Captain James “CC” Kreglo of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, has been named a University of Phoenix Volunteer Leader Award Honoree, an award given by HandsOn Network and the University of Phoenix to 10 outstanding volunteer leaders in the nation. These leaders motivate others and are catalysts for change in their communities.
The award celebrates the first anniversary of the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the largest expansion of national service in America in decades. Kreglo will receive $10,000 to donate to the organization of his choice.
Kreglo’s dedication to service stretches back three decades. He moved to St. John, U.S.V.I., and became a sea captain and EMT. He quickly recognized the need to develop youth into civic leaders.
In 1981, Kreglo, a scout leader with the Boy Scout Council of the U.S.V.I., established the Boy Scout Sea Explorers program. More than 200 young people from underserved neighborhoods have participated in the program and have become environmental stewards of the island chain.
To further engage youth, he utilized his unique talents as a fencer and fisherman to train young people in the athletic, moral and ethical principles emphasized by sporting and scouting organizations, which encourage self-respect and hard work.
Kreglo continues to lead by example. He identifies unmet needs and mobilizes people and resources to address critical health, education and public safety issues. He is a volunteer EMT, and a CERT, CPR, first aid and boating safety instructor, preparing youth and adults for disaster mitigation and response. He trains residents of the V.I. and Florida in CPR, first aid and CERT.
Most recently, he initiated the effort to establish the first Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla on St. John. The 18-member group provides boating safety courses to the public, educates youth groups on environmental issues and life jacket use, and provides courtesy boat inspections. He currently serves as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division commander for the Virgin Islands.
With more than 8,000 hours of service recorded since 2001, Captain Kreglo has inspired adults and youth in the U.S.V.I, and Florida. He has empowered them to improve their community in significant ways by becoming active change agents.