BM2 Dale Janetka

MK1 Samuel Allgood

BM3 Crystal Goble

Storekeeper 1st Class Robert Benedict

"Petty Officer First Class Benedict will volunteer for any leadership position without hesitation and without complaint and is an outstanding example to his fellow sailors," says his immediate supervisor. But it is perhaps the balance he achieves between his personal and professional life that makes him an outstanding member of the community and a shining example to Coast Guard members who serve with him.

As a volunteer in the Partnership in Education program, Petty Officer Benedict works closely with Red Hill Elementary School to assist youth education programs and facility maintenance projects. Petty Officer Benedict also volunteers countless hours as a leader in local youth activities and as a cub scout den leader.

To his fellow crew, Petty Officer Benedict advocates creating a family environment. He initiated the idea of interviewing and profiling his fellow workers in a monthly MWR newsletter section entitled Meet your Mates in order to "get to know the faces we see every day." During the past year, Petty Officer Benedict also initiated and formed the Coast Guard First Class Petty Officer's Association, a volunteer organization that helps community agencies throughout Oahu. Petty Officer Benedict was selected as the Enlisted Person of the Quarter and was the YMCA's Coast Guard selection for community service. Through his community work, care for his fellow Coast Guardsmen and his energy and high level of professionalism, Petty Officer Benedict has enhanced not only the image of the Integrated Support Command, but the Coast Guard as a whole.

Public Affairs Specialist 2nd Class Lauren Smith

Petty Officer Smith exemplifies the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty. "She has distinguished herself from her peers through her untiring motivation, outstanding professional knowledge and a special commitment to excellence," says one of her former unit officers. In a billet normally assigned to a more senior petty officer, Petty Officer Smith excelled. As a public affairs specialist in her most recent assignment in Hawaii, she contributed to more than 40 articles for local, national and international newspapers that portrayed the Coast Guard in a positive light, most notably during the Ehime Maru tragedy. She was selected by the Coast Guard to travel to Hong Kong to coordinate media coverage of the International Search and Rescue Demonstration in May of 2002. She was also selected by the Department of Defense for work in media relations for Camp X-Ray in Guantanamo, Cuba. And, why is she always selected? Her supervisor commented, "Petty Officer Smith is the model military person. She is hard-working, enthusiastic, professional, intelligent, personable and always willing to go that extra mile to get a job done right. Her ability to keep a cool head when all around her is chaotic is remarkable." "Her achievements make her an excellent example for other young petty officers, who routinely seek her out for guidance and advice," said her supervisor.

Despite her busy schedule, Petty Officer Smith is working to earn her bachelor's degree in communications at Chaminade University and also finds time to give back to the community through numerous volunteer activities. She helped organize a Memorial Day floral tribute for the USS Arizona and has also provided volunteer time to the National Park Service, Hawaii Youth Symphony Organization, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as an adult leader with a local Girl Scout Troop. "She has a deep sense of commitment to her unit and the community that is not normally associated with junior personnel," said a colleague. "She truly is an everyday hero who dedicates her time and effort to help others without looking for recognition."

Boatswain Mate Chief Terry Lathrop

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. - In an understaffed unit, Chief Petty Officer Terry W. Lathrop serves as Operations Chief and Command Chief for Coast Guard Station St. Clair Shores. He exemplifies the leadership, integrity, and concern for his shipmates and community that defines today's Coast Guard.

When his previous commanding officer was diagnosed with cancer and unable to return to work, Chief Lathrop worked hand-in-hand with the executive officer to ensure smooth running operations and upbeat crew spirit. In addition to maintaining all his regular duties, he handled all personnel and administrative issues, such as evaluations, medical concerns and interactions with the local community.

