ALCOAST 248/21 - JUL 2021 SELECTION OF COAST GUARD WINNER OF 2021 SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD

R 081914Z JUL 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 248/21
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: SELECTION OF COAST GUARD WINNER OF 2021 SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD
1. We are pleased to announce the selection of Mrs. Lois Bouton
(affectionately known as the "Coast Guard Lady") as the Coast
Guard’s 2021 Spirit of Hope Award recipient. The Spirit of Hope
Award is named in honor of Bob Hope and is presented for
outstanding service to the United States of America. It is
awarded to men and women of the United Stated Armed Forces,
entertainers, and other distinguished Americans and organizations
whose patriotism and service epitomize the values of Bob Hope
(courage, honor, duty, commitment, integrity and selfless
dedication), significantly enhance the quality of life of
service members and their families serving around the world,
and selflessly contribute an extraordinary amount of time,
talent, or resources to benefit members of the United States
Armed Forces.
2. Mrs. Bouton leads a life of selfless dedication and support
to the Coast Guard community. As a WWII SPAR she inspired
generations with her sacrifice and dedication to our country.
Throughout the past 50 years, she personally wrote over 100,000
messages of support in the form of letters and cards to members
across the entire Coast Guard. She lifted the spirits of an
entire generation of Coast Guard men and women. Adjusting to
the life of a centenarian, she selflessly donated hundreds of
Coast Guard-related items to the USCG Historian's Office in
order to continue her legacy to the Service.
3. Mrs. Lois Bouton will accept the 2021 Spirit of Hope Award
at a ceremony at the Pentagon honoring awardees from every
branch later this year.
4. We offer our appreciation to Captain Ryan S. Rhodes,
commander of Sector Lower Mississippi River, for nominating
Mrs. Bouton.
5. Questions should be directed to Ms. Gwenda Bradford, COMDT
(CG-0923), at 202-372-4625 or Gwenda.E.Bradford@uscg.mil.
6. For more information on the Coast Guard Community Relations
Branch please visit:
(Copy and Paste Below URL into Browser)

https://www.uscg.mil/Community/

7. RDML M. W. Raymond, Acting Director of Governmental and Public
Affairs (CG-092), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.