Coast Guard Foundation–Funded Program Brings James A. Baker III to the United States Coast Guard Academy as the 2008 Hedrick Fellow
- By Coast Guard Foundation
- Published 12/4/2008
- News
Coast Guard Foundation
The Coast Guard Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1969. It was initially created to provide funds for academic, athletic, and morale needs of the Coast Guard Academy and its cadets which were not covered by federal operational funding. In 1986, the Foundation expanded its charter to support projects that enhance the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families. The Foundation is governed by a Board of 100 Trustees from all parts of the country. The Trustees elect from their members a 30 person Board of Directors to oversee the management of the Foundation. Located in Stonington, Connecticut, the Foundation employs a staff of ten civilians responsible for meeting the Foundation’s objectives and working closely with the Coast Guard on all issues.
On April 7, the Coast Guard Foundation and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy proudly honored former Secretary of State James A. Baker III as its 14th Hedrick Fellow at a special dinner, address and reception at the Academy.
Before the festivities, Baker—who served in various senior government positions under Presidents Ford, Reagan and George H.W. Bush—attended a regimental review in his honor, taught a constitutional law class and gave a lecture to the Corps of Cadets at the Academy.
“We were thrilled to have Mr. Baker here to share his insights with cadets, based on his vast experience serving our nation in so many capacities,” said Anne Brengle, Coast Guard Foundation president. “His knowledge, positive spirit and lifelong involvement in politics and our country’s growth make him an outstanding choice as this year’s Hedrick Fellow.”
The Hedrick Fellow Program, funded through the Coast Guard Foundation, is designed to enhance the educational experience of cadets and faculty. It began in 1982 from a gift to the Foundation provided by Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Hedrick of Wichita, Kansas. Hedrick—who served as Vice Chairman of the Beechcraft Corporation and a Director of Raytheon—was a leading figure in the American aeronautical industry for over 30 years.
Baker joins an impressive list of previous Hedrick Fellows, including former Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush; former Chief Justice Warren Burger; author William F. Buckley; and former cabinet members Edmund Muskie, James Schlesinger, Frank Carlucci, William Perry and Navy Adm. James Watkins.
