23-01 COW Awards
Change of Watch Awards and Descriptions
The Auxiliarist of the Year Award is extended to the member who has devoted an extraordinary amount of time and effort in supporting the objectives of the flotilla.
The George Fox Award is provided to a member performing extended outstanding service for 5 or more years in 3 or more different areas. George Fox was a retired Marine Corps Colonel. He was, by anyone's definition, an outstanding and forceful leader. He was exceptionally active in patrols, as an instructor in Public Education classes, a vessel examiner, and took on several administrative jobs, including performing as Flotilla Commander. He was an inspiration to all members of our flotilla.
The Carl Tross Award is offered to a new member serving during his/her first one or two years who is exceptionally active in 1 or more areas. Carl Tross was a member who joined our flotilla with an extraordinary enthusiasm. Within his first year he became crew qualified as well as a vessel examiner. Unfortunately, during his second year, he developed a type of cancer that was incurable and his health slowly deteriorated. He could no longer go on safety patrols, but he continued to do vessel safety checks until he became bedridden from his cancer. His determination to keep active in flotilla activities was above and beyond anyone's expectations.
The Capstan Award is a way of recognizing members that make the flotilla run smoothly. They help with the heavy lifting and keep things moving. They’re an essential team member in a successful flotilla.
The Arthur Randolph Murray Award recognizes a member with sustained performance and excellence in service to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of at least 20 years. Art’s 50-year Auxiliary career spanned widely across multiple U.S. Coast Guard mission areas, including surface operations; marine safety and environmental protection; public education; Coast Guard administrative support activities; Auxiliary administrative support activities; member training and mentoring; recreational boating safety; public affairs; and vessel safety checks. He maintained several Auxiliary qualifications; received numerous awards; and held positions at the Flotilla, Division, District and National levels. A role model and dedicated Auxiliary volunteer, Art’s long and distinguished Auxiliary career has had a major impact on Auxiliary services in Maryland and in the lives of Marylanders.
Recent Past Award Winners
2023
Auxiliarist of the Year — Jim Farrell
George Fox — Dave Sire
Carl Tross — James Booker and Isabela Otero
Capstan — Sue Casler
Auxiliarist of the Year — Jim Farrell
George Fox — Dave Sire
Carl Tross — James Booker and Isabela Otero
Capstan — Sue Casler
2022
Auxiliarist of the Year — Jim Welday
George Fox — Margaret Butler
Carl Tross — Jonathon Lambert and Rick Thompson
Capstan — FSOs: Steven Hildebrand, Ellen Hatcher, Nancy Hames, Jim Welday, Rick Thompson, Wendy Norwitz, Christian Converse, Ed Martin, James Farrell, Douglas Casler, Susan Casler, Ronald Price, Lenny Butler, and Margaret Butler
2022
Auxiliarist of the Year — Jim Welday
George Fox — Margaret Butler
Carl Tross — Jonathon Lambert and Rick Thompson
Capstan — FSOs: Steven Hildebrand, Ellen Hatcher, Nancy Hames, Jim Welday, Rick Thompson, Wendy Norwitz, Christian Converse, Ed Martin, James Farrell, Douglas Casler, Susan Casler, Ronald Price, Lenny Butler, and Margaret Butler
2021
Auxiliarist of the Year – Darian Pringle
George Fox – Jim Welday & Jim Farrell
Carl Tross – Dave Stadler & Nancy Hames
Arthur Randolph Murray – Ed Martin
Capstan – Steven Hildebrand, Dave Stadler, Ellen Hatcher, Nancy Hames, Jim Welday, Darian Pringle, Wendy Norwitz, Christian Converse, Ed Martin, James Farrell, Douglas Casler, Susan Casler, Ronald Price, Lenny Butler and Jim Beyea
2020
Auxiliarist of the Year – Ed Martin
George Fox – Jim Beyea
Carl Tross – Ken Barlow & Susan Casler
Arthur Randolph Murray – Jim Welday
Capstan – Margaret Butler, Dave Sire, Michael Adams, Marie Squillace, Jim Beyea, Steven Hildebrand, Joe Anderson, Ellen Hatcher, Jim Welday, Wendy Norwitz, Susan Casler, Doug Casler, Leonard Butler, Jim Farrell, Ed Martin, Christian Converse, Ron Price, and Darian Pringle
2019
Auxiliarist of the Year – Kathleen Sullivan
George Fox – Jim Beyea
Carol Tross – Dave Sire
Capstan Award – Jim Welday, Christian Converse, Debbie Cranford, Dale Cranford,
Muriel Garman, Margaret Butler, Ellen Hatcher and Jim Farrell
2018
Auxiliarist of the Year - Margaret Butler
George Fox - Jim Farrell
Carl Tross - Steven Hildebrand
2017
Auxiliarist of the Year - Ed Martin
George Fox - Dale Crawford
Carl Tross - Mike Adams
2016
Auxiliarist of the Year - Adam Yearwood
George Fox - Christian Converse
Carl Tross - Marie Squillace