CAPE MAY, N.J. – Coast Guard Capt. Todd Prestidge, commanding officer Coast Guard Training Center Cape May and a Killeen, Texas native, wins the Coast Guard’s 2015 Civil Rights Senior Leadership Award.
Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., announced Wednesday, via ALCOAST 455/15, the winners of the award that included Prestidge and Megan Allison, Director of Judicial Administration for the Coast Guard’s law judge program.
Prestidge was recognized for having an extensive record of championing equal employment opportunities and human-rights principles as the commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s only recruit basic-training facility. His mission statement for the training center specifically encourages an environment that is free of discrimination, retaliation, harassment or intimidation based upon race, color, national origin, religion, disability, orientation, age or political affiliation.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from our Coast Guard,” said Prestidge. “But I am truly humbled that the nomination package came from within my own staff. Their loyalty and support are the best validation of all.”
Responsible for overseeing the accession training for more than 3,000 new Coast Guard members annually, Prestidge instills the principles of equality throughout basic training and provides opportunities for all employees and recruit to report any instances of treatment that does not align with the Service’s core values. Additionally, he champions recruit gender equality initiatives and diversity among the instructor staff in order to ensure the unit’s positive command climate.
Prestidge will be recognized during an award ceremony held at Coast Guard Headquarters scheduled for January 2016.
Courtesy Photo: Official photograph of Coast Guard Captain Todd Prestidge.