The Long Blue Line (Summer 2022)

U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION ACTIVE DUTY
C2022
INSPIRATIONAL
LEADERSHIP
AWARD
WINNERS
By Janki Patel, MyCG Staff
Every year, the Inspirational Leadership Awards recognize Coast
Guard active duty, reservists, civilians, and auxiliary volunteers who
best exemplify the Coast Guard’s Core Values of Honor, Respect, and
Devotion to Duty. Award recipients receive a personal phone call from
either the Commandant ADM Karl L. Schultz or Master Chief Petty Officer
of the Coast Guard Jason Vanderhaden.
“Exceptional. Dedication. Leadership. Each of the winners exemplify
these descriptors in their own, unique way,” said CAPT Julie Kuck, deputy
director, Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership.
2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Captain John G. Witherspoon Inspirational
Leadership Award
The oldest of the ILAs, named for the second
African American officer to command a Coast
Guard cutter and the first African American to
command a Coast Guard shore unit, Witherspoon
was recognized as a leader, mentor and pioneer
who commanded respect.
Active Duty Recipient: Lieutenant
Commander Roberto Concepcion, Office of
Specialized Capabilities
LCDR Roberto Concepcion’s leadership
philosophy is one of compassion, guided by
five tenants: visible commitment, humility,
cultural and emotional intelligence, and effective
collaboration. He tirelessly works to attract
underrepresented minorities to the Service
by building relationships with key centers of
influence to improve diversity within the Coast
Guard. He meticulously networks to build
robust connections and expand collaboration
opportunities among the Affinity Group Council,
Recruiting Command, and the Office of Diversity
and Inclusion.
Specifically, he fosters strategic partnerships
with schools that serve predominantly minority
populations to help boost diversity in the College
44 SUMMER 2022
THE LONG BLUE LINE