TWO N.C. COAST GUARDSMEN CHOSEN AS ENLISTED PERSONS OF THE YEAR

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Two North Carolina petty officers were selected Wednesday as the Fifth Coast Guard District's 2006 Enlisted Persons of the Year.

Aviation Survival Technician 1st Class Mario Vittone, of Air Station Elizabeth City, and Reservist Yeoman 1st Class Abigail Scrocco, of Marine Safety Unit Wilmington, will be considered for selection as the 2006 Coast Guard Enlisted and Reserve Enlisted Persons of the Year.

Vittone is cited for skillful execution of his duties and commitment to the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty. He created new study web sites for Coast Guard members and, at the request of the Navy, trained fighter pilots on survival procedures, search and rescue techniques and helicopter rescue methods. Vittone also served as a special advocate for abused and neglected children in the Chesapeake, Va., area.

Scrocco is cited for being a distinguished performer who has made significant contributions to the missions at MSU Wilmington. She created a unit newsletter and conducted administrative training for the unit's reserve forces. She is also a nursery supervisor and lay reader for her church, and supports several charities including a battered women's shelter.