<![CDATA[CWOA - Candidates for Office]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:30:03 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[CWO4 Robert Resendes]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:36:02 GMThttps://www.cwoauscg.org/candidates/cwo4-robert-resendes
President
Over the past term, we have taken deliberate steps to strengthen this Association, reinforce its relevance, and position it for the future. We have made decisions that were not always easy, but they were necessary to ensure the long-term stability and credibility of the CWOA.

Our focus has been clear: improve governance, increase engagement across all components, and ensure this Association is aligned with the needs of today’s Coast Guard. We have begun that work, but it is not complete.

I am seeking reelection to continue that momentum. The CWOA must remain a professional, disciplined, and forward-looking organization that actively supports Chief Warrant Officers across the service. That requires leadership that is consistent, accountable, and willing to make tough decisions when required.

I am committed to strengthening communication with our membership, reinforcing the role of our chapters, and ensuring that Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired CWOs all have a voice in this Association. We will continue to build programs that provide value, develop leaders, and preserve the heritage that defines our community.

I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I am more focused on what remains ahead. I ask for your continued trust and the opportunity to finish the work we have started.”
]]><![CDATA[CWO4 (Ret) Rodney Clark]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:32:14 GMThttps://www.cwoauscg.org/candidates/cwo4-ret-rodney-clarkPicture
Secretary
Over this past term, I have faced significant medical challenges that have impacted my ability to perform at the level I expect of myself and that this Association deserves. I take full responsibility for that, and I understand the importance of this role and the trust placed in it.

Despite these challenges, my commitment to the CWOA and to the Chief Warrant Officer community has never wavered. Serving in this position has allowed me to remain connected to the Coast Guard and to the CWOs I care deeply about. That connection matters to me, and so does continuing to serve.

I am working through these recent diagnoses and focused on improving my ability to contribute more effectively. I ask for your understanding regarding my past performance and the opportunity to continue serving, with renewed focus and commitment.

This Association is built on trust, accountability, and taking care of our own. I am asking for the chance to continue being part of this team and to get it right.

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]]><![CDATA[CWO4 (Retired) Mark Cortor]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:29:00 GMThttps://www.cwoauscg.org/candidates/cwo4-retired-mark-cortorPicture
Vice President of Retired Affairs ​
As your Vice President of Retired Affairs, I work closely with our Chief Legislative Officer and Executive Director to address issues raised by our retired members, as well as concerns I identify that require engagement with CWOA leadership, Coast Guard leadership and Congress. Many of you likely read my recent letter responding to the Washington Post article regarding veterans’ benefits—an issue I felt strongly required our Association’s voice.

For the first time in our Association’s history, I established a strong working relationship with the Coast Guard National Retiree Council, of which we are now an active member. In partnership with our Executive Director, I also had the privilege of assisting in the development of the USCG Estate Planning & Final Affairs Handbook, an important resource for our members and their families.

At our 2023 Annual Meeting, I recommended the creation of a legislative letter-writing service to empower our members to deliver a unified message to their congressional representatives. After assuming the role of Vice President of Retired Affairs—and with the support of our Executive Director—we brought that initiative to life. This past fall, during the government shutdown, our “Action Network”enabled approximately 25,800 letters to be sent to Congress, powerfully demonstrating our collective voice and advocacy strength.

I respectfully ask for your vote to continue serving as your Vice President of Retired Affairs. I remain fully committed to working tirelessly on your behalf and to strengthening our Association for the future.
]]><![CDATA[CWO4 (Retired) Victor A. Herschaft]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:26:18 GMThttps://www.cwoauscg.org/candidates/cwo4-retired-victor-a-herschaft
Vice President of Retired Affairs ​
With over 30 years of service as a Permanent Cutterman, I have seen firsthand the importance of strong communication between our retired community and the CWOA. That connection must be consistent and meaningful.

I am committed to improving communication with retirees and ensuring they remain informed and engaged, particularly on legislative matters where our collective voice can make a difference. Through coordinated advocacy and the use of our E-Voices, we can continue to influence issues that impact our community.

