The Coast Guard Foundation honored a local executive for his support of the military and Coast Guard crews who conducted a rescue at the mouth of the Columbia River at its Pacific Northwest Awards Dinner on Sept. 12. The event was attended by local business and maritime industry executives, Coast Guard leaders and members, and supporters of the service.

The tribute to the Coast Guard highlighted the Feb. 3 rescue of a mariner from the disabled, 35-foot vessel Sandpiper six miles west of the Columbia River bar. Battling 20-foot high seas and high winds, crews from the Coast Guard’s National Motor Lifeboat School, Advanced Helicopter Rescue School, and Station Cape Disappointment successfully rescued the mariner after his vessel rolled over in the surf.

The event also honored Mike Flood, vice president of outreach and external affairs for the Seattle Seahawks. A Seattle native, Flood has played an essential role in developing relationships between the Seattle Seahawks and local military units in the Pacific Northwest since 1997. He also spent 22 years as a Coast Guard pilot conducting search and rescue missions along the Oregon and Washington coasts. The honors included a heartfelt video of Seattle Seahawks executives, employees, and current and former players thanking Mike for his mentorship and commitment to community.

The keynote speaker, Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan, thanked the Foundation for its work to support Coast Guard members and families. “I am eternally grateful to the Coast Guard Foundation, to all of you and the support you provided this evening for our workforce,” said Fagan. “It is an incredible service and an incredible time to be in the Coast Guard…what I can tell you is, the people that we are bringing into the workforce, they are some of the best the nation has to offer.”

The Coast Guard Foundation thanks all who sponsored and attended the event, which raised more than $410,000 for programs that support Coast Guard members and families. Special thanks to major sponsors and donors: Augustine Rietsema, Mike Flood, Foss, Glacier Seafoods, Seattle Seahawks, Tote, and Trident Seafoods.

Title Image: Pictured are Coast Guard crews honored for the Feb. 3 rescue, along with Coast Guard Foundation President Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan, and Coast Guard 13th District Commander Rear Admiral Charles Fosse.