R 082255Z MAY 12

ALCOAST 229/12
COMDTNOTE 5300
SUBJ: PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK
1.  Each year the President and Congress designate the first full
week of May as Public Service Recognition Week in honor of the men
and women who serve America as federal, state, county and local
government employees.  Every day, federal employees work hard to
improve the lives of Americans, and their accomplishments are as
important as they are diverse.  Public Service Recognition Week
highlights the accomplishments of the dedicated public servants who
work tirelessly on behalf of all Americans and who rarely get the
credit they deserve.
2.  Over the past year, Coast Guard women and men - Active Duty,
Reserve, Civilian and Auxiliarists alike - continued to deliver
premier service to the public.  Five hundred and twenty-two civilians
volunteered for the DHS Surge Capacity Force initiative to augment
FEMAs workforce during major disasters or emergencies and support
Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security missions.  In the
Midwest, Coast Guard Disaster Assistance Response Teams augmented by
Coast Guard Auxiliarists and reservists were among the first to
respond to residential areas impacted by severe flooding.  In the
Caribbean, Coast Guard medium endurance cutters and seagoing buoy
tenders interdicted and supported the multi-agency recovery of
self-propelled semi-submersible vessels designed to deliver tons of
cocaine to our shores, streets and schools.  In the Arctic, the Coast
Guard Cutter HEALY broke through 300 miles of Bering Sea ice to make
possible the delivery of 1.3 million gallons of fuel to the 3,600
people of Nome, Alaska.  Reservists assigned to Port Security Units
continue to stand the watch overseas.  Every day, Coast Guard
employees across our Nation and beyond are hard at work, providing
maritime safety, security, and stewardship.
3.  Earlier today, Secretary Napolitano sent a message to DHS
employees expressing her gratitude for your contributions and
commitment to the Departments mission.  The Commandant and I join the
Secretary in that appreciation, and reiterate our respect for the
hard work and dedication that each of you puts forth in serving the
American public. Semper Paratus.
4.  VADM Sally Brice-OHara, Vice Commandant, sends.
5.  Internet release authorized.