R 012029Z MAY 12

ALCOAST 205/12
COMDTNOTE 1524
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM AWARDS
1. Nomination packages for the Coast Guard Education Services Officer
of the Year (ESOY) and the Vander Putten Inspirational Student of the
Year (ISOY) are now being accepted through 07Jun12.
2. ESOY awards:  This program is designed to recognize both an
exemplary full time and a collateral duty Education Services Officer
(ESO). ESOs are vital command leaders who assist personnel to receive
rate specific training materials and pursue their off-duty voluntary
education goals. In performing their duties, ESOs continuously invest
a significant amount of time to ensure the realization of training
and education goals.  ESOs are truly the backbone of the Coast Guard
voluntary education program. The ESOY award recognizes the
outstanding contributions of these vital members. The award period is
from 01May11 through 30Apr12.
3. The Vander Putten ISOY award:  This award is designed to recognize
an exemplary Coast Guard Active Duty or Reserve member who has earned
an off-duty degree at the associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral
level. Other specialty degrees, such as law degrees, also qualify.
Only those students who demonstrate sustained exceptional standards
of academic proficiency and dedication should be nominated for the
Vander Putten ISOY award. Nominees should reflect the Coast Guard
core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. All nominees
should be role models in off-duty education accomplishment.  The
award period is from 01May11 through 30Apr12.
4. All award nomination packages, along with a written endorsement
from the members commanding officer or first O-5/GS-14 in the chain
of command, shall be submitted to the Coast Guard Institute at 5900
SW 64th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73169-6990 or emailed to
patrick.j.hodges(at)uscg.mil. All nomination packages are due NLT
Thursday, 07Jun12.
5. Detailed information regarding award nomination package
requirements can be found on the Coast Guard Institute website at
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg1/cgi/nominations.asp. Specific questions
regarding award nomination packages should be directed to LCDR Scott
Kirkland, Coast Guard Institute Executive Officer at 405-954-7232.
6. RDML S. E. Mehling, Commander, Force Readiness Command, sends.
7. Internet Release Authorized.