The Coast Guard Foundation’s recent Tribute to the Eighth Coast Guard District recognized Coast Guard Sector New Orleans for the unit’s response to historic Hurricane Ida, which devastated a large swath of the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2021.
The Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, said that more than 530 guests gathered under the vintage military aircraft adorning the National WWII Museum in New Orleans on March 11, to honor Coast Guard members.
“When you assist people during the most difficult times in their lives, either after a death or after witnessing their homes being destroyed, you can’t help but be transformed by the experience,” Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation, said in prepared remarks. “We take our jobs seriously and our support personally.”
The event sponsor was Bollinger Shipyards, and the reception sponsors were Cheniere Energy, Harvey Gulf International Marine, and Otto Candies, LLC. The event raised more than $770,000 for programs that assist Coast Guard members and families nationwide.
The Foundation also honored the memory of longtime board member and marine transportation executive Otto Candies Jr., who died in February 2021. Candies started the Coast Guard Foundation’s New Orleans event with fellow board member Boysie Bollinger and served as the dinner chairman for most of its history. Since 1994, the event has raised more than $9 million for Foundation programs that support Coast Guard members.
