Coast Guardsman Honored as Top Active Duty Enlisted Service Member

WASHINGTON — A New Jersey native, now currently assigned to Coast Guard Sector San Diego, was recognized as the Coast Guard's top active-duty enlisted member during the 2014 Coast Guard Enlisted Persons of the Year Banquet Thursday on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington, D.C.

Adm. Paul Zukunft, commandant of the Coast Guard, presided over the evening ceremony at the Bolling Club on JBAB to recognize the accomplishments of Petty Officer 3rd Class Giacomo Terrizzi, the 2014 Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year — Active-Duty Component.

Terrizzi is a marine science technician currently assigned to Coast Guard Sector San Diego.

Terrizzi is from Manchester, N.J., and is a 2003 graduate of Manchester High School. He went on to graduate from the University of New Haven, Conn., in 2007 and enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2009. He is currently assigned to Sector San Diego as a port state control examiner and facility inspector. He also coordinates the unit's color guard, ensuring that Coast Guard representation at local public and community events is meticulous and is conducted in accordance with Coast Guard policy and regulations. He also coaches the sector's softball team. He graduated from UNH with a B.S. in investigative services (concentration in forensic science) with a minor in psychology. He is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in organizational leadership from Argosy University.

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During 2014, Terrizzi repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary leadership qualities, resourcefulness, and perseverance. He served as the Captain of the Port of San Diego's direct representative for 15 high-visibility marine events. While acquiring numerous certifications directly related to his position with Sector San Diego's Waterways Management Division, Terrizzi completed certifications for both the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act, an accomplishment normally achieved by members who are more senior. Additionally, Terrizzi maintained a 4.0 GPA while enrolled in an accelerated Master’s Degree program focused on Organizational Leadership.

"It is still so surreal," Terrizzi said. "To be selected as the 2014 Coast Guard EPOY is truly an honor because I know each member nominated was very well deserving."

Terrizzi was presented the Coast Guard Commendation Medal and received numerous gifts from sponsor organizations.

As a result of being selected as one of the Enlisted Persons of the Year, Terrizzi was authorized to be meritoriously advanced to the next higher paygrade. During the ceremony, he was advanced from petty officer third class to petty officer second class.