ALCOAST 102/20 - MAR 2020 ASSOCIATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA GOLD AND SILVER AWARDS

R 241019 MAR 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-5RI//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N16100//
ALCOAST 102/20
COMDTNOTE 16100
SUBJ: ASSOCIATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA GOLD AND SILVER AWARDS
A. Recognitions Programs Manual, COMDTINST M1650.26 (series)
B. Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1 (series)
1. This ALCOAST solicits for nominees for the Association for the Rescue at Sea
(AFRAS) 2019 awards.
2. Background.
    a. Formed in 1976, AFRAS is a non-profit foundation that supports services
concerned with saving lives at sea. The AFRAS awards program provides the
opportunity for Area and District Commanders, Commanding Officers, and Officers-in
-Charge to recognize deserving Coast Guard personnel for bravery in the conduct of
search and rescue missions.
    b. The AFRAS Gold and Silver Medals are the highest search and rescue awards
presented to a Coast Guard member by a civilian organization.
        (1) Gold Medal. Established in 1982, the Gold Medal is presented annually to
a Coast Guard enlisted person for an act of extraordinary bravery during a rescue
at sea.
        (2) Silver Medal. Established in 2000, the Silver Medal (silver reflects the
distinctive Auxiliary uniform) is presented annually to a deserving Coast Guard
Auxiliarist (a collective nomination may be submitted for members of the same boat
or air crew).
3. Awards presentation. Both the Gold and Silver Medals will be presented in a
ceremony in Washington, D.C., in October 2020. Ceremony participants include
congressional representatives, AFRAS leadership, the Commandant of the Coast Guard,
and other senior Coast Guard leaders. Award recipients will be honored at the
ceremony and family members are invited to attend.
4. AFRAS award eligibility. AFRAS selects recipients from among nominations submitted.
Award criteria are set forth in REF (A) and reiterated below.
    a. Gold Medal nominees must be enlisted members on active duty at the time of
the rescue being recognized. Silver Medal nominees must be Coast Guard Auxiliarists
at the time of the rescue being recognized.
    b. The response must involve a lifesaving rescue from the perils of the sea where
the heroic actions of the nominee are uniquely distinguished. However, consideration
will be given to all rescues involving life-threatening situations.
    c. Nominations must be for Calendar Year 2019 rescues.
5. Administration.
    a. Units are encouraged to submit nominations to COMDT (CG-SAR) via their chain
of command. District awards boards should review all nominations to ensure compliance
with the above criteria. Silver Medal nominations shall be submitted in accordance
with REF (B), Section 11.C.7.
    b. Nominations shall consist of:
        (1) A cover letter identifying the nominee and pay grade (if applicable),
current duty station/Auxiliary Flotilla, and expiration of enlistment (if applicable).
        (2) Coast Guard Award Recommendation, Form CG-1650.
        (3) One page award citation.
        (4) 1-2 page summary of action that fully describes the rescue.
        (5) Any additional information pertinent to AFRAS evaluation of the nomination.
    c. Forward command endorsed nominations to: COMDT (CG-SAR), U.S. Coast Guard, 2703
Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20593-7516. Attn: AFRAS Nomination.
    d. Award nominations must be received by COMDT (CG-SAR) by 15 MAY 20.
6. COMDT (CG-SAR) AFRAS awards POC: Mr. Mike Clarke (202) 372-2090. To ensure receipt,
request an advance copy of the award nomination be emailed to Mr. Clarke at:
michael.e.clarke@uscg.mil.
7. Additional AFRAS information can be found at: www.afras.org.
8. Ms. Dana S. Tulis, Director, Office of Emergency Management, sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.