Atlantic City reservist saves motorist in overturned car The evening of Nov. 11, 2020, Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Foley was driving to work at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility where he serves as a senior correctional police officer, when he noticed an overturned vehicle on the side of the road in Manchester Township, N.J. He stopped his vehicle in a way that would use the headlights to light the scene. Approaching the overturned car, he could see an elderly man trapped inside the vehicle. Using a tool to break the windshield, Foley was able to remove the distressed man and place him in his own vehicle until emergency services arrived. Two weeks later, on Nov. 24, 2020, the senior members and executive board of the GSCF gave him a letter of commendation for his heroic service, and they presented him with the Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 105’s Hero Award. “Your quick and decisive action was potentially lifesaving to the victim of the accident,” said Major R. Giannascoli in a letter to Foley. “Your actions serve as an example to be emulated by your superiors and peers alike.” Master Chief Petty Officer Brian Miley, the senior enlisted reserve advisor for Foley’s unit, Sector Field Office Atlantic City, N.J., agreed that Foley stands out as a role model. “It’s no surprise to us that Petty Officer Foley is as selfless and helpful in his civilian job as he is here at the SFO,” said Miley. “On duty and off, he’s the guy who gets it done.” � PACAREA meritoriously advances PSU 307 petty officer Story by Lt. Cmdr. Donnie Brzuska, PSU 307 Petty Officer 2nd Class Trevor Atkinson, a Coast Guard reservist with Port Security Unit 307, was meritoriously advanced to petty officer second class Dec. 12, 2020, during a virtual ceremony in Clearwater, Fla. Atkinson was advanced by Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area, becoming the second Coast Guard reserve member to be meritoriously advanced under a program released by the service earlier this year. “The Coast Guard needs strong leaders who excel in the face of adversity and embody our core values,” said Fagan. “Petty Officer Atkinson has demonstrated sustained leadership and performance far beyond his current rank, and it was my honor to recognize his commitment to our service, his shipmates and the community.” The Coast Guard Meritorious Advancement Program allows top ranking officials to advance petty officers in pay grades E-4 and E-5 for superior performance. The service’s top officer and commandant, Adm. Karl Schultz, announced the program during the State of the Coast Guard Address in February, and numerous service members have been recognized since it was formerly established in May. Atkinson, a tactical boat engineer and crewmember, assumed several training and leadership roles normally reserved for higher ranking personnel, and he prepared a sister unit for expeditionary defense operations and trained U.S. Navy sailors in vessel operation and security zone enforcement during a joint mission. Atkinson also helped dozens of members at PSU 307 get qualified in their roles, ensuring the unit is deployment-ready. He also volunteered hundreds of hours in his community, serving at a large animal rescue and assisting with the care of neglected farm animals. "Petty Officer Atkinson's honor, respect and devotion to duty are indicative of all the extraordinary men and women stationed at Port Security Unit 307," said Cmdr. Gregory Rogers, commanding officer, PSU 307. "It's humbling to see how leadership is still recognizing and engaging with our troops despite the challenges of this global pandemic." � Issue 1 • 2021 � RESERVIST 39
