The 2016 Coast Guard Foundation Alaska Awards, held on August 10, was a fantastic demonstration of support for the service of Coast Guard members stationed throughout the state, representing more than thirty stations, cutters and support facilities. The Alaska Awards takes place every two years in Anchorage.

The event included a special presentation from musher Aliy Zirkle who has competed in 16 Iditarod races and three Yukon Quest races, winning that competition in 2000. A fierce and focused competitor, Aliy shared how she stays motivated and committed to her sport, both mentally and physically. She shared her appreciation for the members of the Coast Guard who serve across the country, and those who are stationed in Alaska in particular.

“When you have a job like mine, it takes a lot of self-motivation, and lucky for me, I am a pretty self-motivated person. But every once in a while, it sure helps to be inspired by other people. So that’s why I am here. There are not many people who inspire me, but you do. Thank you crew of the Sycamore, for what you do.”

Coast Guard District 17 commander, RDML Michael McAllister welcomed Foundation supporters to Alaska.

Admiral Paul Zukunft, Coast Guard Commandant echoed that sentiment during his keynote remarks later in the program. “It is our Coast Guard Foundation that takes it to the next level in caring of our most precious resource in our service, the the men and women of the Coast Guard.”

Coast Guard Foundation Senior Vice President Brad Sisley took time to thank the volunteer committee that works tirelessly to coordinate the event and raise funds to support the Coast Guard Foundation and its programs that benefit the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.

In that spirit, the generous supporters of the event contributed an additional $42,500 to support the Coast Guard Foundation Shipmate Fund, providing critical morale and recreation programs throughout the state.

The highlight of the event was a presentation to the Coast Guard cutter SYCAMORE, homeported in Cordova, in recognition for their service.  Four crew members—Commander James Jarnac, Boatswain Jason Scott, Ensign Joshua Clegg and Seaman Tyrell Miranda, represented the cutter in Anchorage.

“Sycamore has consistently upheld the commitment to excellence and professionalism embodied in the finest traditions of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Foundation is proud to honor the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Sycamore for their outstanding service to the Seventeenth District and our Nation,” said Brad Sisley, Coast Guard Foundation Senior Vice President.

Special Thanks to:

• Ms. Malie Delgado, a top 50 finalist on this last season of American Idol, who delivered an inspired rendition of the National Anthem to start the program;
• Coast Guard Foundation director Wally Hickel Jr. and the staff of the Hotel Captain Cook;
• Brad Goode, KOMO TV in Seattle, for serving as master of ceremonies