Chief Lathrop initiated many training and educational programs that have increased qualification and readiness at his command. He restructured the unit training program, redefining performance goals, qualification standards and streamlining training timelines. As a result, he qualified seven Law Enforcement Boarding Officers, five Coxswains, five Boat crewmen and three Boat engineers. His effort in training and readiness also resulted in the unit receiving the prestigious Sumner I. Kimball award for superior operational readiness. Chief Lathrop implemented the first-ever Station Senior Petty Officer Mast proceeding, to assist in evaluating and improving the performance of junior personnel. This leadership initiative improved the performance of at least six members and greatly aided in retention efforts. "He displays a keen sense of ethical conduct and a high degree of personal integrity," says one colleague. "A qualification recommendation from Chief Lathrop is a significant accomplishment," says one officer. "I have never served with an individual at any pay grade more committed and focused on the Coast Guard mission and its people."

Chief Lathrop volunteered over 200 hours for public speaking and participation in community organizations. "He has spear-headed and led every unit outreach and community service effort," says his current commanding officer. His personal dedication inspired station personnel to participate in community outreach to local schools and children's organizations. Community organizations have written more than 20 letters to Chief Lathrop to thank him for the numerous outreach programs he has initiated. He reinvigorated the relationship with the local Coast Guard Auxiliary, forming a solid partnership, providing them unwavering support and fostering a 500% increase in the Auxiliary voluntary participation in unit operational and administrative support. This resulted in an increased number of qualified watch standers and involvement of the Auxiliary in direct search and rescue support, boating safety patrols and winter weather condition reporting. He made certain that all Auxiliary flotillas were adequately trained and equipped to support and significantly enhance the capabilities of St. Clair Shores Coast Guard units.

Leading by example is something Chief Lathrop has taken to heart. It is common to hear other shipmates sing his praises, and he is usually the one to whom younger sailors turn. "Chief's the person I want to work with again," and "the Chief is the one who knows and can help," are comments from his colleagues. He goes the extra mile in helping his shipmates, listening, and mentoring. "He demonstrates a sincere interest and concern for junior personnel," said one shipmate. "Chief Lathrop constantly looks for opportunities to help you excel and to give those around him the opportunity to achieve and surpass their goals." His care and concern extends beyond professional concern and into the personal well-being of his colleagues. For example, when a fellow Coast Guardsman confided that he was deeply troubled and contemplated suicide, Chief Lathrop immediately dropped everything and worked tirelessly to assist the member to get counseling. Although the individual is not his subordinate, he continues to provide this colleague mentoring. Another NCO says, "Terry is the standard for being a great Chief, a leader that I and other juniors can follow and respect. Coast Guard values flow in his blood, and I have never served with anyone who has more honor and respect than him."

Chief Petty Officer Terry W. Lathrop's desire to excel and ability to motivate and inspire those around him make him a fine example of the best of the United States Coast Guard.

Captain Donna Young

SSgt Russell Storman

A1C Victoria Diaz-Medina

Senior Airman Darwin Rivera

"Senior Airman Rivera is the epitome of an 'outstanding performer'," says his commander. He was recognized in the 2002 Operational Readiness Inspection by the Inspector General team, was selected as the 314th Communication Squadron's Airman of the Year in 2002 and is the 2003 Air Education and Training Command's annual award winner for communication and information systems. One NCO IG inspector said that SrA Rivera developed the two "best practice" programs he's seen used throughout the Air Force. "He goes above and beyond every day doing the work of the next higher rank without a complaint", says his supervisor.

Off duty, SrA Rivera gives generously of his time in youth, community and church programs. Each year he travels to Puerto Rico to mentor the youth in his old neighborhood, emphasizing anti-drug education and ways to succeed in life. During his last trip there, he recruited a young person into the Air Force and saw the recruit off to basic training. "I think that's commendable and pretty cool, too," said his commander. While stationed at Little Rock, SrA Rivera has mentored over 20 at-risk kids through the Big Brother/Big Sister Programs, helped struggling airmen via the base's Airman's Attic program and provided assistance to the elderly through the Meals-on-Wheels program. "He is well-rounded in all that he does," says one NCO. "This tireless bluesuiter is a true champion of base and community involvement, a top-notch professional in every way". SrA Rivera epitomizes the best of those serving in the Air Force today.