ALCOAST 052/19 - FEB 2019 2018 GEICO MILITARY SERVICE AWARD WINNER

R 190956 FEB 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05100//
ALCOAST 052/19
COMDTNOTE 5100
SUBJ: 2018 GEICO MILITARY SERVICE AWARD WINNER
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 281100 SEP 18/ALCOAST 336/18
1. As announced in REF (A), GEICO annually pays tribute to an active duty
service member from each branch of the armed services, and one drilling
reserve enlisted member from all the services.
The award recognizes achievements or contributions in the following categories:
    A. Drug and alcohol abuse prevention,
    B. Fire prevention and fire safety, and
    C. Traffic safety and accident prevention.
2. The 2018 GEICO Military Service Award winner for the Coast Guard is
Damage Controlman First Class John Cochrane, USCGC KIMBALL (WMSL 756).
DC1 Cochrane is recognized for his contributions and achievements in Fire
Safety and Fire Prevention. During precommissioning, the CGC KIMBALL struggled to
get members qualified. DC1 Cochrane took it upon himself and invested countless
hours over the span of seven months to ensure that every member achieved not
only the basic skills of shipboard damage control, but through his efforts
80 percent of the crew, achieved qualification in advanced damage control,
firefighting techniques, and casualty response. In addition, he ensured that 7
installed and portable fire extinguishing agents, as well as over 250 firefighting
hoses, were tested, and certified as safe. DC1 Cochrane was instrumental in
establishing the Damage Control Petty Officer program, implementing and training
the Flight Deck Fire Team, and creating the Gas Free Engineering program. Beyond
the Coast Guard, DC1 Cochrane is a dedicated volunteer with the Trail Life
Organization, that instills leadership skills through youth mentoring and
character development. A hands-on leader, DC1 Cochrane has over 1,500 volunteer
hours with this organization imparting his rich military experience to develop
future generations. Whether aboard the CGC KIMBALL or through community service,
DC1 Cochrane is selfless with his time and goes beyond what is asked to ensure
others are taken care of and prosper.
3. DC1 Cochrane will be recognized by GEICO at an awards ceremony on 29 April 2019,
in Washington, DC.
4. I commend DC1 Cochrane for his achievements and contributions over
and above his assigned duties. I applaud his command for recognizing his efforts
and taking the time to nominate him for this award. I encourage all Commanding
Officers and Officers-in-Charge to consider submitting nominations for the
2019 GEICO Military Service Award during the upcoming award nomination cycle.
5. RADM Erica G. Schwartz, Director Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.