NEW ORLEANS- Capt. Frank Paskewich, Coast Guard Sector New Orleans commander, presents Mike Howell with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal at an awards ceremony at Sector New Orleans Saturday, March 25, 2006.
Howell was one of dozens of Coast Guard auxiliarists recognized for their response efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The Coast Guard is credited with rescuing and assisting more than 33,000 citizens following the hurricanes. Addressing the award recipients and other auxiliarists in attendance, Paskewich stated, "Without you, we couldn't have accomplished all that we did."
Since its creation by Congress in 1939, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as the civilian, non-military component of the U.S. Coast Guard. Known as "America's Volunteer Lifesavers," the 30,000 men and women of the Coast Guard Auxiliary rescue and assist boaters in distress, conduct courtesy vessel safety examinations of recreational vessels and teach boating and water safety courses.
U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Niemi.
Subscribe
