{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association","home_page_url":"https://cghrsa.org","description":"Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association","author":{"name":"Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association"},"items":[{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/newly-qualified-uscg-rs-at-airsta-traverse-city-congrats","html_content":"

From one of our board members,RS # 431, Matt High. Matt is a retired USCG RS, and is the product manager at Lifesaving Systems, a major supplier of rescue equipment across the globe.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/newly-qualified-uscg-rs-at-airsta-traverse-city-congrats","title":"Newly Qualified USCG RS At Traverse City, Victor Porta, Congrats!","summary":"From one of our board members,RS # 431, Matt High. Matt is a retired USCG RS, and is the product manager at Lifesaving Systems, a major supplier of rescue equipment across the globe.","date_modified":"2026-08-14T00:35:21Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/asmcs-pete-leeman-memorial-scholarship","html_content":"

The CGHRSA is increasing the amount of our two annual ASMCS Pete Leeman Memorial Scholarships to $2000.00 per scholarship.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/asmcs-pete-leeman-memorial-scholarship","title":"ASMCS Pete Leeman Memorial Scholarship","summary":"The CGHRSA is increasing the amount of our two annual ASMCS Pete Leeman Memorial Scholarships to $2000.00 per scholarship.","date_modified":"2026-04-23T01:10:09Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/coop-cooper-drops-new-merch-to-benefit-the-cghrsa","html_content":"

Our own 'Coop' Cooper' (USCG RS #69) has dropped some seriously awesome beer glasses on his website. He's committing all earnings to the CGHRSA to support our three-tiered mission set.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/coop-cooper-drops-new-merch-to-benefit-the-cghrsa","title":"'Coop' Cooper drops new merch to benefit the CGHRSA!","summary":"Our own 'Coop' Cooper' (USCG RS #69) has dropped some seriously awesome beer glasses on his website. He's committing all earnings to the CGHRSA to support our three-tiered mission set. ","date_modified":"2026-02-17T01:29:09Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/40th-anniversary-wrap-up","html_content":"

If I hadn't been there myself, I couldn't have imagined a more memorable weekend to be around so many familiar and close people from this program, and their families. The perfect venue right on the beach at the top of Ki...

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/40th-anniversary-wrap-up","title":"40th Anniversary Wrap-Up","summary":"If I hadn't been there myself, I couldn't have imagined a more memorable weekend to be around so many familiar and close people from this program, and their families. The perfect venue right on the beach at the top of Ki...","date_modified":"2025-10-28T18:31:08Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/how-to-dres-for-friday-and-saturday","html_content":"

Good evening, I wanted to let everyone know we're looking forward to seeing everyone at the beach. 

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/how-to-dres-for-friday-and-saturday","title":"'What am I wearing? I don't know, what are you wearing?' ","summary":"Good evening, I wanted to let everyone know we're looking forward to seeing everyone at the beach. ","date_modified":"2025-10-14T22:55:06Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/40th-anniversary-tentative-schedule","html_content":"

Event Schedule OCT 17-18

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/40th-anniversary-tentative-schedule","title":"40th Anniversary Tentative Schedule","summary":"Event Schedule OCT 17-18","date_modified":"2025-10-02T23:24:56Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/cghrsa-awards-ast-school-instructors-the-new-rescue-swimmer-coin","html_content":"

Did you know that for the past three years your CGHRSA has provided RS coins for every AST-A School graduate? For the first time since its creation, the coin has changed—now available in two versions: brass for active du...

