Coast Guard Volunteer Honored for Saving Lives in Crisis

When an active shooter incident unfolded near San Francisco, Coast Guard families needed answers fast. Brianna "Bree" Scurti stepped up, ensuring every family received accurate information and immediate support during one of the most frightening situations they'd ever face.

That's just one reason Scurti received the 2025 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award in July 2026. The Coast Guard's highest volunteer recognition celebrates her extraordinary service helping military families navigate crises both big and small.

As a volunteer ombudsman for Coast Guard Station Golden Gate and Sector San Francisco, Scurti transformed how families access help. She tackled housing communication challenges, connecting residents with resources and elevating concerns that led to real improvements in living conditions.

During the government shutdown, she worked tirelessly to identify struggling families and connect them with essential assistance. When uncertainty peaked, her efforts gave families desperately needed stability.

But perhaps her most profound impact came when she received a call about a service member in crisis far outside her assigned area. Her quick thinking, empathy, and decisive action helped prevent a suicide, proving that one trained volunteer can make the difference between life and death.

Why This Inspires

Scurti is one of hundreds of Coast Guard ombudsmen who volunteer their time while raising their own families. These trained volunteers serve as trusted bridges between military commands and families, especially during deployments, relocations, natural disasters, and emergencies.

"I have seen firsthand the positive impact this program has on people's lives," Scurti said. She credited her fellow ombudsmen, supportive commands, and her family for making her service possible.

Her husband, Chief Tyler Scurti, and daughters Haliʻa and Kirra supported her throughout the journey. She hopes her service shows them what it means to lead with a servant's heart.

The award honors Wanda Allen-Yearout, whose advocacy established the Coast Guard Ombudsman Program in 1986. Nearly 40 years later, volunteers like Scurti continue that legacy of compassionate service.

Since receiving the award, Scurti has represented the ombudsman network at events nationwide, from Michigan's Coast Guard Festival to Washington D.C.'s Freedom 250 Grand Prix. She's proud to shine a light on the dedicated volunteers who make the network strong.

Every day, these volunteers help military families find resources, communicate with commands, and navigate the unique challenges of service life with dignity and hope.