OVER THE BOW Fall 2016
N JULY 13, 2016 United States Coast Guard
Auxiliarist Yolanda Robinson of 014-06-04
the Verplanck Flotilla, was presented a unique and esteemed award. The City and State New York Magazine presented 10 honorees with the “Still Serving: Honoring Veterans Improving New York” award. This magazine is a cutting edge statewide publication in New York devoted to covering politics and government throughout that State. For 2016, the magazine highlighted 10 individuals who are presently still serving veterans causes in the public and private sectors.
Yolanda Robinson was honored for both her work with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and for her assistance in the area of veteran’s affairs. This Auxiliary member is the first non-veteran, non-military, volunteer, honored with this award. Robinson was nominated for this esteemed award by a longtime friend in the government who knew of her participation in the Auxiliary and was very impressed by her devotion. Additionally, Miss Robinson continued to help veterans recover their unclaimed pension and retirement funds even after this job was no longer her responsibility. In Robinson’s non-Auxiliary life she works as the Director of Executive Operations for the New York State Comptroller’s Office which means she is often working hand in hand with veteran’s issues.
“It was an extraordinary honor to be recognized with such incredible people who have served their country with distinction and honor,” said Robinson. “As the only volunteer and non-veteran to receive this distinguished recognition it is a true testament to the work and commitment to service by the members in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.”
The keynote address at the awards banquet was delivered by Loree Sutton, Commissioner of the NYC Office of Veterans’ Affairs, who is a retired United States Army Brigadier General. Sutton congratulated the honorees for their devotion to helping veterans throughout New York State. Each of the 10 honorees was acknowledged and accepted their award from City and State Editorial Director, Michael Gareth Johnson.
Robinson has been a member of the Auxiliary since 2013 and has been very active. Her Coast Guard Auxiliary qualifications include both Boat Crew and Public Affairs Specialist III also known as PAIII. Both of these qualifications take a great commitment of both time and training. Yolanda also holds the offices of FSO-PA and FSO-PB as well as ADSO-PB for the First Southern District. Miss Robinson’s devotion to veteran’s affairs confirms again why First Southern District leads the way in the Auxiliary.
OLANDA ROBINSON serves as the public affairs officer for
her flotilla, as well as assistant publications officer for the
First Southern District, which encompasses much of the northeastern seaboard. To carry out those duties, Robinson draws upon her extensive experience in both government and the media, which included stints in television as a news reporter and anchor for News 12 Westchester, as well as a radio talk show host at WJAZ-FM, WFAS-AM/FM and WBLS/WLIB.
Robinson has also served as a spokeswoman for former Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro, with whom she worked to create a weekend school in Southwest Yonkers that provided children and adults with a spectrum of educational opportunities. She would go on to work in the administration of Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young and currently serves as director of executive operations for New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
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Auxiliarist Receives Award for Supporting the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Military Veterans
Bridget Benjamin
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