ALCOAST 301/19 - SEP 2019 2019 NATIONAL IMAGE MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

R 191539 SEP 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 301/19
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  2019 NATIONAL IMAGE MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
1. I am honored to announce Boatswain's Mate Second Class Luis Ortiz, USCGC PAUL
CLARK (WPC-1106), Miami, Florida, as the Coast Guard’s 2019 National IMAGE
Meritorious Service Award recipient. This award honors service members and
civilian employees who have supported Coast Guard missions, or whose attributes
best epitomize the Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.
2. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, Petty Officer (PO) Ortiz led the Law
Enforcement Program onboard PAUL CLARK. Dedicated to developing others, he
served as a mentor for 21 personnel and organized training to grow similar
programs at other units. As the cutter’s Leading Boarding Officer, PO Ortiz
personally led boardings of more than 55 vessels. By assisting and working with
mariners to correct discrepancies on the spot, he significantly improved
relations with the local Hispanic boating community. He served on Pursuit Crews
during seven high-risk interdictions, successfully recovering 46 undocumented
migrants and identifying six human traffickers. PO Ortiz ensured all migrants
and detainees were treated with professionalism and dignity, while comforting
individuals while they were anxious, wet, and tired. PO Ortiz's leadership,
mentorship, and personal character are an example for all to follow.
3. I salute and congratulate PO Ortiz for his contributions, achievements, and
exemplary service. He will be officially recognized and honored at the Salute to the
Military Celebration Dinner at the 47th National Image, Inc., National Training
Program on September 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, NV.
4. The Coast Guard’s Civil Rights program helps maximize mission effectiveness
by fostering a discrimination-free environment through recognition of members'
accomplishments, as well as contributions to civil rights, equal opportunity,
minority communities, and Partnership in Education programs. Learn more at:
https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Civil-Rights/.
5. POC: Mr. Juan Torres at Juan.L.Torres@uscg.mil or (202) 372-4594.
6. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.