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COAST GUARD SECTOR LONG ISLAND SOUND HONORS ENLISTED, RESERVE PERSONS OF THE YEAR

April 14, 2015

Petty Officer First Class Adam J. Lorentz, (left) a Boatswain’s Mate, received the EPOY award and Petty Officer Second Class Matthew J. Willett,(right) also a Boatswain’s Mate, received the REPOY award in recognition of their distinguished service for 2014. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

New Haven, CT – Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound honors its Enlisted Person of the Year (EPOY) and Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year (REPOY) during a ceremony held in Boston on Thursday.

Petty Officer 1st Class Adam J. Lorentz, a Boatswain’s Mate, received the EPOY award and Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew J. Willett, also a Boatswain’s Mate, received the REPOY award in recognition of their distinguished service for 2014.

Both the EPOY program and the REPOY program are designed to recognize exemplary men and women from the active and reserve enlisted work force. Nominees demonstrate sustained exceptional standards of proficiency and conduct, their military appearance and bearing are consistently impeccable, and they are role models whom all Coast Guard personnel strive to emulate.

Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Lorentz is assigned to Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team Moriches, in Hampton Bays, New York. He is the Executive Petty Officer of the unit and, among other duties, serves as the unit’s Training, Safety and Administration Petty Officer.  Lorentz played a key role in the recovery and restoration of the waterways of the Great South Bay, Long Island, New York during the winter of 2014, resetting over 53 navigational aids and coordinating a plan to reestablish the waterway so that vital ferry service could be restored to Fire Island.  His efforts ensured continued service to year-round residents and facilitated continued recovery efforts from Super Storm Sandy.

In the absence of the unit’s Officer-in-Charge, Lorentz seamlessly assumed this critical position, capitalizing on the opportunity to develop both as a leader and mentor. He also participated in the Officer-in-Charge College and earned his Officer-in-Charge certification. 

Willett, a native of Niantic, CT, holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut and attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.  He is assigned to Coast Guard Station New London, Connecticut and is cited for superior performance of duty while serving as a reserve Coxswain and Boarding Officer.

Willett accumulated over 332 hours underway while conducting training and boarding operations.  He executed 30 recreational boating safety boardings and interacted positively with the public to ensure a safe maritime environment. 

Willett was selected as the Coast Guard honoree for the 66th annual Connecticut Armed Forces Day luncheon, held in Southington, Connecticut on May 15th.  

“Petty Officers Lorentz and Willett represent the best of the Coast Guard,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Jacquelyn Gemar, Command Master Chief of Sector Long Island Sound. “I commend them both on their efforts.  They are models of service to their communities and to our nation.”

EDITOR’S NOTE:  If you would like additional information, contact LTJG Marty Betts at 203-468-4432. 

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