ALCOAST 276/18 - AUG 2018 SELECTION OF COAST GUARD WINNER OF 2018 SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD

united states coast guard

R 021506 AUG 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-092//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N01650//
ALCOAST 276/18
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ: SELECTION OF COAST GUARD WINNER OF 2018 SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD
1. We are pleased to announce the selection of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as
the Coast Guard’s 2018 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 Stated Armed Forces, entertainers, and other
distinguished Americans and organizations whose patriotism and service reflect that of Mr. Hope.
2. Throughout the past 12 years, the BGCA has been an integral component of the Coast Guard
Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation program in delivering world class programs to Coast Guard
children and young adults. Its commitment to taking care of youth, whether on military
installations or in the local community and its contributions to the readiness, retention, and
resiliency of the Coast Guard family makes the military duty station seem like home to the
mobile military community, and these actions epitomize the efforts and contributions of Mr. Hope.
The BGCA has been an unwavering partner in providing for the quality of life for Coast Guard
youth. They have been there when we needed them in this effort, whether in providing
programming support or through countess hours of training youth. This “can do” spirit
epitomizes the values of Mr. Hope.
3. Ms. Lorraine Orr, Chief Operations Officer of BGCA, will accept the 2018 Spirit of Hope
Award on behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America on 27 September 2018 at a ceremony at the
Pentagon honoring all services’ awardees.
4. We offer our sincere appreciation to Captain Bruce C. Brown, Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast
Guard Community Services Command for their nomination.
5. Nominations for next year can be submitted now through July 2019. Nominees must satisfy the
following criteria: epitomize the values of Bob Hope (courage, honor, duty, commitment,
integrity and selfless dedication), significantly enhance the quality of life of service
members and their families serving around the world, and selflessly contribute an extraordinary
amount of time, talent, or resources to benefit members of the United States Armed Forces.
6. Questions should be directed to Ms. Deborah Claiborne, COMDT (CG-0923), at 202-372-4640 or
Deborah.H.Claiborne@uscg.mil.
7. RDML Melissa Bert, Director of Governmental and Public Affairs, sends.
8. Internet release authorized.