Having sold out all copies of our previous editions of The Coast Guard, our signature coffee table book, and with copies now going for more than $300 on Amazon.com, we have printed a third edition. Updated with a chapter featuring USCG Commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft, our editor, LCDR Tom Beard, USCG (Ret.), once again produced an exceptional book.
Joining forces with the National Coast Guard Museum Association (NCGMA) in its effort to establish a National Coast Guard Museum, a founding goal of the Foundation, the Foundation co-sponsored the establishment of the Museum Exhibit Advisory Panel (MEAP). The goal of the MEAP is to gather input from organizations that have been working to preserve, showcase, and educate the public about the United States Coast Guard and its predecessor services, as well as their contributions to the Nation.
Purpose and Function. The Museum Exhibit Advisory Panel (MEAP) is responsible for providing input and offering recommendations regarding the exhibition design for the future National Coast Guard Museum.
Primary Responsibilities. The Museum Exhibit Advisory Panel (MEAP) will:
Identify potential exhibit themes that best represent the Coast Guard’s past, present, and future.
Respond to requests for architectural input and review of exhibit space design, use of technology, and traffic flow to maximize the museum visitor experience.
Serve as active sponsors and advocates for promoting the museum within each member’s respective organization.
Panel Composition. The Museum Exhibit Advisory Panel (MEAP) comprises representatives from interested non-profit organizations and CG representatives who aim to preserve and promote the culture and traditions of the United States Coast Guard. Additionally, the Panel will include museum subject matter experts and an active Coast Guard historian(s) and curator(s). The following organizations have been participating since January 2016.
Association for Rescue at Sea
Commandant’s National Coast Guard Retiree Council
Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association
Coast Guard Auxiliary Association
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Coast Guard Aviation Association
Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association
Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association
Coast Guard Cuttermen Association
Coast Guard Women’s Leadership Initiative
USCG Lightship Sailors International Association, Inc.
National Council of Coast Guard Spouses’ Councils
Various Regional Maritime Museum Directors
United States Life-Saving Service Heritage Association
United States Lighthouse Society
United States Navy Memorial
United States Coast Guard Academy
United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center
Naval Order of the United States
Purchased for the USCG Historian’s Office historic items that belonged to RADM Randolph Ridgely, Jr., who retired as a Rear Admiral in 1935. RADM Ridgely had entered the service through the Revenue Cutter Service. As the US Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association notes, “RADM Ridgely was awarded the Navy Cross in 1918 for his performance “in the important, exacting, and hazardous duty of transporting and escorting troops and supplies through waters infested with enemy submarines and mines” during WWI. He later went on to serve as superintendent of the Academy (1932-1935) immediately following its move to its current location.” The building that houses the USCG Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay is named for him.
In conjunction with the USCG, the Foundation revised the Annual Unit and Individual Awards program, making the submission process easier and clarifying the criteria, categories, and awards.
Participated in the filming of a TV short history about VADM James A. Hirshfield and his WWII heroics. CAPT Fred Herzberg, USCG (Ret.), was the “talking head” who put each part of the story into perspective.
Provided speaker for the breakfast honoring Coast Guard Spouses in Sturgeon Bay, WI. This breakfast was co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Navy League and Roen Salvage Company.
CDR Paul Fawcett relieved CAPT Rick Batson as Treasurer.
Continued sponsorship of Coast Guard History Award to the Honor graduates of each Chief Warrant Officer Professional Development Class.
Published two issues of The Cutter, FCGH’s magazine.
