Lt. Karen Appel, budget officer of the 13th Coast Guard District, competed against high-performing military and civilian financial officers from all branches of the Armed Forces to earn the Meritorious Award from the American Society of Military Comptrollers in the Accounting and Finance category, which was presented to her in Seattle, May 28, 2014. Appel is also a weightlifting enthusiast who teaches fitness courses and competes in Olympic weightlifting competitions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Katelyn Shearer)