ALCOAST 236/24 - JUN 2024 LT JUSTIN TOWNSEND CITED FOR EXCELLENCE

R 031036Z JUN 24   MID120001163745U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 236/24
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: LT JUSTIN TOWNSEND CITED FOR EXCELLENCE
1. Our Service congratulates Lieutenant Justin Townsend on his
selection for the Society of American Indian Government Employees
(SAIGE) Military Meritorious Service Award.
2. LT Townsend is cited for superior performance of duty while
serving as the Executive Officer at Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit
(CGCU) Colorado and Deputy Chief of a National Security Agency
mission from January to December 2023. As a proud member of the
Choctaw Nation, his cultural heritage heavily influenced his duties,
both professionally and personally. LT Townsend served as the lead
for the American Indian/Alaska Native Employee Resource Group for
over 4,000 military and civilian members from six service branches
and three intelligence agencies. LT Townsend set the sitewide
standard for affinity group recognitions by organizing celebrations
during National Native American Heritage Month. During these
celebrations, he delivered a presentation for the entire National
Security Agency on Code Talker programs among five tribes during
World Wars I and II. He also organized an educational performance by
a local indigenous dance group comprised of members of the Ute,
Lakota, Dakota, Eastern Shoshone, and Northern Arapaho nations.
While off-duty, LT Townsend continues to champion and contribute to
the Native American community through an outdoor education company
that is rooted in cultural traditions of hunting and preparing wild
foods, serving as a youth rugby coach, and volunteering as a firearm
safety advocate to prevent suicide in low-income and minority
communities. LT Townsend's diligence, perseverance, and devotion to
duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
3. The Coast Guard commends LT Townsend for his outstanding
contributions, achievements, and exemplary service. SAIGE will
recognize him at their 21st National Training Program in Spokane, WA
on June 6, 2024.
4. Civil Rights awards help maximize the Coast Guard's overall
mission effectiveness through recognition of members'
accomplishments and contributions to Civil Rights and Equal
Opportunity. Learn more about the Coast Guard's Civil Rights Awards
Program at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Civil-Rights/

5. POC: COMDT (CG-00H), Mr. Edward Stoker, 202-372-4519,
Edward.A.Stoker@uscg.mil.
6. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Civil Rights Director (CG-00H), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.