ALCOAST 193/23 - MAY 2023 2022 JOHN J. JASKOT GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER (GAO) OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT

R 151449Z MAY 23 MID600053020719U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 193/23
SSIC 1738
SUBJ: 2022 JOHN J. JASKOT GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER (GAO)
OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 011903Z FEB 23/ALCOAST 043/23
1. The Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs (CG-0921)
is pleased to announce that Mr. Kenneth Schnetzler, the Sector New
York GAO, is the awardee of the 2022 "John J. Jaskot Governmental
Affairs Officer of the Year Award." This prestigious annual award
recognizes Coast Guard active duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary
members who excelled in executing GAO responsibilities during the
previous calendar year.
2. Per REF (A), the award is named in honor of CDR John J. (J.J.)
Jaskot (1954-2020). CDR Jaskot graduated from the Coast Guard
Academy in 1976 and proudly served on active duty for 20 years with
service afloat, as a maritime attorney, two tours in Congressional
Affairs, as well as a deployment to the Middle East during the
Persian Gulf War, earning the Combat Action Ribbon. CDR Jaskot's
final tour was as the Coast Guard's Liaison to the U.S. Senate,
where he set the standard for representing the Coast Guard to the
U.S. Congress. After his retirement in 1996, he remained active in
the Congressional Affairs Alumni network serving as a good friend
and mentor to countless personnel assigned to Coast Guard
Congressional Affairs.
3. As Sector New York's full-time Governmental Affairs Officer,
Mr. Schnetzler expertly balances Coast Guard equities along with
the political demands of one of the service's largest operational
units overseeing missions in one of the nation's busiest and most
consequential ports. He manages Sector New York’s external
engagements with stakeholders from the international to the local
level. During CY 22 he also took on extra duties supporting public
outreach and community relations while serving temporarily as the
Sector's Public Affairs Officer during a 6-month positional gap.
In these roles, he leveraged New York City's media market and
relationships with leaders of Congress, to directly impact some of
the Commandant's top strategic priories. Furthermore, Mr.
Schnetzler distinguished himself through several notable events:
    a. He adeptly arranged numerous Congressional engagements and
prepared Coast Guard Leaders and subunits for strategic discussions
with elected officials on the state of aging infrastructure
resulting in additional funding for a $140 million housing capital
project.
    b. He deftly coordinated Congressional and staff delegations
to witness the Coast Guard's icebreaking mission which enables the
transport of 90% of the home heating oil for the Northeast during
the winter.
    c. Working closely with the District External Affairs office,
he facilitated Congressional outreach and engagement regarding
impacts to our Marine Transportation System - ranging from managing
anchorages and aids to navigations to the impacts of offshore wind
and port congestion and the Coast Guard's synergetic coordination
with maritime industry heralding remarkable growth as the port
became the busiest port in the United States. Of particular note,
he coordinated and hosted key Congressional Members at Sector New
York giving them a first-hand look at the maritime operations
conducted by Coast Guard members to keep our ports safe and secure
during national security events like the United Nations General
Assembly and the New York Marathon, which starts at Sector New York
on Fort Wadsworth.
    d. Beyond his extraordinary efforts with Congressional
engagements, he supports the Office of International Affairs,
coordinating visits for foreign nationals attending the National
Defense University, the Defense Institute of International Legal
Studies, and Army War College; and a host of other visits to
include the India Secretary Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways and the French Secretary of State for the Sea.
4. Both the quality and quantity of Mr. Schnetzler's work are
exceptional. His diligence and outstanding, ceaseless efforts to
communicate the value of the Coast Guard to congressional and
governmental entities at all levels make him highly deserving
of this award.
5. Thank you to the commands for nominating the following out-
standing GAOs we are proud to recognize as honorable
mention:
    a. LCDR Sam Andriessen, USCGA
    b. LCDR Jonathan Scott, D8
6. POC: Questions regarding the John J. Jaskot Governmental Affairs
Officer of the Year Award may be directed to Tony Gregg,
COMDT (CG-0921), Tony.L.Gregg@uscg.mil.
7. RDML M. M. Dean, Director for Governmental and Public Affairs
(CG-092), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.