ALCOAST 122/22 - APR 2022 SELECTION OF THE 2021 FORREST O. REDNOUR MEMORIAL AWARDS FOR CULINARY SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR (CSOY) AND DINING FACILITY OF THE YEAR (DFOY)

R 011540Z APR 22 MID200001627039U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 122/22
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: SELECTION OF THE 2021 FORREST O. REDNOUR MEMORIAL AWARDS FOR
CULINARY SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR (CSOY) AND DINING FACILITY OF THE
YEAR (DFOY)
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 202040Z DEC 21/ACN 143/21
1. In accordance with REF (A), a selection board convened to review
nominations for the CSOY and the DFOY.
2. We are pleased to announce the selection of Culinary Specialist
Third Class (CS3) Samantha Osorio from USCGC WILLIAM FLORES as the
CSOY.
a. Working largely independently through CY21 and performing well
above her paygrade, CS3 Osorio exemplified the highest Culinary
Specialist (CS) performance standards while assigned to USCGC
WILLIAM FLORES. CS3 completed all required duties of the CS3 and the
majority of the CS1 duties: she provided 22,485 meals, managed a
food budget of $94,276 and completed all financial administration
requirements. In order to better cater to a diverse crew, CS3 spent
numerous off-duty hours purchasing and preparing separate menu
options for crewmembers who had specific dietary or religious meal
requests. Between meals, CS3 provided vegetable and fruit platters
for the crew to ensure healthy availability options. Additionally,
CS3 sustained the cutter for two 31-day patrols while working in the
Mona and Windward Passages; she often had to stretch the limited
stores of the Fast Response Cutter for 6-10 consecutive days without
resupply and prepare food in extremely rough seas. During these
patrols CS3 singularly managed the feeding of migrants, and overcame
daunting challenges related to procuring subsistence items during
foreign port calls. Despite these constraints and added demands,
she maintained a high level of nutritious, quality meals for the 24
person crew. In the community, CS3 frequently collected donations
and volunteered with local charities. In addition to fulfilling her
primary duties as well as many of those of the FSO, CS3 served in
critical roles during all damage control scenarios and facilitated
AMIO and counter-drug operations as a qualified Boat Deck
Supervisor. CS3 Osorio was an integral part of the overall mission
success of USCGC WILLIAM FLORES.
3. We are pleased to announce the selection of Culinary Specialist
First Class (CS1) Micah J. Pletsch from USCGC MUSTANG as the
Runner-up CSOY.
a. CS1 Pletsch's professionalism, competency, and strive for
excellence ranks him amongst the finest Culinary Specialists in the
Coast Guard. CS1 ensured all meals served were designed with a
balance of healthy preparation techniques and taste. Completely
dedicated to the crew, CS1 consistently met with crewmembers to
solicit feedback on galley performance, leading to the preparation
of separate options for members tailored to their pallet and dietary
restrictions. CS1's hosted crew-wide cooking classes, which raised
morale and enabled members to prepare their own meals during his
absence. In the community, CS1 volunteered at the Local American
Legion and participated in various veteran events. Separately, CS1
earned qualifications as Davit Operator, Boat Deck in-charge, Cutter
Surface Swimmer, Quarter Master of the Watch, Cutter Boat Medium
Coxswain, Boarding Team Member, In-Port Officer of the Deck, and
Underway Officer of the Deck. CS1 Pletsch displayed true competency
and professionalism in all of these endeavors.
4. Dining Facility Of The Year:
a. The winners of the DFOY are as follows:
(1) Large Afloat, USCGC HEALY
(2) Large Ashore, CG BASE MIAMI BEACH
(3) Medium Afloat, USCGC SEQUOIA
(4) Medium Ashore, CG AIRSTA SITKA
(5) Small Afloat, USCGC CHARLES MOULTHROPE
(6) Small Ashore, NO SUBMISSION
b. Runner-ups for DFOY:
(1) Large Afloat, USCGC CAMPBELL
(2) Large Ashore, CSA YORKTOWN
(3) Medium Afloat, USCGC WALNUT
(4) Medium Ashore, CG SECTOR NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND
(5) Small Afloat, USCGC TERRAPIN
(6) Small Ashore, NO SUBMISSION
5. I would like to thank the commands who recognized our many high
performing CSs and CG dining facilities. Congratulations to the 2021
Forrest O. Rednour Memorial Award winners and to all of the nominees
for their exceptional professionalism in the CS rating. Each of you
are commended for your extraordinary performance and expertise.
6. COMDT (CG-1113) POC is Mr. Chad Adams at (202) 475-5149 or
Chad.A.Adams@uscg.mil.
7. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director, Health, Safety and Work-Life,
(CG-11), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.