ALCOAST 202/17 - JUN 2017 2017 USO COAST GUARDSMAN OF THE YEAR SELECTION

R 291021 JUN 17
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00B//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 202/17
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  2017 USO COAST GUARDSMAN OF THE YEAR SELECTION
1. I am pleased to announce the selection of BM3 Keith A. Coddington of
the USCGC HICKORY as the 2017 USO Coast Guardsman of the Year. This award,
sponsored by the USO, is designed to acknowledge the recipient's
accomplishments, patriotism, and dedication to our country. This member
exemplifies excellence, collaboration, innovation, mission first and embodies
the Coast Guard Core Values. The member must also have gone above and beyond,
displaying life-altering heroism or valor.
2. While deployed to Anchorage, AK, BM3 Coddington stopped on the side of
the road for a seizing individual. He quickly took control of the situation,
leading others to assist the victim until local EMS and Fire personnel arrived
on the scene. During the Homer, AK Veteran's Day parade, BM3 Coddington
volunteered to organize a color guard and assist Homer police in traffic control.
After the parade, he went and visited with local veterans in the hospital.
Additionally, on New Year's Day, BM3 Coddington conversed via radio with a
distressed local mariner threatening suicide. While coordinating local Police and
EMS support, he convinced the mariner to disembark the vessel and turn himself
over to the local authorities to receive care. BM3 Coddington continues to
demonstrate maturity and proficiency beyond his paygrade by qualifying for
positions on the USCGC HICKORY typically held by more senior personnel.
BM3 Coddington has displayed outstanding leadership and professionalism in
serving the members of USCGC HICKORY, the local community and the Coast Guard.
3. I extend my congratulations to all of the 2017 USO Coast Guardsman of the
Year nominees:
   A. BM2 Richie Pilozo, CG MSST LA/LB
   B. AST2 Edward Richardson, CG AIRSTA HOUSTON
4. MCPOCG Steven W. Cantrell, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, sends.
5. Internet release authorized.