Coast Guard Foundation to honor USCG in New Orleans

Bob Montgomery, Coast Guard Foundation Board Member Presents Morale Funds to Lieutenant Nicholas Martin, Commanding Officer of the Daniel Tarr © Coast Guard Foundation

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that its 27th annual Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, March 6, 2020.

At the event, the Foundation will recognize Air Station New Orleans for mission excellence and Robert Alario for his long-time support of the United States Coast Guard, the maritime industry and the Coast Guard Foundation.

"We are honored to recognize the brave men and women of the Coast Guard's Eighth District that serve the very heartland of our country," said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. "These brave individuals are the embodiment of personal sacrifice and dedication. Supporters like Robert help us to give back to Coast Guard members and their families so that they can focus on the often challenging tasks they face in the line of duty."

Recent morale and fitness support provided by the Foundation exceeded $100,000. With such a large geographic area to cover - from the Gulf of Mexico through the river systems to North Dakota and Minnesota, support went to far-flung units. For example, the Cutter GASCONA in Omaha, Nebraska, for a refit of its onboard gym which was recently destroyed by a flood, to the Cutter SCIOTO in Keokuk, Iowa, which received support for a portable basketball hoop that will provide fitness and morale opportunities for the crew.

In New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the Coast Guard Foundation provided fitness and recreation gear for the DAUNTLESS, homeported in Pensacola, Florida and provided start-up morale funds for the newly commissioned Daniel Tarr, a fast response cutter homeported in Galveston, Texas.

In addition, a new outdoor kitchen was built at Sector New Orleans, to boost morale and provide a sense of community for the more than 260 Coast Guard members and families who are attached to this unit. The space boasts a large grill, crawfish boiler, smoker, prep table and multiple picnic tables. This outdoor kitchen is an ideal space for post hurricane response efforts, in the event the area is without power.

The Incident Management Teams responding after a power outage are able to use generator power to store food inside Sector New Orleans. The building has no galley itself and the servicing "co-located" galley is a 45-minute drive. The outdoor kitchen allows the teams to prepare meals regardless of food availability outside the gate.

Additionally, the New Orleans Pelicans basketball team generously donated game tickets to the Foundation to share with local Coast Guard members and their families. The opportunity to attend an NBA game can be a great way to rest and recharge after the stress of a deployment or challenging search and rescue case.

The Coast Guard Foundation's Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020 at the National World War II Museum, US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, 1043 Magazine Street New Orleans, Louisiana. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and the program following at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the Coast Guard Foundation or its scholarship programs, please visit coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.