(Submitted by U.S. Coast Guard)
U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Sara Ione Pisarski, daughter of Kristina Olinger, Bowling Green, graduated from The United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York on June 17, commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard and a licensed Third Mate in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Ensign Pisarski successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional training, resulting in a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Maritime Logistics and Security. As a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy, Ensign Pisarski completed 332.5 days at sea during sea year visiting 25 countries and 5 continents while completing 20 sea projects, an internship at the U.S. Department of State, 3 years of class work resulting in 170 credits, and passing 7 U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License Exams in 4 days.
During her time at The United States Merchant Marine Academy, Ensign Pisarski was a member of the Regimental Band, Acta Non Verba Club, Christian Fellowship Club, Midshipmen Tutor Program, Coast Guard Club and Manage of the Women’s Basketball team. During her First Class year, Ensign Pisarski served as the Executive Officer of the Coast Guard Club. Within the Regiment First Class year, she served a First Rotation Regimental Academic Officer and Second Rotation Regimental Training Officer.
Ensign Pisarski is a recipient of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) Service Above Self Award, the New York Council of the Navy League Award, and the Crowley Maritime Security Enhancement Award.
Following graduation, Ensign Pisarski will begin her active duty commitment with training in New London, CT. She will then proceed to Saint Petersburg, Florida where she will begin service aboard the USCG Cutter RESOLUTE. Ensign Pisarski is a 2013 graduate of Bowling Green Senior High School (BGHS). She is the first female from BGHS to graduate from a Federal Service Academy.
