ALCOAST 027/18 - JAN 2018 NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

R 301240 JAN 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 027/18
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ:  NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
1.  Throughout our Nation’s history, African American military members and
civilians have made extraordinary contributions to keeping the world safe
for democracy. The theme for this year's African American History Month
is: “African Americans in Times of War.”  Therefore, it is appropriate
that we pay homage to the countless men and women who sacrificed, fought
and led the charge for freedom and equality for all. 
2.  This year marks the 70th anniversary of the desegregation of the U.S.
Armed Services and President Truman’s order that all service members receive
equality of treatment and opportunity without regard to race, color, religion or
national origin.  Every major battle in which our Nation has engaged included
African American patriots who, despite historical policies of racial segregation
and discrimination, played a major role in defending the U.S. and our allies
against enemy forces around the world. 
3.  Through many years of toil and struggle, African Americans have overcome
adversity and excelled in virtually every recognized profession as illustrated
by their contributions to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.  Two prominent
Americans who reached the pinnacle of military service in times of war are
General Colin Powell, who in 1989 was appointed to the position of Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff - the highest ranking officer in the U.S. military - 
and twenty years later, President Barack Obama our first African American
Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
4.  African American military members and civilian personnel have provided
extraordinary support to the Coast Guard missions throughout its 227 year history. 
Some exceptional Service members include: Capt. Michael Healy, Revenue Cutter
Service Captain, the first African American to command a Federal sea service
vessel of any kind; LT Clarence Samuels, the first Black-American officer to
command a U.S. war ship in a combat zone; SPAR Olivia Hooker, the first African
American woman to become an active duty member and Capt. Bobby C. Wilks, the
Service's first Black-American aviator to serve in Vietnam and the first African
American to command a CG Air Station.
5.  Coast Guard units and commands are encouraged to take time this month to honor
and recognize the numerous accomplishments and contributions that African Americans
have made and continue to make to our Service, our Nation and the world.
6.  Ms. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
7.  Internet release is authorized.