The Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District will be held at the National WWII Museum on March 8, 2024, where the Foundation will recognize a local Coast Guard crew for lifesaving rescues in 2023. The Foundation will also honor Walter E. Blessey, Jr., Founder and Chairman of Blessey Marine Services, for his leadership in the maritime industry.

The Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath Jones, and other national and regional leaders will attend, as will Coast Guard members from throughout the Gulf Coast.

Since founding Blessey Enterprises in 1978, Walter E. Blessey, Jr., grew the Blessey Marine family of companies into one of the most respected liquid cargo operators in the inland marine transportation industry. Blessey is a recognized leader in the inland marine industry and has served on the board of directors and executive committee of the American Waterways Operators.

A dedicated philanthropist, he is a trustee emeritus of the Coast Guard Foundation Board who has also served on other boards over the years including Junior Achievement New Orleans. That organization has named a building in his honor, the Walter E. Blessey Jr. Free Enterprise Center for Learning, which has served 35,000 children.

The Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District event will start with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and include after dinner dancing.

The Foundation is grateful to major sponsors AccuTrans and Blessey Marine Services, and all event sponsors for their support, which funds Coast Guard programs in the region and nationwide. Since 1994 the event has raised nearly $12 million for Foundation programs that support Coast Guard members.

Title Image: Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath Jones (left) and Atlantic Area Commander Vice Admiral Kevin Lunday (right) pose with members of Sector New Orleans, which was honored at the Coast Guard Foundation's 2023 Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District.