Mrs. Gress receiving her award at the District 9ER 2006 Spring Conference. (L to R) Her husband, Vice Commodore Ray Gress, Mrs. Gress, District Commodore James J. Phillips.

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that a Grand Island, New York woman will be the recipient of the 1st annual “Charles S. Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award.”

Auxiliarists Christella Gress was selected from among a field of highly qualified, highly deserving Coast Guard Auxiliarists who were nominated nationwide for the extremely prestigious award.

In its first year, the “Charles S. Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award” was brought about by directive of the Commandant as a means of recognition for the Auxiliary’s most distinguished Flotilla Commander of the year. Auxiliarist Gress is the Immediate Past Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 35, Grand Island, NY.

Admiral Thad Allen, Coast Guard Commandant says “through personal integrity, ethical conduct, humility and genuine respect for others, Mrs. Gress has earned the high esteem and admiration of followers and peers alike. I applaud the efforts of Mrs. Gress.”  District 9-ER Commodore James Phillips of Bridgeport, NY says of Gress, “Chris is truly a leader! She has a way of making everyone she meets at ease around her.  Her list of accomplishments is longer than the form that her nomination was submitted on.”

For her part, Mrs. Gress says, "For the first time in my life, I am speechless."  Adding, “I am overwhelmed by this recognition, and grateful.”

Mrs. Gress, an Auxiliarist since 1994, is married to Raymond, also an Auxiliarist. . She is the mother of two grown daughters, and a grandmother as well.  She is a college level instructor by trade.  In the near future, Mrs. Gress will be recognized at the Inspirational Leadership Awards presentation ceremony to be held at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC.