Coast Guard Foundation presents 2019 Houston Awards Dinner

Houston Awards Dinner © Rus Graham

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and well-being of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that it will hold its annual Houston Awards Dinner at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas on Thursday November 14, 2019. At the event, a full program of acknowledgements is planned, including a tribute to the Coast Guard Foundation's 50th anniversary of service to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The Houston Awards Dinner will honor Coast Guard members and spouses, and Coast Guard Auxiliary members from MSU (Marine Safety Unit) Texas City who answered the call to assist their fellow Coast Guard members and families during the partial government shutdown earlier this year; will recognize long-standing supporter Phillips 66; and will present the Coast Guard Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award to Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.).

At the event, the Foundation will present the Coast Guard Foundation Award for Mission Excellence to MSU Texas City. The Coast Guard members and spouses being recognized dedicated more than 1500 volunteer hours - above and beyond their Coast Guard duty - to care for the more than 300 families who were impacted by the shutdown. Through their efforts, they secured food, diapers and other essential living supplies, and established a pop-up food bank to assist those most in need during the period of uncertainty. Their work helped reduce stress and boosted morale and community connections for all Coast Guard members stationed in and around Texas City, and in particular, supported the most junior enlisted members and families.

In addition, the Coast Guard Foundation will recognize generous corporate supporter Phillips 66, a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company, and Chairman and CEO Greg Garland. Phillips 66's support meets all of the Foundation's core areas of impact for Coast Guard members and families, including scholarships and grants, morale and recreation gear and tragedy assistance and disaster relief.

Finally, Admiral Thad Allen will be presented with the Coast Guard Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, influence and inspiration in helping the Coast Guard Foundation continue to grow its mission. As a tribute to Admiral Allen's life of service, the Foundation has established the Admiral Thad Allen Guardian Fund Endowment, which will be used to fund the Foundation's highest priority needs.

"We are excited about this year's event in Houston, our final event of the year," said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. "After 50 years of service to the men and women of the Coast Guard, 2019 was a very eventful year. Many individuals and companies stood out as tremendous supporters of our mission. We are honored to be able to recognize the tireless efforts of MSU Texas City, Phillips 66, Mr. Garland and Admiral Allen."

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org.