ALCOAST 223/19 - JUL 2019 2019 NAACP ROY WILKINS RENOWN SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

R 020918 JUL 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 223/19
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  2019 NAACP ROY WILKINS RENOWN SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
1. I am honored to announce and congratulate Lieutenant (LT) Tiarra McDonald from
Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit, San Antonio, TX and Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Sheldon
Williams, from Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC), Alameda, CA, as the Coast
Guard's winners of the 2019 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award. The award
recognizes outstanding contributions and accomplishments of Coast Guard (CG)
personnel, both military and civilian employees, who support civil rights and equal
opportunity.
2. Soon after reporting to her unit, LT McDonald assisted the CG Recruiting Office
in San Antonio to re-establish the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative
(CSPI) program interview and screening panels. She mentored a CSPI student at the
University of Texas in San Antonio and ensured the member was prepared for future
leadership opportunities. LT McDonald's support for the full integration and
promotion of African Americans in the Armed Forces was demonstrated when she
researched and submitted a recommendation to the Coast Guard Uniform Board for a
change to the female hair policy to include certain ethnic hairstyles. Her request
was accepted and successfully incorporated in the Coast Guard Uniform Regulations
Manual.
3. CPO Williams spearheaded a robust Partnership in Education Mentorship Program
with members of the CG Island staff and cadets from Oakland Military Institute
College Preparatory Academy. The program provides cadets from mostly
underrepresented communities with additional opportunities to excel in their
academic, physical, and civic development despite their families’ limited income.
CPO Williams has also been an active member of SFLC's promotion, planning, and
execution of cultural events. Drawing upon his experience and motivation, he played
a critical role on the planning committee for the Asian American & Pacific Islander
Heritage Month, Black History Month, and the CG's Women’s Leadership Symposium.
4. I commend LT McDonald and CPO Williams for their outstanding achievements and
exemplary service. They both will be officially recognized and honored at the
annual Veterans Forum, titled "The Pride and Promise-It Starts with Us-Veterans
Benefits Administration" on Monday, July 22, 2019 at the Cobo Convention Center in
Detroit, MI.
5. Civil Rights awards programs help maximize the Coast Guard's overall mission
effectiveness through recognition of members' accomplishments and contributions
to civil rights and equal opportunity in minority communities, and Partnership in
Education (PIE) programs. Learn more about the USCG Civil Rights vision, mission,
awards programs and CG PIE at: https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Civil-Rights/.
6. POC is Mr. Juan Torres, at (202) 372-4594 or juan.l.torres@uscg.mil.
7. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
8. Internet release authorized.