2022 Coast Guard Reserve National Awards Admiral Russell R. Waesche Award This award is named after Admiral Russell R. Waesche who, while serving as Commandant, established the Coast Guard Reserve to bolster readiness during World War II. The award is presented to units that are judged to be most supportive of a totally integrated Coast Guard military force as demonstrated by its effective use and support of the Reserve Component during the previous fiscal year. Category 1: Fifth Coast Guard District The Fifth Coast Guard District is recognized for providing invaluable services to Atlantic Area operations while simultaneously maintaining consistently high levels of readiness. During FY2022, the district’s 591 reserve members served in major ports and strategic facilities from New Jersey to North Carolina and mobilized to the southwest border to support DHS surge operations. The dedication and expertise of their fully integrated reserve force supported the Fifth District in meeting its operational and mission support mandates. Closely integrated as a part of the total CG force, reservists were able to quickly respond and support Fifth District operations across a wide range of mission sets and geographic areas because of their superb training and operational planning at the field unit level. In FY2022, reservists extended operational capabilities and served as a critical force multiplier, providing vital contingency support and augmentation roles during numerous major events to include Operation Allies Welcome, Operation Fried Shrimp and Grits, the 2022 Presidential State of the Union Address, other high-profile national security special events, and multiple natural disasters. The Fifth District expertly employed reserve resource dollars and personnel to accomplish its full range of mission responsibilities in FY2022. Each district unit continues to demonstrate its Reserve component integration and prove its interoperability in support of all major events and given all the extraordinary achievement, support, and dedication, the Fifth District is truly a totally integrated Coast Guard military force. Congratulations to the Fifth Coast Guard District! Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer (ROJO) Award Presented to the Coast Guard Reserve junior officer judged to exemplify those characteristics expected of an outstanding junior officer during the past fiscal year. Lt. Douglas Schneider, U.S. Coast Guard Intelligence Coordination Center Lt. Douglas Schneider excelled in his contributions to the Coast Guard through his leadership, performance of duties, public service, and dedication to lifelong learning. Schneider led the planning and coordination for fast response cutters to transit from Florida to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. He provided increased medical capability by training the crews on required transit skill sets, and coordinated with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Navy, and various stakeholders to meet strategic objectives and facilitate diplomatic engagements during the transit. By identifying a shortfall in training quotas for Coast Guard emergency medical technicians, which would have resulted in decertification of a substantial portion of qualified technicians, LT Schneider worked with the EMT School Chief to develop, coordinate, and implement the CG’s first virtual EMT recertification training. This afforded every expiring EMT certificate holder the opportunity to recertify before expiration and earned Schneider an honorable mention for a Coast Guard Ingenuity Award. Active in his community, Schneider served as a member of the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department, and dedicated five hours every Saturday to support a local farmer’s market in the Portsmouth, Virginia. In 2022, Schneider earned his fourth master’s degree in strategic intelligence and his second doctoral degree in homeland security. His example and advocacy inspired many members to pursue their own education and degrees. Congratulations, Lt. Schneider, on your selection as the Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer. . She points to a similar culture of care and teamwork in the Coast Guard. “Bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together and seeing them become a family is just incredible,” said Hall. “I know I’ve done my job when I see them help each other advance.” As a senior chief, she fully expects to take on the role of mentor for the reservists under her supervision. For them — and for all reservists — she is quick to offer words of wisdom. “Try not to take ‘no’ for an answer,” said Hall. “Ask questions, have conversations. Be honest with your employer. Let the employer and the Coast Guard know your goals and aspirations. Educate them on life as a reservist. You’ll find nine times out of 10 that you’ll get the answer you’re looking for. With everything you do, try to become a stronger individual. Both the Coast Guard and your civilian employer will benefit. Take every opportunity.” . 18 Reservist . . Issue 3 • 2023 Issue 3 • 2023 Celebrating Celebrating 70 70 years of the Reservist years of the Reservist