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/cghrsa-awards-ast-school-instructors-the-new-rescue-swimmer-coin","title":"CGHRSA awards AST School Instructors the new Rescue Swimmer Coin","summary":"Did you know that for the past three years your CGHRSA has provided RS coins for every AST-A School graduate? For the first time since its creation, the coin has changed—now available in two versions: brass for active du...","date_modified":"2025-08-30T20:32:53Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/quiet-professionals","html_content":"

From the CGHRSA Board President:

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/quiet-professionals","title":"Quiet Professionals ","summary":"From the CGHRSA Board President:","date_modified":"2025-07-09T20:13:37Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/awarding-the-2025-asmcs-pete-leeman-cghrsa-scholarships","html_content":"

Announcing the 2025 ASMCS Pete Leeman Scholarship Recipients

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/awarding-the-2025-asmcs-pete-leeman-cghrsa-scholarships","title":"Awarding the 2025 ASMCS Pete Leeman CGHRSA Scholarships ","summary":"Announcing the 2025 ASMCS Pete Leeman Scholarship Recipients","date_modified":"2025-06-15T19:56:28Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/40th-anniversary-is-on","html_content":"

Butch Flythe, ASMCM,, USCG (Ret.) RS#0005

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/40th-anniversary-is-on","title":"40th Anniversary is ON!","summary":"Butch Flythe, ASMCM,, USCG (Ret.) RS#0005","date_modified":"2025-06-11T22:14:17Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/obx-40th-anniversary-faq","html_content":"

📍 Where and when is the event taking place?

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/obx-40th-anniversary-faq","title":"OBX 40th Anniversary FAQ","summary":" 📍 Where and when is the event taking place?","date_modified":"2025-06-06T23:28:53Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/coast-guard-helicopter-rescue-swimmer-program-40th-anniversary","html_content":"

The CGHRSA has been working diligently to build a 40th Anniversary Celebration of the USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Program, October 17/18/2025.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/coast-guard-helicopter-rescue-swimmer-program-40th-anniversary","title":"Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Program 40th Anniversary","summary":"The CGHRSA has been working diligently to build a 40th Anniversary Celebration of the USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Program, October 17/18/2025.","date_modified":"2025-05-21T00:27:12Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/momentum-its-a-good-thing-and-were-experiencing-it-thanks-to","html_content":"

Thank You So Very Much for Your Outstanding Support and Encouragement!

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/momentum-its-a-good-thing-and-were-experiencing-it-thanks-to","title":"Momentum, it's a good thing. And we're experiencing it. ","summary":"Thank You So Very Much for Your Outstanding Support and Encouragement!","date_modified":"2025-04-15T02:33:25Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/thank-you-and-standby","html_content":"

To begin, I’m going to thank everyone who has made this association possible. Starting with Butch Flythe, and Scott Adlon. When I went to them with the idea of formalizing the ‘Silver Fins’ into its own 501(c)(3), they w...

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/thank-you-and-standby","title":"Thank you, and Standby.","summary":"To begin, I’m going to thank everyone who has made this association possible. Starting with Butch Flythe, and Scott Adlon. When I went to them with the idea of formalizing the ‘Silver Fins’ into its own 501(c)(3), they w...","date_modified":"2025-01-30T00:17:10Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/thank-you-for-making-it-out-we-had-a-wonderful-time","html_content":"

Friday afternoon, as I headed down highway 168 in the direction of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I was trying to mentally organize the tasks ahead, looking at the time left in the day before I had to be driving into...

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/thank-you-for-making-it-out-we-had-a-wonderful-time","title":"Thank you for Making It Out, We Had a Wonderful Time!","summary":"Friday afternoon, as I headed down highway 168 in the direction of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I was trying to mentally organize the tasks ahead, looking at the time left in the day before I had to be driving into...","date_modified":"2024-11-04T00:52:36Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/we-hope-you-can-make-it-obx-fall-gathering","html_content":"

Tomorrow early evening at the Buffalo City Distillery, enjoy good company, and great food! We hope you bump into some old friends, and make some new ones! And bring your family!

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/we-hope-you-can-make-it-obx-fall-gathering","title":"We Hope You Can Make It! OBX Fall Gathering!","summary":"Tomorrow early evening at the Buffalo City Distillery, enjoy good company, and great food! We hope you bump into some old friends, and make some new ones! And bring your family!","date_modified":"2024-10-31T18:56:07Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/the-cg-aviation-community-and-supporters-have-stepped-up-again","html_content":"

The CGHRSA board members were once again blown away by this communities energy and generosity this past couple of weeks. You responded to fund raising raffle beyond what I believe anyone expected. We cleared over $8,100....

