Celebrating the Coast Guard on the Gulf Coast and in the Heartland

On Friday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m., the Coast Guard Foundation will host its annual Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans

by Ron LaBrec

February 7, 2025

This esteemed event honors the dedicated service of Coast Guard members stationed throughout the Gulf Coast and the Heartland.

The evening will commence with a reception, followed by a dinner program recognizing the exceptional efforts of Coast Guard personnel in safeguarding our nation's waterways. Attendees will include prominent Coast Guard leaders, industry partners, and community supporters, all gathering to celebrate the bravery and commitment of these service members.

Bollinger Shipyards' President and CEO Ben Bordelon speaks at the 2024 Coast Guard Foundation Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District in New Orleans.

This year's tribute will feature a special acknowledgment of Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, for his significant contributions to the maritime and local communities and unwavering support of the Coast Guard's mission. The event will also highlight recent heroic operations conducted by the Eighth District, showcasing the critical role they play in maritime safety and security.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, offering benefits such as priority seating, recognition during the program, and inclusion in event materials. Individual tickets can also be purchased. For more information on sponsorships or to secure tickets, please contact Becky Ketterhagen at (860) 457-1413 or via email at bketterhagen@coastguardfoundation.org.

Sponsorship & Ticket Information

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Proceeds from the event will support the Coast Guard Foundation's initiatives, including scholarships, morale and wellness programs, and disaster relief for Coast Guard members and their families. By participating in this tribute, attendees contribute to the well-being and resilience of those who serve our nation with honor and dedication.

The Foundation is thankful for dinner sponsor Bollinger Shipyards and reception sponsors Birdon. Cheniere Energy, and Hornbeck Offshore for their significant support.

Title image: A Coast Guard color guard presents the colors at the 2024 Coast Guard Foundation Tribute to the Eight Coast Guard District in New Orleans.

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

by Ron LaBrec

Featured Partner

Bollinger Shipyards has been the dinner sponsor of the Coast Guard Foundation's Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District for many years. Bollinger Shipyards builds the Coast Guard's Fast Response Cutters and is currently building the Polar Security Cutter, a heavy icebreaker that will conduct Coast Guard missions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Featured Partner

Birdon America is an established and trusted partner of the United States Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, currently delivering on major projects for the U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S Navy. Birdon America supports the Coast Guard Foundation's Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District and Salute to the Coast Guard in our Nation's Capital events.

Featured Partner

Cheniere Energy is a full-service global provider of clean, secure, and affordable LNG. Cheniere supports the Coast Guard Foundation across an array of events and programs.

Featured Partner

Hornbeck Offshore is a leading provider of marine transportation services to exploration and production, oilfield service, offshore construction and military customers. A valued and enduring partner, Hornbeck Offshore has supported many Coast Guard Foundation programs and events for more than a quarter of a century.