ALCGPSC 051/21 - ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2021 AMERICAN LEGION SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

03 JUN 21

ALCGPSC 051/21
SUBJECT: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2021 AMERICAN LEGION SPIRIT OF SERVICE
AWARD RECIPIENT
1. I am pleased to announce the selection of YN2 Jessica Rooks, assigned
to Aviation Training Center Mobile, Alabama, as the Coast Guard recipient of
the 2021 American Legion “Spirit of Service” Award. This award is presented
to an enlisted member from each branch of the Armed Forces who performs high
levels of community service. Presentation of the award will occur during the
Annual National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, August 27 – September 1,
2021.
2. YN2 Rooks dedicated over 500 hours leading an 11 member ministry team at
Christian Muscle Wellness Academy. She capitalized on weekly meetings to
individually mentor team members and establish goals and progress checks for
each of the departments her volunteers supervised. These departments
encompassed a wide range of areas to meet the needs of parishioners including
budget management, outreach programs, and social media. YN2 Rooks spent 160
additional hours mentoring her congregation conducting prayer and
motivational calls. She also provided marital and grief counseling. YN2
Rooks assisted an individual experiencing an unexpected job loss and battling
an addiction by setting up a donation fund to assist with expenses, providing
food on a weekly basis, enrolling them in Narcotics Anonymous, and helping
them find a new job.
3. Recognizing the unusual stress COVID-19 pandemic put on the community, YN2
Rooks organized and taught an eight-week course called Replenished for a
Purpose. Overcoming social distancing guidelines and the inability to meet
in person, she used Zoom to engage with over 40 attendees. These members
gained valuable skills and knowledge which aided in their mental, emotional,
and physical well-being. Additionally, she organized three separate events
as part of the Get Moving Challenge, encouraging the local community and
members all over the country to get active and break monotony caused by the
pandemic. This challenge reached 113 participants through a mobile app which
allowed her to encourage and track their daily progress. Members showed a
120 percent increase in overall activity rates and one individual lost 58
pounds.
4. YN2 Rooks set up a collection for Penelope’s House, an organization that
provides safety, protection, and support to the victims of domestic violence
and their children through shelter, advocacy, and education. Her efforts
resulted in donations of over $450 in toiletries, diapers, clothing, and
bedding. Leading a collection for Fostering Together Gulf Coast charity
which resulted in over $300 in clothing for local foster children and
parents. Her efforts and ability to inspire others, provided critical
supplies to diverse community organizations and directly aided those most in
need.
5. YN2 Rooks’ dedication, compassion, and steadfast desire to improve the
lives of those around her, epitomize the very standards of the American
Legion Spirit of Service Award.
6. The following nominee was also recommended for this award and
deserves honorable mention for his outstanding volunteer efforts:
IS3 Tyler Nofzinger – CG Cryptologic Unit Washington, DC
7. Questions regarding the American Legion Spirit of Service Award may
be directed to Military Medals and Awards at ARL.AWDSBOARD@uscg.mil.
8. RDML S. N. Gilreath, Commander, CG Personnel Service Center, sends. The
Service Center for Our Most Important Resource – Our People.
9. Internet release authorized.