2009 Coast Guard Inspirational Leadership Award Winner Summaries

Witherspoon Award

LT Gregory Sabra was the winner of the 2009 Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award. From his award nomination:

He is the units lead advocate for leadership development programs and personal improvement initiatives.
His leadership and motivation skills were the key ingredients to the successful completion of the cutters Mission Effectiveness Program (MEP).
In addition to reforming and preparing SENECA for its return to service, and managing the details of a 7 million dollar project, he enthusiastically instituted personal, professional and volunteer opportunities for his crew by encouraging them to enroll in college courses, granting crew members TAD periods at their desired dream units, and promoting volunteer opportunities in Boston which resulted in the crew contributing over 900 hours of community service.
He labored tirelessly to put SENECA back together while maximizing the personal and professional opportunities of his shipmates.
His performance as the engineer officer has been exemplary and his leadership abilities have seen the crew through one of the most challenging years in the cutters 20 year history.
He inspired members of his entire crew to make extraordinary sacrifices for the benefit of SENECA and the welfare of their fellow shipmates.
He has a fleet wide reputation as an officer who can make things happen and has the natural conviction to excel in every situation, despite any condition.

BMC Daniel Burke was the winner of the 2009 McShan Inspirational Leadership Award. From his award nomination:

Demonstrated outstanding leadership through his cultivation of a positive work environment and his constant attention to the development and growth of his subordinates.
His leadership directly resulted in numerous professional accolades for both him and his crew, including successful evaluations from numerous training team visits and the nomination of one of his first class petty officers for Sector Saint Petersburg Enlisted Person of the Year.
Most noteworthy, was the recognition of JOSHUA APPLEBY at the Coast Guard Foundations 15th Annual Tribute to the Seventh Coast Guard District for operational excellence during Operation Blue Hammer. During this operation, BMC Burke successfully led his crew in facilitating communication between Customs and Border Patrol aircraft and Coast Guard Station Key West assets to successfully interdict 2 smugglers and 33 migrants aboard an overloaded go-fast.
His leadership ensured his crews completion of more than 54 shipboard qualifications, five enlisted advancements, and two off-duty education opportunities.
The CGC JOSHUA APPLEBY'S many operational successes and high degree of professionalism and pride amongst a diverse and multi-talented crew is a direct result of the synergy fostered by BMC Burke.

Mr. Mark McCabe was the winner of the 2009 Putnam Inspirational Leadership Award. From her award nomination:

Over he past year, he has consistently delivered superlative results that have enabled district staffs and field units to excel in mission execution.
His leadership guidance enabled the budget office to be recognized as among one of the most efficient in the Coast Guard, which resulted in the receipt of over 2 million dollars in fall out funding. As a result of this endeavor, CGD-ONE Facilities Branch secured an additional 4 million dollars in funding for critical maintenance projects to address the pier deficiencies and housing safety issues.
His emphasis on mentoring and professional development inspired members of his staff to reach their professional career goals above what had been expected.
He encouraged one member to complete the Naval Postgraduate Schools highly selective Masters in Homeland Security Program and was instrumental in the advancement of 2 other staff members.
In guidance and counsel persuaded one individual to remain in the Coast Guard Reserve retaining the individuals valued corporate knowledge.
His genuine care, concern, commitment, and sacrifice for all of his subordinates are abundantly clear, enabling all to excel both personally and professionally.

Mr. Kim Castrobran the winner of the 2009 Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award. From his award nomination:

He demonstrated outstanding leadership through superb mentoring and motivation of every member of the flotilla.
He created the first Flotilla 35 web site and a new flotilla newsletter. He also created two web sites for Point Vicente and Point Hueneme Lighthouses in order to improve the bonds between the local Coast Guard and Auxiliary units.
His reconstruction strategy centered about institutionalizing a (can do attitude) that tapped into the strengths of flotilla members while recruiting and developing new members.
He planned and coordinated recruitment drives through a diverse range of community venues and the flotilla web site.
His determination and tenacity yielded a 200 percent increase in flotilla membership with several more prospective members currently processed for enrollment.
As a direct result of his energetic leadership Flotilla 35 has experienced and unparalleled rejuvenation characterized by remarkable achievement. It's auxiliarists have subsequently qualified as Boat Crew Coxwains, vessel examiners, and members of the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps. Moreover flotilla annual activity levels exceeded 7,000 hours, more than double that of any other Flotilla in the Division. This contributed to Flotilla 35 earning several regional awards for operational support, member training, and public affairs, as well as the prestigious (Small Unit Award) from the Foundation for Coast Guard History in October 2008, the first time an auxiliary unit has received this award.

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Last Modified 3/26/2009