Photo By Patrick Ferraris | Cmdr. Matthew Brinkley, Executive Officer, USCGC STONE; Mr. Robert Edwardson, Tribal...... read more read more
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Cmdr. Matthew Brinkley, Executive Officer, USCGC STONE; Mr. Robert Edwardson, Tribal Liaison Specialist, District 17; and Mr. David Mergenthaler, Emergency Manager, Sector Buffalo, are the Coast Guard’s recipients of the 2022 Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) Military Meritorious Service Award. This award honors service members and veterans in government service who have made contributions above and beyond the mission and promoted American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) culture during the performance period from January 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022.
Brinkley, a proud Cherokee Tribal member, is not the first in his family to receive this award, but that doesn’t make it any less special to him. “My father received this award several years ago for his work in government service,” he stated. “I am very honored and blessed to be a recipient of this award and am grateful to my Commanding Officer, Capt. Clinton Carlson, for nominating me and recognizing the work I do for the American Indian community in my service.”
Brinkley’s upbringing and heritage emphasizes the importance of community, and in his role as Executive Officer, he builds that togetherness by creating educational opportunities for his workforce that increase the awareness of American Indian culture and history within the Coast Guard. He also encourages open conversation among members and heavily advocates for Coast Guard recruitment near reservations and tribal communities to promote a more diverse Coast Guard workforce and increase the representation of American Indians within the Service.
Edwardson's role as the Tribal Liaison Specialist throughout Alaska and the Arctic is pivotal to the success of District 17's various missions and the implementation of the Coast Guard's Arctic Strategy. An Alaskan Native himself and retired Coastie, Edwardson takes great pride in working toward strengthening the relationship between Alaskan Natives and the Coast Guard. He acted as a member of the Tribal Treaty and Reserved Rights work group, where he advised cabinet secretaries on protecting the rights of over 500 tribes across the United States. He also educated and trained personnel on Native traditions, economic development, and livelihood which significantly raised awareness between the Coast Guard and Tribal governments.
Although Edwardson’s name is on his award, he noted that it is more than just an individual recognition. “When I look at the award, I will remember the wonderful teams I have worked with, my supervisor, chain of command, and the Coast Guard who have enabled an environment where we can do so much for those we serve.”
As Sector Buffalo’s Emergency Manager, Mergenthaler helped develop a Geographic Response Strategy (GRS) on Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI) territory where his actions enhanced SNI field training in response techniques, increased tribal capacity to respond to pollution events promptly, and further improved SNI emergency response capabilities. His actions not only cultivate understanding and pride between the Coast Guard and Tribal governments across the Sector Buffalo and Great Lakes region, but also underlines the importance he places on protecting the environment and local tribal communities. Additionally, Mergenthaler encouraged Coast Guard members and units to develop a greater appreciation of American Indian cultures by initiating and coordinating education and outreach activities.
Civil Rights awards like the SAIGE Military Meritorious Service Award helps to maximize the Coast Guard's overall mission effectiveness through recognition of members' accomplishments and contributions to Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity in minority communities and Partnership in Education (PIE) programs. Anyone within the Coast Guard can nominate an individual who is deserving of its Civil Rights awards. Visit www.uscg.mil/Resources/Civil-Rights/Civil-Rights-Awards/ for a list of the awards and for more information.
SAIGE is an organization that provides a forum on the issues, challenges, and opportunities of AI/ANs in the government workforce and fosters a professional network among Al/AN government employees. To join or find out more, visit www.saige.org.
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2022 11:21 |
| Story ID: | 425282 |
| Location: | US |
| Hometown: | JUNEAU, ALASKA, US |
| Hometown: | LAWTON, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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