Eric Welch Food Service Specialist Second Class Eric Welch has been named United States Coast Guard Employee of the Month. FS2 Welch has made improvements to the stations galley and the quality of food for his shipmates. He is creative with new menu ideas, and provides healthy alternatives daily as an option. FS2 Welch said he would operate the galley like he would a restaurant, with diners selecting from a menu with daily specials.

He also headed preparations for the Ninth Annual USCG Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve "Ice Cruise" luncheon. This is an annual event that is hosted by the Biscayne Bay with the support of Station St. Ignace. The support, instrumental in the success of the event, included setting up, preparing, and clean up for more than 100 meals.

Furthermore, he volunteered for the duties and responsibilities as Food Service Officer at Coast Guard Station Portage in the Keweenaw Peninsula to ensure their galley did not shut down until they had a full time Food Service Specialist aboard. This extra duty and responsibility lifted the burden of the duty crews and command so they could focus on operations. Despite his extra duties, there was no loss of productivity or quality of work at Station St. Ignace.

He has been in the Coast Guard for 10 years, including a tour on the USCG Cutters Tahoma and Mackinaw, and Sector Sault Ste. Marie. He transferred here last summer from Annapolis, Maryland.

He and his wife, Lisha, have two children, Tyler and Madison.

He enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his family.