In a heartwarming ceremony held today at the Pentagon, Roy Vander Putten, a beloved Coast Guard Foundation Trustee Emeritus, was honored with the 2023 Spirit of Hope Award for the Coast Guard. The award was presented by Coast Guard Rear Admiral Will Watson, Director of Governmental and Public Affairs.

The Spirit of Hope Award is presented by the Department of Defense for outstanding service to the United States of America. It recognizes members of the United States Armed Forces, entertainers, and other distinguished Americans and organizations whose patriotism and service epitomize the values of Bob Hope: courage, honor, duty, commitment, integrity, and selfless dedication to others. These individuals significantly enhance the quality of life of service members and their families serving around the world and selflessly contribute extraordinary time, talent, or resources to benefit members of the United States Armed Forces.

“The Spirit of Hope Award has a rich history of celebrating community leaders who go above and beyond to make the world a better place,” said Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation president. “Roy Vander Putten's name now joins the ranks of those who have made such a lasting impact.”

“As one of our longest-serving board members and one of our most generous supporters, I am so proud to see Roy honored with the Spirit of Hope Award,” added Susan.

Roy’s journey to this esteemed recognition has been nothing short of inspiring. For more than three decades, he dedicated himself to the Coast Guard community, including seventeen years of volunteer service with the Coast Guard Foundation. His vast legacy encompasses hundreds of volunteer hours as well as generous contributions to the Foundation, including his creation of two exceptional education programs -- the Vander Putten Education Grant program and the Spouse Grant program - benefiting Coast Guard members, spouses, and their families.

Coast Guard Service is a Family Tradition
Roy enlisted in the Coast Guard at 17 years old, following in his uncle’s footsteps. After boot camp, he completed additional training in Groton, Connecticut, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina, before serving for three years as a flight mechanic at Air Station San Francisco. He remained in the Coast Guard Reserves for four years after his active-duty service.

His legacy of service has had a secondary, personal effect on his family. His devotion to duty has motivated three family members to follow him into the Coast Guard in service to our nation. The long blue line now runs through five family members, representing four generations of the Vander Putten name, including Lieutenant Katherine Beine, his grandniece, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Vander Putten, his grandnephew, both serving on active-duty service today.