Former CGMA CEO, Rear Admiral Cari B. Thomas (Ret.), Honored with 2024 Spirit of Hope Award

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) is proud to announce that its former Chief Executive Officer, Rear Admiral Cari B. Thomas, USCG (Ret.), has been selected as the recipient of the Coast Guard’s 2024 Spirit of Hope Award. This prestigious award is presented in recognition of outstanding service to the United States, honoring those whose patriotism and selfless dedication to others epitomize the values of Bob Hope: courage, honor, duty, commitment, integrity, and a profound dedication to enhancing the quality of life for service members and their families.

Rear Admiral Thomas is being recognized for her exceptional leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) from 2018 to 2024. Under her leadership, CGMA provided more than $50 million in assistance to over 49,000 Coast Guard service members and their families during a period marked by unprecedented challenges, including a government shutdown, a global pandemic, and numerous natural disasters. Her ability to adapt to evolving challenges and her unwavering commitment to the men and women of the Coast Guard reflect the enduring legacy of Bob Hope.

“We are deeply honored to see Rear Admiral Cari B. Thomas recognized with the 2024 Spirit of Hope Award,” said Jason Wong, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. “Her unwavering dedication to the Coast Guard family, especially during times of crisis, embodies the very essence of what this award represents. RADM Thomas’s leadership and commitment to service have left an indelible mark on our community, and her legacy will continue to inspire us all to serve with the same courage, integrity, and compassion.”

Rear Admiral Thomas will accept the Spirit of Hope Award at a ceremony held at the Pentagon on September 18, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will honor awardees from every branch of the United States Armed Forces.