ALCOAST 048/20 - FEB 2020 ANNOUNCEMENT OF MILITARY MENTORS FOR THE 2020 SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM

R 200842 FEB 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-092//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N05700//
ALCOAST 048/20
COMDTNOTE 5700
SUBJ:  ANNOUNCEMENT OF MILITARY MENTORS FOR THE 2020 SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM
1. The Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (OASD) has announced the
selected military mentors for the 58th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) for
2–14 March 2020. The USSYP is an intensive week of educational activities in the
nation's capital encompassing meetings with the President, Senate leaders, a
Justice of the Supreme Court, officials from the Department of State, other
Executive agencies, a foreign ambassador to the United States, and senior members
of the media.
2. Selected military mentors are ambassadors of the Armed Forces. They serve as role
models for an impressionable group of high-achieving, influential young Americans and
present a unique opportunity for these Senate Youth Program participants to gain a
better understanding of the Coast Guard’s and Department of Defense’s missions, people,
and lifestyles.
3. We are pleased to report an overwhelming response with more than 60 exceptional and
diverse candidates from across all branches of the military to fill the 17 available
positions. The Coast Guard received 22 applications, and we forwarded 12 to OASD. All
were strong candidates. We are confident each Service will be proud of the superb
military mentors selected and the mentors should be proud to know they were selected
from an elite group of their peers.
4. The Coast Guard is not authorized to fund travel or per diem costs for selected
members. All officers must possess permissive orders or be in a “leave” status during
the period assigned at no cost to the government. The Hearst Foundation, on behalf of
the United States Senate, will pay for all military mentors’ lodging, meals, and
incidental costs between the dates of 2–14 March 2020. Members who are selected for
this program will have to obtain a gift acceptance ethics opinion from their servicing
legal office before they may accept the Hearst Foundation's gift of lodging, meals,
and incidental expenses.
5. The Coast Guard congratulates everyone selected by OASD to serve as military
mentors. The following officers will represent our service:
    a. LCDR Roberto Concepcion, COMDT (CG-7213);
    b. LCDR Elizabeth Gillis, COMDT (CG-0922);
    c. LT Drew Cavanagh, CG-DCO-83;
    d. LT Victoria Gurtler, CG-DCO-I; and
    e. LTJG Jamie Brady, USCGC BLUEFIN.
6. Although not selected, the following Coast Guard members were recognized for their
highly competitive resumes and potential to serve as military mentors by being named
finalists:
    a. LCDR Bryan Watts, CG-OES-3;
    b. LT Alexandra LaRiviere, USCG GRFTC, New Orleans;
    c. LT James Martin, USCGC IBIS;
    d. LT Jeb Slick, AIRSTA Savannah;
    e. LT Kevin Yen, USCGC WAESCHE;
    f. LT Brittany Zirulnick, CG Intelligence Coordination Center; and
    g. LTJG Ashlee Wasowski, USCG District 11 (dre).
7. The selection process was very competitive. I commend all nominees and supervisors
for taking the time to submit such high-caliber nominations.
8. Questions regarding the USSYP may be directed to Gwenda Bradford, COMDT (CG-
0923) via email at: Gwenda.E.Bradford@uscg.mil.
9. RADM Melissa Bert, Director, Governmental and Public Affairs, sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.