ALCOAST 293/18 - AUG 2018 2017 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR

R 170920 AUG 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-5P//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N16790//
ALCOAST 293/18
COMDTNOTE 16790
SUBJ: 2017 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR
1. I am pleased to announce the selection of Auxiliarist Joseph J. Giannattasio of
Fifth District-Northern Region Flotilla 053-08-02 in Cape May, New Jersey as the
2017 Auxiliarist of the Year.
2. An Auxiliarist since October 2003, Auxiliarist Giannattasio has consistently
exercised extraordinary support of Coast Guard missions and concern for the welfare
of Coast Guard and Auxiliary shipmates. As a qualified cutter watchstander aboard
Cape May’s 87ft patrol boats, his watchstanding presence significantly enhanced
quality of life and improved morale for the cutters’ crew members. Displaying
exceptional expertise and perseverance, he spearheaded an innovative morale program
that provided over $4,000 in donated iTunes gift cards to the Coast Guard personnel
of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). His superb foresight and planning were
instrumental to their smooth delivery in time for the holidays, and provided an
uplifting message to PATFORSWA personnel that their forward-deployed service was
always in the hearts and minds of those back home.
3. Auxiliarist Giannattasio extensively engaged in a remarkably diverse array of
local and national Auxiliary programs. This included direct support as a Coast
Guard Team Coordination Training Facilitator providing essential and insightful
training to Coast Guard and Auxiliary operational crews. He sustained certifications
as a boat coxswain, instructor, program visitor, and vessel examiner, and served as
the regional aviation program manager. As an Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist and
Branch Chief on the Auxiliary’s national Public Affairs staff, he advanced Auxiliary
photo-journalism by supervising expansion of Auxiliary Photography Branch activities.
As official photographer for the Auxiliary’s annual National Convention and National
Training Conference, he provided invaluable support by meticulously documenting and
promoting the Auxiliary story. His deep commitment to Coast Guard service, no matter
the mission or activity, was clearly reflected in each of the more than 2,700 hours
that he logged throughout the year.
4. I applaud Auxiliarist Giannattasio’s service to nation, duty to people, and
commitment to excellence. He will be formally recognized as the 2017 Auxiliarist of
the Year at the Auxiliary National Convention in Orlando, FL on August 25, 2018.
5. Auxiliarist Mr. Joseph J. Leonard Jr., Flotilla 12, Eighth District-Coastal Region,
is also recognized as honorable mention for his outstanding performance and achievement,
most notably his response actions during the 2017 post storm recovery efforts on the
Gulf Coast.
6. RADM John P. Nadeau, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.