ALCOAST 260/17 - AUG 2017 SELECTION OF COAST GUARD WINNER OF THE 2017 SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD

R 290919 AUG 17
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-092//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 260/17
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ: SELECTION OF COAST GUARD WINNER OF THE 2017 SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD
1. We are pleased to announce the selection of the Trees for Troops program as
the 2017 Spirit of Hope recipient. The Spirit of Hope Award is named in honor of
Bob Hope and is presented for outstanding service to the United States of America.
It is awarded to men and women of the United States Armed Forces, entertainers, and
other distinguished Americans and organizations whose patriotism and service
reflect that of Mr. Hope.
2. During the past ten holiday seasons, the Trees for Troops program has been an
integral part of the Coast Guard Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program through its
tree distribution program. The Trees for Troops program provides free, farm-grown
Christmas trees to armed forces members in all branches of the military and their
families. Its commitment to the quality of life of Coast Guard families, especially
our junior enlisted families, as they stand the watch away from family and friends,
epitomizes the passions of Mr. Hope of bringing a touch of “hometown” to our men and
women in uniform in the U.S. and overseas. 
3. We also offer our sincere appreciation to all nominees and their nominators for
their patriotism and service:
  A. Executive Committee of the National Council of Coast Guard Spouses Club,
nominated by COMDT (CG-1112).
  B. Dr. Tom Buck, Sector Lake Michigan Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, nominated by
Sector Lake Michigan.
  C. Western New York Heroes, nominated by Sector Buffalo.
  D. Mr. James D. Power III, Honorary Chairman of the Board for the National Coast
Guard Museum, nominated by COMDT (CG-0923).
  E. Mr. Richard Barbee and Mr. Mike Steverson of the Warrant Realty Group,
nominated by Base Portsmouth.
  F. CDR Erica Mohr, USCG (Retired), former Coast Guard Womens Leadership
Initiative Co-Founder and Chairwoman, nominated by COMDT (CG-0923).
4. Ms. Ann OConnor, Executive Director of the Trees for Troops program will receive
the 2017 Spirit of Hope Award on 26 October 2017 at a ceremony in the Pentagon
honoring all services awardees.
5. Questions should be directed to Ms. Gwenda Bradford, COMDT (CG-092), at
202-372-4600 or Gwenda.E.Bradford@uscg.mil.
6. RDML Peter W. Gautier,  Director, Governmental and Public Affairs, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.