ALCOAST 223/26 - JUL 2026 ANNOUNCING THE 2025 JOHN J. JASKOT GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER (GAO) OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT

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FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
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ALCOAST 223/26
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SUBJ: ANNOUNCING THE 2025 JOHN J. JASKOT GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
OFFICER (GAO) OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 231717Z FEB 26/ALCOAST 064/26
1. The Director of Governmental and Public Affairs, (CG-COMMS)
is pleased to announce that CDR Matthew Edes, the Pacific Area
External Affairs Chief and Government Affairs Officer U.S.
Coast Guard, is the winner for the 2025 John J. Jaskot
Governmental Affairs Officer (GAO) of the Year Award.
    a. This prestigious award annually recognizes a Coast
Guard active duty, reserve, civilian, or auxiliary member who
excelled in executing GAO responsibilities during the previous
calendar year.
2. The prestigious CDR John J. Jaskot Award. The award is named
in honor of CDR John J. (J.J.) Jaskot (1954-2020) per REF (A).
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. CDR Matthew Edes, Award Winner.
    a. CDR Edes consistently demonstrated exceptional
performance as the Pacific Area External Affairs Chief and
Government Affairs Officer. He spearheaded a comprehensive
legislative strategy, directly supporting four Coast Guard district
offices spanning 81 congressional districts. His visionary approach
was highlighted by his flawless execution of an unprecedented
two-day engagement for senior DHS political appointees, driving
inter-departmental cooperation and amplifying the critical need for
robust investments in port infrastructure and shipbuilding.
    b. Demonstrating extraordinary leadership during the 43-day lapse
in government appropriations, CDR Edes served as the singular
authority for adjudicating external engagements across the Pacific
Area. He expertly navigated complex legal and policy constraints to
sustain operational momentum, securing high-level DHS approvals for
mission-essential media events.
    c. CDR Edes' unparalleled political acumen led to his selection
for high-visibility assignments,
including escorting the U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Secretary of
the Interior on a White House-directed mission, and serving as the
Commandant's personal representative during an important town
hall with a sitting U.S. Senator.
    d. CDR Edes's profound impact advanced the Service's strategic
objectives at the highest echelons of government. By seamlessly
orchestrating over 20 executive and congressional engagements for
more than 100 members and staff, and expertly managing 34 complex
congressional inquiries, he successfully elevated the Coast Guard's
institutional narrative. His operational excellence, steadfast
leadership, and role as a trusted advisor make him highly deserving
of this prestigious recognition.
4. Thank you to the commands who nominated outstanding Government
Affairs Officers (GAOs). We are proud to recognize the following
honorable mention nominations:
    a. Mr. Robert Mason, COMDT (CG-CPA)
    b. LT Michelle Hernandez, AIRSTA Corpus Christi
    c. LT Victoria C. Sparacino, Coast Guard Academy
    d. CWO-4 Mike Lutz, TRACEN Cape May
5. POC: Award questions may be directed to Patrick
McDonough, COMDT (CG-COMMS-1), Patrick.E.McDonough@uscg.mil.
6. Ms. Jennifer Plozai, Acting Director for Governmental and
Public Affairs (CG-COMMS), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.