U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member Alan G. Smith of Sequim was recently named Sector Puget Sound Auxiliarist of the Year for 2019.
During the monthly meeting at USCG Sector Puget Sound Headquarters, Capt. Linda A. Sturgis, commander Sector Puget Sound, presented Smith with a USCG Sector Puget Sound citation, plaque and challenge coin to reflect his accomplishments, dedication and commitment to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Capt. Michael M. Balding, deputy commander Sector Puget Sound, presented highlights of Smith’s activities for 2019 to Smith, his family members present and other USCG and USCG Auxiliary members in attendance.
As a member of USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 44 in Port Angeles, Smith volunteered 207 hours, executed eight vessel safety exams, one Coast Guard facility exam and more than 34 hours in public outreach, Balding said.
Smith integrated seamlessly with the active duty community in Port Angeles, Balding said, and participated in a litany of projects, including the Continuity Of Operations Tsunami Preparedness Drill.
Smith was the first member of Division 4 to certify as an Auxiliary food services specialist and to certify as junior officer of the day at USCG Air Station Port Angeles, Balding noted.
Smith was lauded for consistently volunteering for extra shifts, particularly during holiday routines to allow active duty personnel to spend more time with their families. He was also honored for advocating an ongoing initiative to “adopt” the grounds at USCG Air Station Port Angeles’ flag pole area where he leads Flotilla 44 in regular maintenance, and for his participation in the morning and evening flag raising and lowering ceremonies.
Smith’s name will appear on a perpetual plaque maintained and displayed at the USCG Sector Puget Sound Headquarters.
During the recognition, Smith was joined by his wife Maxine, son Christopher and daughter Amanda.
Created by Congress in 1939, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. For more information, visit www.cgaux.org.
