For the last few years, either Andy riding solo, or Andy and Jeanna came to an awards ceremony that the non-profit where I serve as the Vice President throws on Capitol Hill.

 The non-profit, the Association for Rescue at Sea, provides monetary support to Coast Guard volunteer services worldwide and presents Awards for Heroism to members of the USCG and other maritime community members. 

 Two years ago, Andy and Jeanna were my guests. At that time, their oldest daughter was interested in going to one of the military’s Service Academies. Since the audience was made up of mostly USCG flag officers and other high-ranking members, both active and retired, what a wonderful place to mine for information.

 To that end, I introduced him to a colleague, a retired Rear Admiral who was a former Superintendent of the USCG Academy. Then he spoke with another Rear Admiral who is the Director, Joint Interagency Task Force South to talk about being a woman in the Coast Guard.

 Lastly, I introduced them to the then Commandant of the Coast Guard, ADM Linda Fagan, who spent 20 minutes talking with Andy and Jeanna.

 They reflected later how in awe of the those who received Awards for heroism and the gracious nature of the attendees who they talked with that night.