The Coast Guard Foundation held its 26th annual Tribute to the Coast Guard’s 8th District on March 15 in grand style at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. The more than 400 people in attendance collectively raised more than $488,000 for the Coast Guard Foundation’s programs and projects.

The event honored the efforts of Coast Guard members stationed throughout the twenty-six state region, who have responded to search and rescue calls, protected the marine environment and secured America’s ports and waterways, among other critical missions.

In particular, Coast Guard Station Panama City was recognized for its outstanding response to Hurricane Michael in 2018, a violent Category 4 storm that left its community wrecked and in need of intense clean-up and repair in its aftermath.

The Coast Guard Foundation took an opportunity to thank and acknowledge all Coast Guard members, who stood the watch during the partial government shutdown earlier this year, and faithfully executed their sworn duty to serve. A Coast Guard Foundation outreach program launched during the appropriations lapse provided emergency support to Coast Guard members in need during the particularly difficult time.

Vice-Commandant Admiral Charles Ray served as keynote speaker. Coast Guard members stationed in New Orleans and surrounding areas attended the event, and in addition, MCPOCG Jason Vanderhaden and RADM Paul Thomas, District Commander, were in attendance.

“Our Foundation, I am most proud of them because as I’ve watched them over the years, they are as close to our service as any organization you could think of…they know our people, they know our leadership, our enlisted leaders and our cadets at the Academy,” remarked Admiral Ray. “They know the connection they have to our service and with our families, and what that does as a result-- it brings out the best in all of us.”

Event Highlights:

> The evening was hosted by former NFL running back Reggie Rivers, who shared his appreciation for the Coast Guard and its service to our Nation.

> Bollinger Shipyards and Edison Chouest Offshore served as the dinner sponsor and Cheniere graciously sponsored the cocktail reception.

> The event served as the kick-off for the Coast Guard Foundation fiftieth anniversary year, with the premiere of a short film honoring the organization's founders and recognizing the importance of the Foundations’ contributions to the support for the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.

> As it has for twenty-six years, the event was expertly organized and coordinated by Coast Guard Foundation Director Nicki Candies, with support from Otto Candies LLC and the Bollinger family/shipyard. Otto Candies, Jr. shared remarks expressing his appreciation for the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Foundation.