ALCOAST 287/19 - SEP 2019 2019 LATINA STYLE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

united states coast guard

R 061035 SEP 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 287/19
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ: 2019 LATINA STYLE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
1. I am honored to announce and congratulate Commander (CDR) Blanca Rosas from USCG
Sector Key West, FL and Ms. Xiomara Torres from the Community Services Command,
Coast Guard (CG) Exchange System, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico as the 2019 Latina Style
Distinguished Service Award recipients. This award recognizes women in the military
and the civilian workforce who through their exemplary service have enhanced the
role of Latinas in the Coast Guard.
2. CDR Rosas's exceptional leadership and devotion to duty are exemplified by her
actions in promoting an environment of inclusion, fairness, and equality for all
members of the Sector. As the Acting Deputy Sector Commander, she hosted the Civil
Rights Directorate staff during an Equal Opportunity climate assessment review
which served to enhance the culture of safety at the unit and to reinforce the
principles of dignity and respect for all members. Moreover, she encouraged and
inspired junior members to pursue professional and educational opportunities
resulting in five subordinates selected for CG graduate programs.
3. As a selfless leader, Ms. Torres assumed the role of Vice Chair of the Morale
Committee at Air Station Borinquen. In this capacity, she led and coordinated
numerous events for all CG members and their families throughout the year.
She is highly regarded as a role model in both the workplace and her local
community where she volunteers with multiple service organizations, particularly
in the areas still impacted by the deadly Category 5 Hurricane Maria, which
devastated the region in 2017. Ms. Torres also led government shutdown relief
efforts by collecting donations and coordinating the transportation of goods
across Puerto Rico to support CG families.
4. I commend CDR Rosas and Ms. Torres for their outstanding contributions,
achievements, and exemplary service. Both were recognized at the 16th Annual
National Latina Style Awards luncheon on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at the
Hilton Crystal City, Arlington, VA.
5. Civil Rights programs help maximize the Coast Guard's overall mission
effectiveness by fostering a discrimination free environment through
recognition of members' accomplishments and contributions to civil rights,
equal opportunity, 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, Juan.L.Torres@uscg.mil or (202) 372-4594.
7. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.