U.S. Coast Guardsman Chosen Serviceperson of the Month

For August

 

GROTON, Conn.  – Food Service Specialist First Class Brandon Ingram was selected as Serviceperson of the Month for August.  The New London Kiwanis honored Ingram on August 25 during a luncheon at Mitchell College Clark Center, New London.

The Service Person of the Month Program provides community recognition of outstanding active duty enlisted personnel stationed in the Groton-New London area. Coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut in cooperation with all active duty units of military organizations permanently based in the area, the program is actively supported by local service clubs and civic organizations who celebrate the monthly awardees at events sponsored by the clubs or organizations.

Commander McKenna, Comptroller at the Coast Guard Academy thanked the Kiwanis for all that they do.  He said that in May, the Academy lost power for five days during graduation week.  He said, “five days without power but all events for the week went on without a hitch.  This couldn’t have happened unless you have someone like Brandon working for you.”

     Ingram serves as the Quality Assurance Evaluator for dining services at the Coast Guard Academy. He demonstrated exceptional dedication and a consistent high level of leadership as one of only two petty officers chosen to perform the collateral duties of first line mentor of two cadets.  Ingram willingly gave his personal time to mentor these cadets.  And during a suitability for service board, gave testimony as to the progress one had made, eventually leading to his being retained as a Petty Officer.  The performance of Ingram at this hearing led him to be selected to sit on a leadership board.

     Ingram, being a forward thinker, recommended that recharable emergency lighting be purchased in sufficient quantity to light most of the wardroom, galley and the All Hands Dining Facility should the power ever go out.  During the busiest time at the Academy, graduation week, power was disrupted for five days, and with the emergency lighting purchase, all the activities continued without a disruption.

At the luncheon, Ingram was presented with the following: A gift certificate from Mallove’s Jewelers; a savings bond from The Day; a savings bond from the Submarine Force Library and Museum; a check from the Eastern Connecticut Council of the Navy League; two tickets for the Black Hawk Fishing Boat; two adult tickets to the Mystic Aquarium; two adult tickets to the Mystic Seaport; four passes to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center; a savings bond, mug and certificate of appreciation from the New London Kiwanis and a plaque from the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. 

After receiving his gifts, Ingram said “None of this would be possible without the support of my wife.  She gives me the courage and motivation to continue to do the things I do.” 

     Ingram is entitled to wear the following medals and ribbons:  Coast Guard Achievement Medal; Coast Guard Presidential Unit; Coast Guard Unit Commendation; Coast Guard “E” Ribbon; Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (2); National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terroriam Service Medal; Coast Guard Pistol Marksman Medal and Coast Guard Rifle Marksman.