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/the-cg-aviation-community-and-supporters-have-stepped-up-again","title":"The CG Aviation Community and Supporters Have Stepped Up Again!","summary":"The CGHRSA board members were once again blown away by this communities energy and generosity this past couple of weeks. You responded to fund raising raffle beyond what I believe anyone expected. We cleared over $8,100....","date_modified":"2024-10-09T14:07:41Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/the-cghrsa-mcchesney-and-wentz-families-raffle-starts-now","html_content":"

The raffle will run from the 27th, through the 6th, with the winners announced on the 7th!

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/the-cghrsa-mcchesney-and-wentz-families-raffle-starts-now","title":"The CGHRSA McChesney and Wentz Families Raffle Starts Now!","summary":"The raffle will run from the 27th, through the 6th, with the winners announced on the 7th!","date_modified":"2024-09-27T10:31:16Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/jay-mcchesney-and-thor-wentz","html_content":"

This summer and fall have been tragically marked by the loss of now two more USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmers.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/jay-mcchesney-and-thor-wentz","title":"Jay McChesney and Thor Wentz","summary":"This summer and fall have been tragically marked by the loss of now two more USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmers. ","date_modified":"2024-09-18T00:39:34Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/6505","html_content":"

“On September 4, 2008 CG-6505, an HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, crashed approximately five miles south of the Honolulu International Airport.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/6505","title":"6505","summary":"“On September 4, 2008 CG-6505, an HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, crashed approximately five miles south of the Honolulu International Airport.","date_modified":"2024-09-05T00:34:54Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/a-loss-felt-by-families-and-a-lifesaving-service","html_content":"

Two families, and the USCG have recently, tragically lost two exceptionally talented and skilled young men.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/a-loss-felt-by-families-and-a-lifesaving-service","title":"A Loss Felt by Families and a Lifesaving Service","summary":"Two families, and the USCG have recently, tragically lost two exceptionally talented and skilled young men. ","date_modified":"2024-08-03T23:55:12Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/uscg-rescue-swimmer-decert-gulf-shore-alabama-june-2024","html_content":"

You may ask “ What the heck does DECERT mean?”.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/uscg-rescue-swimmer-decert-gulf-shore-alabama-june-2024","title":"USCG Rescue Swimmer DECERT', Gulf Shore Alabama, June 2024","summary":"You may ask “ What the heck does DECERT mean?”. ","date_modified":"2024-07-23T01:04:55Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/pete-leeman-memorial-scholarship-announcment","html_content":"

The CGHRSA is Honored to announce the recipients of the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association Pete Leeman Memorial Scholarships.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/pete-leeman-memorial-scholarship-announcment","title":"Pete Leeman Memorial Scholarship Announcement","summary":"The CGHRSA is Honored to announce the recipients of the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association Pete Leeman Memorial Scholarships.","date_modified":"2024-06-10T01:49:23Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/alaska-marine-safety-education-association","html_content":"

The CGHRSA supports two non-profits, both marine related.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/alaska-marine-safety-education-association","title":"Alaska Marine Safety Education Association","summary":"The CGHRSA supports two non-profits, both marine related.","date_modified":"2024-05-02T00:58:59Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/its-a-small-community-with-an-incredible-heart","html_content":"

This week was a good week for the CGHRSA, and two amazing things happened that stand out:

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/its-a-small-community-with-an-incredible-heart","title":"It's a Small Community, With An Incredible Heart.","summary":"This week was a good week for the CGHRSA, and two amazing things happened that stand out: ","date_modified":"2024-04-19T01:03:22Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/butler-parachutes-steps-up-with-cghrsa-support","html_content":"

Butler Parachutes in Roanoke VA, with Roberto Montanez (owner) at the helm has generously donated to the CGHRSA to become a sponsor of the CGHRSA mission set.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/butler-parachutes-steps-up-with-cghrsa-support","title":"Butler Parachutes Steps Up With CGHRSA Support!","summary":"Butler Parachutes in Roanoke VA, with Roberto Montanez (owner) at the helm has generously donated to the CGHRSA to become a sponsor of the CGHRSA mission set. ","date_modified":"2024-04-11T23:54:07Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/thank-you-to-switlik-survival-products-for-your-support","html_content":"

Recently Switlik Survival Products stepped up to sponsor the mission of the CGHRSA and we couldn't be more grateful. Switlik Products, with Stanley and Sara Switlik at the helm have been providing quality survival equipm...

