Houston Business Community to Honor Local Coast Guard Members

The annual event has highlighted the Coast Guard and maritime industry since 2016. During the event, a crew from Coast Guard Station Sabine, Texas, will receive a special Coast Guard Foundation award for the  rescue of two crewmembers from the 75-foot tugboat Sea Cypress that was sinking in the Sabine River on March 31, 2023. The crew demonstrated superior persistence and fortitude in freeing and rescuing the mariners who were trapped within the vessel.

The Foundation will also honor Marathon Petroleum Corporation for their industry leadership, commitment to safety, and unwavering support of the Coast Guard and local communities. For more than 25 years, Marathon has been a key partner in the Coast Guard Foundation’s mission to support Coast Guard members and their families across the nation. 

Beyond their essential role in providing energy services, Marathon operates vessels and marine terminals on the U.S. East, Gulf, and West Coasts, and their maritime operations are consistently recognized for safety and innovation.

The Texas Salutes the Coast Guard dinner brings together industry leaders, government officials, and U.S. Coast Guard members from the region and beyond to celebrate the missions and heroism of Coast Guard personnel. 

The Coast Guard’s top national and regional leaders are scheduled to attend including the Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Kevin Lunday, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath Jones, and commander of Coast Guard operations in the Houston-Galveston area, Captain Keith Donohue. Coast Guard personnel from the local region will also attend.

The event, which includes a reception and dinner, will be held at the Marriott Marquis Houston on Thursday, November 21, beginning at 6 p.m. The Foundation is grateful to the corporations and individuals who are sponsoring the event. Special thanks to dinner sponsor Kirby and major sponsors, Cheniere, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Excelerate Energy, and Talos Energy. Sponsorship and ticket information are available here.

Title image: Coast Guard Capt. Keith Donohue, commander of Sector Houston-Galveston, Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Rollins, a machinery technician at Station Sabine, and Master Chief Petty Officer Steven Beasley, officer-in-charge of Station Sabine, pose for a photo in front of the station crew during an award ceremony in Sabine Pass, Texas, Dec. 13, 2023. Rollins received a Meritorious Service Medal for rescuing two men from a sinking tugboat on March 31, 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Corinne Zilnicki)