Thursday, 27 Marc 2024 the Sarasota-Manatee Council (SMC) of the US Navy League(NL) hosted its annual Sea Services Active Duty and NL Youth Groups Heroes Award Dinner at Sara Bay Country Club. Attended by 90 members and guests. The Guest Speakers were CAPT Michael Kahle, Sector CDR and Captain of the Port Sector St. Petersburg, and CDR Mario Gil, USCG Cutter Resolute. 

Awardees were:

USCG Sector St. Petersburg Honoree David Rockwell, USCG Auxiliary Sector Coordinator

USCG Air Station Clearwater Atlantic East Honoree Shannon Welch, Ombudsman

USCG Cutter Resolute Atlantic East Honoree Debra Annam, Sector Educational Service Officer

USCG Station Cortez Honoree Craig Owens, USCG Auxiliary Culinary Assistant

NJROTC North Port High School Honoree Mrs. Lisa Barnes, Spouse

CGJROTC Pinellas High School Honoree Tim LaFave, Parent of Cadet

US Naval Sea Cadets Maritime Eagles Manatee School for the Arts Palmetto Honoree Dennis Turner, Commanding Officer

Young Marines Venice Middle School Honoree Jodi Milani, CWO 4 US Army (ret.)

Young Marines Imagine School North Port Honoree John Halcomb, Principal

NJROTC Lemon Bay High School Honoree Michelle LeCroy, President Navy Club

NJROTC Port Charlotte High School  Honoree Mr. Joey Marchese