Celebrating Heroes at the Coast Guard Foundation's Seattle Awards Dinner 2025

This event, now held annually, was a celebration of the valor and dedication exemplified by members of the U.S. Coast Guard, highlighting their critical roles in maritime safety, national security, and environmental protection across Washington, Oregon, and the nation.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of a Coast Guard rescue crew from Station Bellingham. In June 2024, this heroic team executed a high-stakes rescue operation near Lummi Island, Washington. Responding to an SOS activated via a Garmin inReach device, the crew saved a family of five—including a small dog—whose kayaks overturned and stranded them in icy three to five-foot seas. 

The boat crew, and a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, demonstrated the highest standards of Coast Guard expertise and teamwork rescuing the two adults and three children just as hypothermia was beginning to set in.

Proceeds from this prestigious event will benefit the Coast Guard Foundation’s programs, which include Coast Guard Foundation scholarships, morale and wellness projects, and vital emergency assistance for Coast Guard members. These initiatives are essential in providing military scholarships and crucial support to Coast Guard families, ensuring their resilience and well-being.

This year’s dinner also provided an opportunity for sponsors to support the CG Foundation's mission, allowing local maritime and business leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the Coast Guard community. Businesses and individuals interested in engaging as sponsors or participating in next year’s event in May 2026, supporting these brave service members, can contact Jean Brown at jbrown@coastguardfoundation.org.

The Seattle Awards Dinner serves not only as a commemoration of outstanding bravery but as a premier regional event for fostering community support and awareness. Senior regional and national Coast Guard leaders expressed their gratitude for the deep support of the community for service members.

For more information about how you can support the Coast Guard Foundation, including details on Coast Guard Foundation scholarships and other programs, please visit the Coast Guard Foundation's website at coastguardfoundation.org. Together, we can empower those who safeguard our nation's waters.

Title Image: A U.S. Coast Guard Station Bellingham, Washington, boat crew rescues a family of five and their dog from the frigid waters off Lummi Island after their kayaks capsized. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Disclosure: AI was used to consolidate Coast Guard and Coast Guard Foundation content for the text of this article