On August 4th of last year, the United States Coast Guard celebrated their 217th birthday. Just three years ago, after days of searching, the U.S. Coast Guard 27,243 people from rooftops and flooded neighborhoods, devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, Coast Guard personnel assisted with the evacuation of an additional 9,462 patients and medical personnel from hospitals and nursing homes.

Although the entire world watched their helicopters, aircraft, and cutters streak across their television screens that week, many people know very little about this dedicated group of silent heroes.