Search and Rescue Instructor Awarded Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal

Auxiliarist James F. Campbell, a 12-year volunteer veteran at the National Search and Rescue (SAR) School, Training Center Yorktown, was recently presented the Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal to especially recognize his exceptionally meritorious achievement and superior performance of duties during the period July 2008 to April 2011.

Rear Admiral Stephen F. Mehling, USCG, Commander, Force Readiness Command, issued the medal for the Commandant. April 2011 marked the end of Campbell's long and meritorious tenure as a SAR school instructor, Auxiliary SAR Ambassador, and (Spanish language) interpreter of search and rescue theory, policy, and execution.

Auxiliarist Campbell is a member of Flotilla 31, 5th Southern Region and is Past Division Commander, Division 3. He started his volunteer service of the Coast Guard in 1983; he started volunteering at the National Search and Rescue School in March of 1999.

Campbell has received numerous awards for specific periods and types of service in support of the search and rescue program of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Campbell, also a volunteer blood donor, humorously noted that he has had to forego several donations because, between donations, he had served as a search and rescue instructor in Central and South America countries that the blood services had on an embargo list. He has consulted/trained in search and rescues in English and Spanish in the following countries: Dominican Republic (3x), Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Antigua & Barbuda.

Campbell’s recognition ceremony was held at Training Center (TRACEN)-Yorktown June 13, 2011; presentation of the certificate, medal and citation was made by the Commander, TRACEN-Yorktown, CAPT. W.J. Milne. CAPT Milne was assisted by CDR W. J Lawrence, Executive Officer, TRACEN and TRACEN Command Master Chief Athan Kramer. Also in attendance was the 5th District Command Master Chief Stephen Dykema, USCG.

 

 

 

 

~mg 08-19-11