ALCOAST 247/19 - JUL 2019 2019 BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT (BIG) MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

R 300805 JUL 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 247/19
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  2019 BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT (BIG) MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
1. I am pleased to announce that CDR Richard A. Howell, from the Fifth Coast Guard
District, Portsmouth, VA was selected as the CG recipient of the 2019 Blacks In
Government (BIG) Meritorious Service Award. This award honors personnel who have
significantly supported and contributed to the CG's missions and whose attributes
best epitomized the qualities and Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.
2. CDR Howell is cited for superior performance while serving as Chief, Force
Readiness Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District. With his steadfast support for equal
opportunity for all, he championed a wide variety of diversity and gender inclusion
initiatives that significantly impacted the CG. These activities included mentoring
dozens of CG members and challenging them to assume new leadership roles. As a
result of his efforts, 7 members from a diverse cadre of CG officers assumed
leadership positions in affinity groups, including four women and three men.
CDR Howell volunteered more than 400 off-duty hours, promoting equal opportunity,
human relations and public service. He provided home repairs for the elderly, and
sustenance to needy families through food banks, local churches, and civic
organizations. Additionally, he assisted disabled veterans at the Hampton Veterans
Hospital. His outreach to five Historically Black Colleges and Universities yielded
quality African American applicants for the College Student Pre-Commissioning
Program. Additionally, he mentored 60 minority young men at Achievable Dream Middle
and High School aimed at preparing them for successful careers.
3. I commend CDR Howell for his outstanding leadership, achievements and exemplary
service. He will be officially recognized during the BIG National President's
Reception on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at the Sheraton Downtown Dallas, Dallas, TX.
4. Civil Rights awards programs help maximize the CG's overall mission effectiveness
through recognition of members' accomplishments and contributions to civil rights,
equal opportunity, minority communities, and Partnership in Education (PIE) programs.
Learn about the USCG Civil Rights vision, mission, awards programs and CG PIE at:
https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Civil-Rights/.
5. POC: Mr. Juan Torres, at (202) 372-4594 or Juan.L.Torres@uscg.mil.
6. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.