ALCGPSC 124/18 - ANNOUNCEMENT OF COAST GUARD FOUNDATION AWARDS RECIPIENT FOR 2018

UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCGPSC 124/18
SUBJ:  ANNOUNCEMENT OF COAST GUARD FOUNDATION AWARDS RECIPIENT FOR 2018
1.  The Commandant takes great pleasure in announcing the selection of Petty Officer Samuel Knoeppel,
currently assigned to Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina as the 2018 recipient of the Coast Guard
Foundation Award. 
2.  AST2 Knoeppel is being recognized for heroic achievement while stationed as an Aviation Survival
Technician at Air Station Miami.  In August 2017, AST2 Knoeppel volunteered to respond to the
devastation in Houston, Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey.  On 28 August, he deployed from a
helicopter to rescue 27 people (including children, elderly, and a pregnant woman) from chest-deep
floodwaters, triaging and recovering each patient into the helicopter despite adverse conditions, ultimately
saving their lives.  The following day, he coordinated two complex hospital-to-hospital transfers of
critical patients, placing himself in harm’s way to move the patients to a suitable landing site.  During
these flights, he provided critical care to the unconscious patients who couldn’t breathe unassisted.  When
the helicopter was unable to land at the receiving hospital, he carried both patients 150 yards through
ankle-deep mud to awaiting emergency medical teams.  Through his selfless actions, AST2 Knoeppel
saved 34 lives over the course of three days at great personal risk, actions also recognized with the 2017
Southern Florida Federal Employee of the Year for valor. 
3.  BRAVO ZULO to AST2 Knoeppel and the 17 other individual or crew nominees listed below. 
     Aviation Training Center Mobile
     USCGC ANACAPA
     USCGC ALEX HALEY
     CG Air Station Barbers Point - CG Rescue 6608 and Response Boat Medium 45627
     CG Air Station Borinquen
     CG Station Chetco River – Response Boat Small 29313 and Motor Lifeboat 47295
     CG Air Station Clearwater
     CG Station Erie
     USCGC JOHN MCCORMICK
     BM2 Dustin Lotz, USCGC JOHN MCCORMICK
     CG Marine Safety and Security Team Miami (91114)
     CG Air Station Miami
     CG Patrol Forces Southwest Asia
     CG Station San Diego – Response Boat Medium 45770
     CG Air Station San Francisco - CGNR 6586
     CG Sector San Juan
     CG Station Valdez
4.  The ceremony honoring AST2 Knoeppel and the heroic works of the Coast Guard in response to the
2017 hurricane season will be held in New York City on 04 October 2018.  Travel, lodging, and a stipend
have been graciously offered by the Coast Guard Foundation for the award recipient and one guest to
attend the Salute to the Coast Guard awards ceremony.  A Foundation representative will contact the
recipient to assist with travel arrangements and provide information regarding the ceremony.
5.  Released by CAPT G. T. Prestidge, Commander, CG Personnel Service Center.  The Service Center
for Our Most Important Resource – Our People.
6.  Internet Released Authorized.
BT