KODIAK, Alaska — Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak recognized four air station members for their exemplary performance and superior technical, aviation, professional, and leadership abilities with three Lt. Robert A. Perchard Memorial Trophies and one General Service Award during a biannual presentation covering July to December 2014.
Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Medolla stands for a photo before an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter at Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, Feb. 27, 2015.
Medolla earned the Lt. Richard A. Perchard award for his exceptional work and devotion to duty.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Diana Honings.
Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Medolla earned the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter Perchard Award by directing the restructuring of the Flight Mechanic Training Program to align with the current Air Operations Manual. He led an example by scoring 100 percent on the closed book exam of the 2014 standardization visit and scored 2 percent higher than the fleet average on the Alaska Patrol Flight Mechanic test. Deployed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley, his efforts were critical in the successful rescue of an injured fisherman from the fishing vessel Patricia Lee. Medolla also volunteers as a soccer coach, strengthening Coast Guard ties with the local community.
“I’m privileged to get this award,” said Medolla. “I’d like to thank the pilots and people I work with; they’re the people who really made this happen. It’s a reflection of all of us here at the air station. It’s a testament to our philosophy of safety and taking care of each other.
Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Christensen stands for a photo in front of a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, HC-130 Hercules airplane Feb. 26, 2015.
Christensen is a marine science technician who was recently awarded the General Service Award.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Diana Honings.
Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Christensen earned the General Service Award for his tireless devotion to the success of the personnel at Air Station Kodiak. He provides daily in-depth and informative weather briefs to the command pilots, and explains the complex weather systems that impacts Alaska. During the incoming Super Typhoon and a volcanic eruption in Russia in July 2014, Christensen worked to assist the deployed HC-130 Hercules airplane crew in Japan to find a weather window to allow the crew to return safely.
“It is a very complex and dynamic job providing weather support for three different airframes flying to locations throughout the state,” said Christensen. “It is an honor and a privilege to be presented the GSA Award from some of the most courageous men and women in the Coast Guard.”
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jesse Sanchez stands for a photo in front of a HC-130 Hercules airplane at Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, March 3, 2015.
Sanchez, an aviation maintenance technician, was recently awarded the Lt. Robert A. Perchard award for his outstanding work at the air station.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Diana Honings.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jesse Sanchez was selected as the HC-130 Hercules airplane Perchard Award for his performance as a Hercules loadmaster, ensuring cargo is placed on the aircraft in such a way so as to prevent overloading. He has flown more than 30 logistic flights since July and volunteered to crew a short notice 28-day deployment to Central America over the holidays to support counter drug operations. Sanchez also contributed to the reduction of a 15-person backlog in loadmaster training.
“It’s an honor to be chosen for this award,” said Sanchez. “It’s a pleasure to work and fly in Alaska; I love the challenge of the job and operating in the environment here. It’s a rewarding experience.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Kreske stands for a photo before a flight at Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, March 4, 2015.
Kreske, an aviation survival technician, was recently honored the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter Perchard Award for the rescue and repair of fishing vessel Jeanoah in July 2014.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Diana Honings.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Kreske is a rescue swimmer who was chosen as the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter Perchard awardee for his excellent leadership and crew coordination with the fishing vessel Jeanoah, which was taking on water in July 2014. Kreske found himself alone on scene with the boat’s crew and dewatering pumps. He was able to manage the equipment and crew to stop the flooding, saving both the vessel and crew.
“I’m honored to get the Perchard Award, it’s a pretty prestigious award,” said Kreske. “It means a lot because it was voted on by my peer – pilots and chiefs. I’m grateful for the recognition. Everyone here does a great job; they’re great at what they do, I was just the one on duty that day. I was fortunate enough to get the case that awarded me this.”
The Lt. Robert A. Perchard Memorial Trophy was established in 1963 by the parents and friends of the late Lt. Perchard, who gave his life in company with his fellow crewmembers while serving as co-pilot aboard a Grumman HU-16E Albatross on a rescue mission in Alaska.