Coast Guard Foundation presents 2018 Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard

Coast Guard conducts search and rescue in response to Hurricane Harvey Greater Houston Metro Area, TX, United States 08/28/2017 © Petty Officer 3rd Class Johanna Strickland

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that it will hold its 38th annual Salute to the United States Coast Guard at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

At the event, the Coast Guard Foundation will honor Petty Officer Samuel Knoeppel for his heroism following Hurricane Harvey in September 2017. The Foundation will also recognize International Matex Tank Terminals, a company who has long supported the Foundation's Scholarship Program, Disaster Relief Fund, special projects at bases and the sailing program at the United States Coast Guard Academy.

The United States Coast Guard Band will perform at the event, as will the United States Coast Guard Academy Glee Club. Admiral Karl Schultz, commandant, and Admiral Charles Ray, vice-commandant of the Coast Guard, will attend. Admiral Schultz will deliver keynote remarks.Dinner Co-chairs are Brendan J. Bouchard, Bouchard Transportation, and Brian Buckley McAllister, McAllister Towing.

The evening will continue on the tradition of paying tribute to outstanding members of the Coast Guard who have selflessly risked their lives to save others. Hurricane Harvey produced more precipitation than any other tropical cyclone in U.S. history and brought widespread flooding across 28,000 square miles.

Petty Officer Knoeppel served as a rescue swimmer at Coast Guard Air Station Miami, Florida. In response to the devastation caused by the storm in August 2017, Petty Officer Knoeppel immediately volunteered to reposition to Houston, Texas to assist with search and rescue efforts.

Notably, on August 28, Petty Officer Knoeppel deployed from a helicopter in a 150-foot hover to rescue 27 people from chest deep floodwaters, including young children, elderly citizens and a pregnant woman. The following day, he coordinated two complex hospital-to-hospital transfers of patients in dire need of critical care. In both instances the Petty Officer selflessly placed himself in high-risk environments to physically carry patients on a litter to a suitable landing site for helicopter pickup.

For the duration of both flights, he performed lifesaving first aid to the patients who were unconscious and not able to breathe unassisted. With the helicopter unable to land at the receiving hospital, Petty Officer Knoeppel again carried both patients 150 yards through ankle deep mud to awaiting emergency medical teams.

"The brave men and women of the Coast Guard, exemplified by Petty Officer Knoeppel, are the very definition of selflessness," said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. "We are continually humbled by the sacrifices made by them on a daily basis. We hope that our recognition of several of the brave Coast Guard members each year shows our gratitude for the entire community."

The Coast Guard Foundation's Salute to the United States Coast Guard will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York City, New York. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and the program following at 7:30 p.m.

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.

WHO: The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families
WHAT: Coast Guard Foundation Salute to the United States Coast Guard - National Awards Dinner
WHEN: Thursday, October 4, 2018 – Cocktail Reception 6:30p.m., Dinner and Program begin at 7:30p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York City, New York