine dealer visits per year despite a reduction of nearly 10% of qualified program personnel. With extraordinary perseverance and commitment, he rejuvenated and completed several major projects including a sweeping revision of the RBS-VP training manual and implementation of improved boating safety information display racks for distribution to marine supply stores. By combining remarkable vision with an outstanding spirit of teamwork, Mr. URGOLA spearheaded significant expansion of the Auxiliary’s partnership with U.S. Power Squadrons by helping them increase their Vessel Safety Check volume to 35,000 per year and launching their engagement in the RBS Visitation Program. He was similarly instrumental to the advancement of corporate partnerships, garnering vital sponsorship of safety promotions for the nation’s 70 million recreational boaters including West Marine’s ongoing offer of equipment discounts to any boater who gets a Vessel Safety Check and free T-shirts for all those whose boats pass. Mr. URGOLA’s dedication 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 P. WHELAN
(GOLD START IN LIEU OF A SECOND)

Mr. WHELAN is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Director, National Marketing Group from January 2005 through July 2006. Mr. WHELAN demonstrated exceptional initiative and organizational skills in developing and launching the new National Marketing Group. He quickly identified a start-up staff and organized them into a formidable team. Applying profound marketing expertise, Mr. WHELAN pioneered a direct marketing support strategy to other Auxiliary departments and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. A consummate team player and emissary, Mr. WHELAN forged a strong partnership with Boating World magazine and nurtured their commitment to feature beneficial stories and advertisements that promoted the Coast Guard’s “You’re In Command” boating safety campaign, the America’s Waterways Watch program, and the Auxiliary’s roles and missions. He garnered similarly outstanding cooperation among the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Water Works Wonders campaign, and all Auxiliary regions to support the Discover Boating Tour and Test Drive Tour. These events, held in major metropolitan areas, provided venues for tens of thousands of Americans to gain direct exposure to the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary, and many recreational boating safety messages, which resulted in the Auxiliary earning the National Water Safety Congress’ highest public service award in 2006. Mr. WHELAN’S dedication 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.