CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT – Boatswain’s Mate First Class Petty Officer Kyle L. Betts of U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment has been selected as “Enlisted Person of the Year” for Group Astoria.

He will now compete for the honor at District 13 in Seattle and if selected will go on to Washington, D.C. to compete for the Enlisted Person of the Year Award for the entire United States Coast Guard, Lawrence Kellis, Public Affairs Officer for Flotilla 62, USCG Auxiliary, announced.

Petty Officer Betts is a 31-year-old who has been in the Coast Guard for 10 years, six of those at Station Cape Disappointment. He and his wife, Nicole, have a 1-year-old daughter named Kassandra.

During his career he has been awarded the Commandants Letter of Commendation, received three Team Commendations, was named Coast Guardsman of the Year in 1999 by the American Legion in Ilwaco, and received two Good Conduct Medals.

Petty Officer Betts is a Duty Surfman who can operate all the boats at the Cape. He has participated in numerous search and rescue calls, which have included removing people from burning boats, rescuing people in the water and many other incidents involving life and property. He also maintains the daily operations of one of the busiest units in the Coast Guard.

Petty Officer Betts promotes outstanding public relations with the news media, film crews and networks who broadcast the activities of the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition he conducts tours of the Coast Guard Station, schedules burials at sea, Color Guard activities and plays “Taps” at military memorials and funerals. He participates in local parades, church activities and engages with the public in the community. Petty Officer Betts has been the Liaison Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 62 for many years.

Promoting boating safety on the water is one of his primary responsibilities and concerns. During the 2002 Buoy 10 fishing season, he was very instrumental in the safety program conducted at all the docks in the area. He helped make the program work which in turn saved lives, property, and reduced search and rescue calls by 60 percent.

One of many outstanding contributions Petty Officer Kyle L. Betts has made is done on a personal level. For 10 years, with his own funds, he purchases a Christmas tree and decorates it and anonymously gives it to a needy family in the community.

He is one of the “Coasties” who sets up and runs the Haunted Bunker each October. This event is for the community and is well anticipated and attended by over 2,000 people. This year over 1,000 cans of food were collected in addition to $500 in cash donations for the local Food Bank. He plans the holiday parties for the Coast Guard members and their families to help promote positive morale. Petty Officer Betts assists and attends the college education program that is held at the Coast Guard Station Cape “D”.

He is highly respected by all Coast Guard and civilian personnel he comes in contact with. The U.S. Coast Guard and Cape “D” are proud to have Petty Officer Kyle L. Betts on board, and proud to call him a co-worker and friend.