ALCOAST 113/25 - MAR 2025 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT - 2024 CDR JOHN P. DAILEY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING WITHIN THE C4IT COMMUNITY

R 121825Z MAR 25 MID120001785726U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 113/25
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT - 2024 CDR JOHN P. DAILEY AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING WITHIN THE C4IT COMMUNITY
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 061214Z NOV 24/ALCOAST 421/24
1. I am pleased to announce LCDR Elton Morris, C5ISC-BOD, and
Mr. Travis Gillum, C5ISC-MSSPL, as the active duty and civilian
recipients of the 2024 CDR John P. Dailey Award.
    a. LCDR Elton Morris is recognized for exceptional leadership and
commitment to the C5I community. Facing global supply chain
obstacles, LCDR Morris spearheaded 100 Controlled Parts Exchanges
and secured $20.5 million in funding and resources to overcome
shortages, ensuring the operational readiness of critical C5I
systems particularly for Coast Guard cutters in the Indo-Pacific
region. Furthermore, LCDR Morris is a champion for professional
development and fostering a culture of excellence within the C5I
community. He has personally mentored over 120 individuals,
providing guidance and support to military and civilian personnel
alike. His dedication to shaping future Coast Guard leaders through
his work with cadets, recruits, and officer selection boards has
earned him recognition for his exceptional mentorship. LCDR Morris
has consistently exemplified the Coast Guard Core Values and is an
invaluable leader within the C5I community and beyond as
demonstrated through his superior leadership, commitment to mission
success, and selfless dedication to others.
    b. Mr. Gillum is also recognized for this exceptional leadership
and commitment to others. Through tireless efforts, he expedited new
hiring onboarding for his Product Line, reducing the deficit from
50% to 12% by the end of 2024. His leadership has been instrumental
in key achievements, including implementing the Depot Management
System, assuming management of electronic health records, and
creating an audit capability for the T-PAX travel application,
resulting in $6 million in annual savings. Furthermore, Mr. Gillum
spearheaded the complex migration of the Direct Access Human
Resource system to a secure cloud environment, a $16 million
undertaking completed under budget, ensuring a seamless transition
for over 115,000 users. A dedicated mentor and former Coast Guard
officer, Mr. Gillum champions professional development and embodies
Coast Guard values through volunteerism, inspiring future leaders.
2. This award was established in honor of CDR John P. Dailey, whose
distinguished Coast Guard career symbolized the highest standards of
excellence in leadership, professionalism, and mentorship. The award
is presented annually to one military and one civilian Coast Guard
employee. The 2024 winners were chosen through a review process that
included screening and final selection by a board of senior
officers, civilians, and enlisted leaders.
3. LCDR Morris and Mr. Gillum continue the tradition of outstanding
leadership and mentoring exemplified by CDR John P. Dailey.
I congratulate and commend them for their distinguished service to
the nation, duty to people, and commitment to excellence. We have
many dedicated and accomplished individuals throughout our entire
C5I community. I am truly impressed by the superior quality of
leadership and mentorship exhibited by all those nominated for this
prestigious award.
4. A formal award recognition will be held at a ceremony at Coast
Guard Headquarters during the 2025 C5I Centralized Annual Training
(C-CAT) hosted by the Assistant Commandant for C4 & IT in March
2025.
5. I also take great pleasure in recognizing the following nominees
for their strong performance and continued leadership in the
C5I community:
    a. CDR James Bennett, COMDT (CG-9335)
    b. CDR Jeremy Pichette, COMDT (CG-688)
    c. LCDR Scott Pratz, C5ISC-UCPL
    d. LCDR Bryan Weber, C5ISC-C2PL
    e. LT Kent Altobelli, D11
    f. CWO4 Juliet Steele, CSD
    g. ET1 Antonio Samilpa, Base Portsmouth
    h. Ms. Lindsay Abbott, COMDT (CG-687)
    i. Ms. Kendra McGaha, COMDT (CG-681)
    j. Ms. Chuc-Lan Wass, COMDT (CG-26)
6. Questions regarding the CDR John P. Dailey Award may be directed
to LCDR Anthony Foss, Executive Assistant to COMDT (CG-6) at
202-475-3553 or via email (Anthony.J.Foss2@uscg.mil).
7. RDML Russell E. Dash, Assistant Commandant for Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, and Information Technology (CG-6), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.