Lt. J.G. Greg Rogers

When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast last year, Lt. j.g. Greg Rogers wasted no time. The Coast Guard reservist, who lives in Miamisburg, Ohio, immediately volunteered to join the rescue efforts. A former Marine and veteran of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Rogers supervised up to 100 personnel and 24 boats while also coordinating with multiple government agencies.

Over his 17-day deployment in New Orleans - often dealing with scared and angry crowds, downed power lines and stifling heat - Rogers' teams managed 53 documented rescues and 277 sorties. He braved polluted waters, going house to house and roof to roof to rescue citizens and provide them with much-needed food and water.