Record-Breaking Houston Event Honors Coast Guard Crews for Heroic Central Texas Flood Rescues

The Houston community came together to show its profound appreciation for the U.S. Coast Guard at the annual Texas Salutes the Coast Guard dinner. Celebrating 10 years of honoring Coast Guard members and the maritime community in Houston, the event raised a record $1,231,000 to support Coast Guard members and their families. Over 660 guests attended the inspiring event, which celebrated the heroic, life-saving actions of crews from two Coast Guard air stations in Texas. 

This year's event proudly honored crews from Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi and Coast Guard Air Station Houston for their combined response to catastrophic flooding in Central Texas from July 4-5, 2025. 

The event also honored ConocoPhillips for its industry leadership and support of the Coast Guard and local communities. 

Honoring the Heroes of the Central Texas Floods 

The centerpiece of the evening was a story of first responders working together when the Guadalupe River crested at record levels, devastating communities in Central Texas. As part of a massive federal, state, and local response, multiple Coast Guard air crews flew into extreme weather through unfamiliar terrain nearly 150 miles inland in near-zero visibility to save those imperiled by the floodwaters. 

The crew of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, CG-6553, from Air Station Corpus Christi battled severe weather, flying on instruments during three separate attempts to reach the disaster zone. Upon arriving at the devastated Camp Mystic, they rescued multiple stranded campers and coordinated with other agency helicopters, contributing to a joint effort that saved nearly 200 campers and counselors. 

Simultaneously, one of five responding crews from Air Station Houston -- helicopter CG-6570 -- operated in low cloud cover, traversing 95 miles of treacherous terrain to locate an RV park being consumed by the flood. They skillfully executed seven hazardous hoists through trees to rescue a stranded family before navigating through low-altitude clouds to extract four elderly individuals near Burnett, Texas. 

As first responders and community members came to the aid of those stranded in the floods, the combined resolve of the crews from Air Stations Corpus Christi and Houston was responsible for the rescue of more than 200 lives during the terrible disaster. 

ConocoPhillips Recognized 

The Foundation presented ConocoPhillips with its dinner award for its commitment to Coast Guard and other military members and the community. ConocoPhillips support has been critical for the Foundation’s education programs, supporting Foundation merit scholarships that help Coast Guard children attend colleges and trade schools. In addition, it has provided significant support for the Foundation’s Fallen Heroes program that provides full scholarships to children who lost a Coast Guard parent in the line of duty. In addition to supporting the Coast Guard Foundation, ConocoPhillips promotes education initiatives that develop STEM skills to prepare young Americans for careers in the energy and maritime industries. ConocoPhillips also supports other military programs that help military members serve. 

Leaders and Community Unite in Support of the Coast Guard 

David Grzebinski, Chief Executive Officer of Kirby Corporation announced a $250,000 investment in the Foundation as part of the company’s commitment to supporting service members. He also announced that Kirby would further match all donations made that evening up to $250,000. This generous matching donation lifted the spirit of philanthropy in the room to new heights, raising an additional $280,000 from attendees. 

In announcing the donation, Grzebinski referred to the Coast Guard’s Force Design 2028, which will add 15,000 more service members in the next several years. “The mission that the Coast Guard Foundation has is going up tremendously,” said Grzebinski. “So, we in this room need to support it. You know this is all about the men and women of the Coast Guard. This is a tremendous time for the Coast Guard, and it (your contribution) is well needed.”  

The keynote speaker for the evening was the commander of the Coast Guard Heartland District, Rear Admiral Will Watson. He spoke of the heroism and commitment of Coast Guard members serving in the nation’s heartland. He also recognized the Coast Guard’s partnership with the maritime community and its contributions to the nation’s security and prosperity. He concluded by thanking those in attendance for their support.  

“The good work that the Coast Guard Foundation does every day, helps to ensure the readiness and resilience of our people,” said Watson. “Day in and day out, your support, Coast Guard Foundation, your support of the needs of our members and their families, does not go unnoticed. We want you to know if makes a difference.” 

The Coast Guard Foundation extends its deepest thanks to all the sponsors, attendees, and partners who made this memorable Houston evening possible. Special thanks to dinner sponsors, ConocoPhillips and Kirby Corporation; reception sponsor Davie Shipbuilding, and major sponsors Cheniere, Chevron Shipping Company, Excelerate Energy, ExxonMobil, Port Houston, and Talos Energy. 

Impact Beyond the Evening: How Your Support Helps 

The incredible success of the 2025 Texas Salutes the Coast Guard event extends far beyond this single night. Event proceeds support the Coast Guard Foundation’s vital programs that strengthen the entire Coast Guard community. 

These funds provide: 

• Higher-education scholarships for Coast Guard members, spouses, and children.
• Morale, wellness initiatives for units around the country.
• Crucial support for families of the fallen and those navigating the unique challenges of military life. 

Title Image: Lieutenant Commander Matthew Krueger accepts the Coast Guard Foundation award on behalf of Coast Guard Air Stations Corpus Christi and Houston at the 2025 Coast Guard Foundation Texas Salutes the Coast Guard event held in Houston on November 18, 2025.

Disclosure: AI was used in creating this content.