AMT2 Jacob Marks

Aviation Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Jake Marks performed a tricky helicopter hoist, rescuing a hiker with a broken ankle near the Punta Gorda Lighthouse in a remote area of the California coast.

Marks has been a flight mechanic instructor, quality assurance inspector, duty shift supervisor and airman coordinator — all positions normally held by more senior petty officers, said his supervisor, Capt. Christopher Martino. Marks' expertise fixing helicopters has saved the Coast Guard thousands of dollars by allowing the helicopters to be fixed on station.

Marks helped with the air station's new airmen program, managing new airmen from the time they reported to Humboldt Bay to the time they departed for formal training in Elizabeth City, N.C.

Marks raised $21,500 for the unit's morale fund by coordinating the annual Halloween haunted house. He also organized and spoke at a Veterans Day luncheon and arranged an event for residents of a local homeless shelter.

Marks transferred in June to Air Station Port Angeles.