ALCOAST 183/21 - MAY 2021 ASSOCIATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA 2020 GOLD AND SILVER AWARDS SOLICITATION

R 131719Z MAY 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 183/21
SSIC 16100
SUBJ: ASSOCIATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA 2020 GOLD AND
SILVER AWARDS SOLICITATION
A. Recognition Programs Manual, COMDTINST M1650.26 (series)
B. Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1 (series)
1. Per REF (A), this ALCOAST solicits nominees for the Association
for the Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) 2020 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 the Fall,
2021. 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 2020 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 must be submitted
in accordance with REF (B), Section 11.C.7.
   b. Nominations must 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 18 June 21.
6. COMDT (CG-SAR) AFRAS awards POC: Mr. Mike Clarke (202)
372-2090. Request an advance copy of the award nomination
be emailed to Mr. Clarke at: Michael.E.Clarke@uscg.mil.
7. Ms. Dana S. Tulis, Director, Emergency Management (CG-5RI),
sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.