CWO4 Jake Elks: Candidate for Vice President of Reserve Affairs

I am honored to announce my candidacy for Vice President of Reserve Affairs for the Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association (CWOA). With over 23 years of service in the Coast Guard Reserve, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with being a Reserve Chief Warrant Officer. I am eager to represent our Reserve CWO community at the highest levels and ensure our voices are heard in the decisions that impact our careers, benefits, and professional development.

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Experience and Commitment to the CWOA

Since joining the national CWOA and the Philadelphia Chapter in 2016, I have worked to advance our mission and engage with our membership. While stationed at Sector New York in 2018, I became a plank owner in the Empire State Chapter, further demonstrating my commitment to strengthening our association and its outreach efforts. Over the years, I have been actively involved in service projects, networking events, and initiatives aimed at supporting both our members and the communities we serve.

Currently, I serve as the sole Reserve Chief Warrant Officer at Marine Safety Unit Savannah, Georgia. My previous assignments include roles at:

✅ Atlantic Strike Team
✅ Sector Baltimore
✅ Sector Delaware Bay
✅ Sector Hampton Roads
✅ Sector New York

Throughout my career, I have deployed in response to Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Irma, supporting vital Coast Guard missions during times of national crisis. I have also served six years on active duty at Sector Delaware Bay and Marine Safety Team Morehead City (now MSD Ft. Macon), gaining invaluable experience working alongside our active-duty counterparts.

Beyond the Coast Guard, I bring leadership experience from both the public and private sectors. I serve as a Business Development Manager for Det-Tronics and Autronica brands of Spectrum Safety Solutions. I am also a founding member and principal of Argosea Group, a member of the Chester County, PA Veterans Advisory Council, and a Board of Supervisors member in my township. These roles have strengthened my ability to advocate, organize, and lead—skills that I will bring to the CWOA.

Why I Am Running for Vice President of Reserve Affairs

The CWOA has a responsibility to represent and advocate for all Coast Guard CWOs, including our Reserve community. If elected, my focus will be on:

1️⃣ Stronger Advocacy for Reserve CWOs – Ensuring that policy decisions at the highest levels consider the unique challenges of Reserve CWOs and that we have a seat at the table in discussions affecting our careers, benefits, and opportunities.

2️⃣ Expanding Professional Development Opportunities – Encouraging mentorship, training, and leadership growth for Reserve CWOs to ensure we remain competitive, capable, and ready to serve.

3️⃣ Enhancing Chapter and Membership Engagement – Strengthening the Reserve presence within CWOA Chapters, building a more connected and engaged Reserve community across the association.

Looking Ahead

With your support, I welcome the opportunity to represent the CWO corps—especially the Reserve CWO corps—at the highest levels of our service. Our voices must be heard, and our contributions must be recognized.

I appreciate your consideration and your vote. Together, we can ensure the CWOA remains a strong and effective advocate for our Reserve and Active Duty Warrant Officers.

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