FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 24, 2006

High Ranking U.S. Coast Guard Officers to attend HACU’s Conference

San Antonio, TX – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is hosting three of the highest ranking officers in the U.S. Coast Guard at its 20th Annual Conference, in beautiful downtown San Antonio, October 28-31, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.  Vice Admiral Vivien Crea, the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard and the second highest ranking officer in the service, will attend several events at the conference.  She will be accompanied by Rear Admiral Clifford Pearson and Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Ronald Rabago.

On Sunday, October 29, Antonio Flores, President and CEO of HACU, will renew the Memorandum of Understanding between HACU and the Coast Guard in a signing ceremony with Vice Admiral Crea.  This updated agreement will further strengthen what has proven to be a very effective partnership going back 12 years.

The presence of so many high ranking officers at this year’s conference is indicative not only of the commitment to diversity within the Coast Guard, but also of the effectiveness of the HACU partnership.

Rear Admiral Pearson is the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources in the Coast Guard.  His responsibilities include supervision of the Health and Safety Directorate, the Personnel Management Directorate and the Reserve and Training Directorate. 

Rear Admiral Rabago is the Coast Guard’s first Hispanic Flag Officer.  His new title will be the Director of Personnel Management for the Coast Guard.  Reporting to Rear Admiral Pearson, Rabago will have great influence on the accession, training, promotion and retention of Hispanics and other groups contributing to the growing diversity of the Coast Guard.  He has been an active advocate for minorities throughout his career.

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