Auxiliarist Earns The Silver Lifesaving Medal

Contact: Aux. Wayne Spivak
Public Affairs Department
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
http://www.auxpa.org
516-353-9155
Mediacgauxa.org




- MYSTIC, CT, March 29, 2006 - Rear Admiral David P. Pekoske Commander, First Coast Guard District and Commander, Atlantic Fleet Maritime Homeland Defense District One awarded the United States Coast Guard"s second highest award for bravery for saving a life, the Silver Lifesaving Medal to United States Coast Guard Auxiliarist William J. Villanova, 35, of Port Chester, NY on Saturday, March 25th, 2006.

Mr. Villanova was cited "For heroic action on the evening of 1 September 2002, when he rescued a person in distress that was caught in the heavy surf off the Pleasant View Inn in Westerly, Rhode Island." Mr. Villanova and his family were guests at the Pleasant View Inn, on a rare family vacation.

CDR Elizabeth Young, the Director of Auxiliary for the First Coast Guard District, Southern Region, where Mr. Villanova volunteers his and time energies said about the actions of this Auxiliarist, "Mr. Villanova"s selfless action in risking his own life to save another, reflects the highest ideals of the United States Coast Guard and I am proud to have him serve in the United States Guard Auxiliary."

Mr. Villanova is further cited as acting "...without hesitation, and without the aid of a floatation device, entered the heavy surf to assist the drowning victim... Mr. Villanova and the victim were thrown around by the waves and pulled under by the overwhelming rip current on several occasions."

"He is just one of over 30,000 volunteers that also show unselfishness in providing services to the public and the Coast Guard in so many varied and different ways. Everyone in my Auxiliary District, as well as the Coast Guard itself can be proud that Mr. Villanova is a member of TEAM Coast Guard.", said CDR Young.

Lastly, Mr. Villanova is cited for action when it he determined that the victim "...had no vital signs and immediately began CPR. Eventually, the victim began coughing up water and resumed breathing."

RDML Pekoske remarked at the award ceremony, "The entire First District team is very proud of Mr. Villanova"s heroic actions. His lifesaving spirit and personal humility inspire all of us."

The Silver Lifesaving Medal was established on June 20, 1874. It is now awarded by the Department of Homeland Security to civilians and members of the military who risk their lives to rescue or endeavor to rescue any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other "perils of the sea," within the United States, or upon any American vessel. The conditions of the attempted rescue are similar to that required for the Gold Lifesaving Medal, however, without the degree of heroism and extreme risk.

Auxiliarist Villanova is a member of Flotilla 07-03 (Mamaroneck, NY), a six year member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Villanova is currently Vice Commander of his Flotilla.

He is active in on-the-water operations, and is a member of the Auxiliary Cadre which instructs Officer Candidates at the Coast Guard Academy.

Mr. Villanova is one of only a dozen Auxiliarists, according to available records, in the sixty-seven year history of the Auxiliary to be awarded either a Silver or Gold Lifesaving Medal.

RDML Pekoske commenting on the services of the Coast Guard Auxiliary said "The motto of the Coast Guard is Semper Paratus, Always Ready. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is more instrumental than ever in ensuring the Coast Guard can live up to its motto. You won"t find a more dedicated and valued group of volunteers anywhere."

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer"s who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation"s waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 31,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.

For more information on the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit us at www.cgaux.org. />


Hi-Res images go to http://www.auxpa.org/releases/auxaction/032806.html

30.03.2006 - 0:43 Source: 24-7pressrelease.com | Read: 393 X