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/thank-you-to-switlik-survival-products-for-your-support","title":"Thank You To Switlik Survival Products for your support!","summary":"Recently Switlik Survival Products stepped up to sponsor the mission of the CGHRSA and we couldn't be more grateful. Switlik Products, with Stanley and Sara Switlik at the helm have been providing quality survival equipm...","date_modified":"2024-04-11T23:34:21Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/fair-winds-astcs-thiessen","html_content":"

Today I had the privilege of attending ASTCS Matt Thiessen's retirement. (I've worked with Matt for the past few years at ALSE Tech/Prime, ALC).

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/fair-winds-astcs-thiessen","title":"Fair Winds ASTCS Thiessen","summary":"Today I had the privilege of attending ASTCS Matt Thiessen's retirement. (I've worked with Matt for the past few years at ALSE Tech/Prime, ALC). ","date_modified":"2024-02-23T22:01:55Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/thank-you-to-our-early-supporters","html_content":"

Following our official announcement on social media and LinkedIn, we extended 100 plank-owner memberships while reaching out to long-time professional contacts and industry partners. Our aim was to explain our associatio...

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/thank-you-to-our-early-supporters","title":"Thank You to our Early Supporters!","summary":"Following our official announcement on social media and LinkedIn, we extended 100 plank-owner memberships while reaching out to long-time professional contacts and industry partners. Our aim was to explain our associatio...","date_modified":"2024-02-22T01:29:34Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/first-board-meeting-and-some-forward-momentum","html_content":"

The CGHRSA had the first board meeting this week. Roles in the organization are being cemented, and already there's been some pleasant surprises.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/first-board-meeting-and-some-forward-momentum","title":"First Board meeting and some forward momentum..","summary":"The CGHRSA had the first board meeting this week. Roles in the organization are being cemented, and already there's been some pleasant surprises. ","date_modified":"2024-01-07T03:44:39Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/its-official-501c3","html_content":"

We received confirmation from the IRS that the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association is now recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The culmination of an effort started some time ago.

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/its-official-501c3","title":"It's Official. 501(c)(3)","summary":"We received confirmation from the IRS that the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association is now recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The culmination of an effort started some time ago. ","date_modified":"2023-12-25T01:06:07Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/opportunity-to-help-and-maybe-win-an-awesome-watch","html_content":"

Joey Gryzenia from The Rescue Swimmer Foundation has secured a copy of an awesome timepiece, donated by the manufacturer. For a mere 20$ donation, you can have a chance to have your name drawn to win this watch, and a gu...

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/opportunity-to-help-and-maybe-win-an-awesome-watch","title":"Opportunity to Help, and Maybe Win an Awesome Watch!","summary":"Joey Gryzenia from The Rescue Swimmer Foundation has secured a copy of an awesome timepiece, donated by the manufacturer. For a mere 20$ donation, you can have a chance to have your name drawn to win this watch, and a gu...","date_modified":"2023-11-18T00:32:30Z"},{"id":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/startup-putting-first-things-first","html_content":"

We have submitted the documentation for the 501(c)3 non-profit, the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association, or "Silver Fins" and we expect that our documents will be delivered near the end of November of thi...

","url":"https://cghrsa.org/cghrsa-blog-and-updates/f/startup-putting-first-things-first","title":"Startup. Putting first things first.","summary":" We have submitted the documentation for the 501(c)3 non-profit, the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association, or \"Silver Fins\" and we expect that our documents will be delivered near the end of November of thi...","date_modified":"2023-11-15T01:57:52Z"}]}