Omega Man Leads the U.S. Coast Guard

[PerroLoco]

U.S. Coast Guard admiral named prestigious Thurgood Marshall Award recipient
February 13th, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rear Adm. Manson K. Brown was honored last night at a “Salute to Diversity” Reception here with a Thurgood Marshall Flag Officers Award.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) joined with 47 public historically black colleges and universities to honor African-American flag officers of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Fourteenth Coast Guard District Commander, Brown was honored for his commitment to service and leadership that embodies the qualities of the late Justice Thurgood Marshall, former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The “Salute to Diversity” Reception was held at Gallup world headquarters in Washington, D.C., but Brown was unable to attend because of operational commitments in Honolulu, headquarters of the Fourteenth District.

Brown is a Washington, D.C. native, growing up in northwest D.C., and graduating from Saint John’s College High School. Active in the community, Brown is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and immediate past president of the National Naval Officers Association, Inc.

“I am pleased and privileged to be linked with a statesman such as Thurgood Marshall,” said Brown, a civil engineer who has risen through the ranks of the U.S. Coast Guard to command the service’s largest geographic district. “This is truly a humbling experience and I am honored to build upon Justice Marshall’s legacy by furthering his commitment to leadership.”

The TMCF also honored Gen. William E. Ward, Commander of the U.S. Africa Command; Lt. Gen. Ronald S. Coleman, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Lt. Gen. Edward Rice, Jr., Commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force; and Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy.

The TMCF says the reception was an excellent venue to showcase the opportunities and benefits available within the U.S. Armed Forces, according to a news release about the awards.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my years in the United States Coast Guard and I recommend a career in our service to any young person looking for adventure and opportunities for professional growth,” says Brown, a 1978 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. “Officer or enlisted, the Coast Guard offers opportunities to grow and learn in a dynamic environment.”

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