About The Award
MCPO McShan joined the Coast Guard in 1979. She was a pioneer for women and African Americans. She was the first African American woman to be promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer.
Serving over two decades with great devotion, she is remembered as an exemplary leader and professional. She served as a Storekeeper before transitioning over to Yeoman, a Civil Rights Counselor, and an (A) School Instructor, and ended her career as the Senior Instructor on the Chief Petty Officers Academy staff in New London, CT. In her full but shortened life, she not only touched and inspired the many she trained, but she left a positive and lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
A native of Alabama, she has been described as a positive kind, and a motivational person. MCPO McShan was a stellar performer, mentor teacher, and inspirational leader. In her last position as an instructor at the Chief Petty Officer Academy in New London, CT, she inspired many students to change their lives for the better through the courses she taught. MCPO McShan passed away in December 2000. In her memory, the Commandant established a new leadership award specifically for chief petty officers, the Master Chief Angela M. McShan Inspirational Leadership Award.
Award Criteria
This award annually recognizes the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer (E-7 only), active duty and reserve, who best exemplifies the Coast Guard’s Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Each command is encouraged to send in a nomination. The member must be a graduate of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy or other military senior enlisted academy. Nomination packages must identify academy and date graduated.
- Exemplified the Coast Guard Core Values of Honor (integrity), Respect (esteem of junior and seniors), and Devotion to Duty (ethical behavior).
- Fostered a culture of diversity through inclusion and commitment.
- Mentored both junior and senior personnel toward their highest potential.
- Led and motivated by example to ensure mission execution excellence.
Nomination Deadline
The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 3, 2025.
Nomination Guidelines
Consideration for the McShan extends to all regular and reserve chief petty officers (E-7s only) serving on active duty during the calendar year. Each command is encouraged to send in one submission. Reserve chief petty officers serving on active duty over 30 days may be considered alongside regular active duty candidates; it is the command's discretion to determine whether it is reasonable for the reserve member to compete in either category.
- Nominations shall be submitted by any Coast Guard member or civilian employee in the form of a memorandum, NOT to exceed two pages. Each nomination must be typed using Times New Roman (12 point) font with one-inch margins. Any package that exceeds two pages will not be considered.
- The memorandum nominating the member shall be signed by the member's officer-in-charge or commanding officer. A "signature endorsement", per The Coast Guard Correspondence Manual (COMDTINST M5216.4C), is required by the first O6 in the nominated member's chain of command. If the nominated member's commanding officer is an O6 then a signature endorsement is NOT required.
- Nominations must be forwarded to Commandant (CG-128) via the chain of command. Note: If a commanding officer is nominated, the next level command shall endorse the nomination. New Page Endorsements will not be accepted.
- The nomination should identify specific examples and supporting information on how the nominee exemplifies each of the award criteria by using impact statements explaining how the member inspired others and influenced favorable outcomes. Nominations should directly address individual leadership methodologies and climate rather than simply reporting unit accomplishments.
- Nominations should be emailed to HQS-SMB-CG-128TrainingCourses@uscg.mil. Please save PDF under the naming convention: Last Name, First Initial. Year_Name of Award (for example: Coastie, J. 2022_McShan_ActiveDuty)
Nomination Resources
An example can be found here>>
Additional tips can be found here >>
Winner Selection
A selection panel will review the nominations and make recommendations to the Commandant for approval. All primary and alternate winner selections will be vetted by CGIS prior to Commandant approval.
Award Presentation
The award should be presented at an appropriate ceremony at the district command closest to the winner.
Additional Information
A mentoring spot in the TRACECEN Cape May Recruit Company Mentor Program is reserved for the McShan award winner.
ALCOAST 292/23 - AUG 2023 SOLICITATION FOR THE TRACEN CAPE MAY (TCCM) RECRUIT COMPANY MENTOR PROGRAM