I also want to focus on strengthening the transition from active duty to retirement. This should be a deliberate and supported process. We have lived it, and we have a responsibility to help guide those coming behind us.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve and remain committed to supporting our retirees and their families.
]]><![CDATA[CWO3 (Retired) Justin Patrick]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:23:29 GMThttps://www.cwoauscg.org/candidates/cwo3-retired-justin-patrick
Vice President of Retired Affairs
I am currently active in the CWOA along with holding a couple of officer positions in my local chapter. I have been Vice President for Atchafalaya Capter in 2023 and Atchafalaya Chapter President 2025. Our Chapter does two fundraisers a year so we can give back to enlisted and the community.

I have been married to my wife for 20 years, she joined after we were married for 6 years. Moving and being underway made it hard for her to hold a steady job with a future. So no, I was not doing her marks and we got married after all 7’s. 

Our son graduated from Coast Guard boot camp last Friday and we are extremely proud of his decision to serve our country. My brother in law and sister in law are currently serving too. The Coast Guard has turned into a family affair for the time being.

I would like to be Vice President for Retirees because I really don’t know what the national level does for retired warrants or even active duty warrants about to retire. There are a lot of programs especially through the VA that warrants don’t know about. I would like to see that information get out to active members since so many of us make a knee jerk reaction to retire and leave benefits on the table not be used. 

Please accept my nomination to run for Vice President of Retirees.
]]><![CDATA[CWO3 Ryan Vess]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:18:08 GMThttps://www.cwoauscg.org/candidates/cwo3-ryan-vess
Vice President of Active Duty Affairs
I accept this nomination because I believe in the continued growth and relevance of the CWOA and the role it plays in supporting our community. My experience as former President of the Norfolk District Chapter reinforced my commitment to this Association and demonstrated the impact we can have when we are engaged and responsive.

I am running for Vice President of Active Duty Affairs to ensure active duty Chief Warrant Officers have a clear and effective voice at the Board level. This role requires more than representation in name. It requires consistent engagement across the fleet, identifying challenges our CWOs are facing, and bringing those issues forward so the Board can take action.

I am committed to being that link between our members and the Board of Directors. Our CWOs need an advocate who listens, communicates, and delivers results.

I am proud of our Coast Guard, our history, and the heritage we represent. At the same time, our Association must evolve to meet the demands of today’s service. I intend to help drive the changes necessary to ensure the CWOA remains relevant, effective, and aligned with the Coast Guard of 2026 and beyond.
]]><![CDATA[CWO2 Jim Koon]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:02:22 GMThttps://www.cwoauscg.org/candidates/cwo2-jim-koonPicture
Vice President of Active Duty Affair
Chief Warrant Officer James Koon brings 27+ years of active-duty service in the U.S. Coast Guard. CWO Koon is currently stationed at SECTOR Southeast Alaska, serves as the CWOA Juneau Alaska Chapter President, and volunteers as a committee member for the CWOA Permanent Finance Committee. In 2011, he was selected as PSU 313’s Enlisted Person of the Year and was nominated as Coastguardsman of the Year for the Navy Times. CWO Koon is extremely passionate about the Coast Guard and the Chief Warrant Officer Corps.He is particularly focused on the unified efforts of the CWOA towards a larger purpose to encourage mutual interest and efficiency among Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers through closer association and greater activity in social and Service matters, thereby engendering an Esprit de Corps. He also views this purpose as a mechanism to support and cooperate with Coast Guard activities through giving back to the community and strengthening veteran affairs. As a unified front from the furthest individual unit to the highest national level, he believes that local Chapter efforts should echo the initiatives of the CWOA as a whole.

CWO Koon is extremely dedicated to the interest of Warrant Officers and seeing that their specialties are advocated for. He is passionate about aligning Warrant Officer authorities and billet structure to enhance and preserve the reverence of the Warrant Officer, He brings, purpose, energy, experience, and a robust commitment to strengthening the CWOA, and will give nothing short of his best if chosen.

CWO Koon’s first tour of duty was on the USS FORD with the Navy. His Coast Guard assignments include CGC ALERT, National Motor Lifeboat School, CGC POLAR STAR, STA Bellingham, Port Security Unit 313, Boat Forces Standardization Team, Boatswain’s Mate “A” School, and Commanding Officer of STA Port O’Connor, TX.

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