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A cloudless sky and crisp late-January air surrounded the crew of Coast Guard Station Emerald Isle during a ceremony celebrating Petty Officer First Class Kyle Vaders, the station’s executive petty officer, who advanced to the rank of chief. While the crew and the audience harbored a secret, there was one person attending who had no idea what was about to occur.
Susan Stepputtis, a volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, stood at the position of attention alongside the station crew, when suddenly, she heard her own name. Masking her confusion and shock, Stepputtis remained stoic as Chief Petty Officer Kenneth MacDougall, the officer in charge assigned to Station Emerald Isle, announced that she was being honorably advanced to the rank of chief.
“When the chief called out my name, I literally didn’t know what do,” said Stepputtis. “I couldn't believe it – it was a complete shock. I had no idea whatsoever this was going to happen.”
MacDougall said that Stepputtis’ exemplary service and unwavering commitment made her an outstanding candidate for becoming an honorary chief.
“Some people volunteer their time and talent, embodying the guiding principles of a chief: compassion, heritage, integrity, expertise and flexibility,” said MacDougall. “I’m thankful that we have a way to recognize those that naturally live by those principles, and I’m proud to serve with and welcome Ms. Susan to the Chief’s Mess.”
Since March 2018, Stepputtis has volunteered extensively within the military community. She has participated in 390 events, completed more than 2,000 volunteer hours and engaged in more than 44,000 personal interactions.
Her contributions span across multiple military installations, such as Camp Devil Dog, Camp Lejeune, the USO of North Carolina – Jacksonville, in addition to Station Emerald Isle and various others.
“I’ve always been patriotic,” Stepputtis said. “My dad served in the Navy during World War II in the Philippines, and I was raised to be patriotic and respect the military. If I had one regret, it was that when I was young enough to actually do something about it, I did not join the military.”
Stepputtis supported deploying troops by participating in pre-deployment briefings and assisted returning service members and their families by delivering 400 bags of cookies. She also took part in swearing-in ceremonies, supported wounded warriors through events like the Marine Corps Trials and the Wounded Warrior Resource Fair, and distributed more than 128 birthday cakes to military personnel.
Stepputtis continued her volunteer service by packaging 500 candy “Pots O’ Gold” for St. Patrick’s Day, serving 9,000 people at Thanksgiving dinners, and organizing Super Bowl parties and health fairs. She participated in three Warrior Battalion Breakfasts, 17 No-Dough Dinners, and two Food Box Giveaways. She also worked with children by leading 30 story time sessions and coordinating two Back-to-School Bashes.
MacDougall said that despite facing personal challenges, Stepputtis’ dedication never wavered, even after she broke her leg. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, she continued volunteering and delivered birthday cakes to military service members.
During her time serving with the USO, Stepputtis was awarded the President’s Silver Volunteer Pin from President Donald Trump, Volunteer of the Quarter from the USO State of North Carolina and Volunteer of the Year from the USO Coastal Region North Carolina.
Stepputtis said she loves serving the men and women of the military and believes it is her purpose in life. This made the coronavirus pandemic particularly difficult for her.
“The 18-month hiatus from working with and serving the military due to the coronavirus was one of the lowest points in my life,” stated Stepputtis. “Even though I had many accomplishments in my life, nothing provided the joy that I felt when serving our military.”
When the coronavirus restrictions were lifted, Stepputtis joined the Auxiliary in March 2023, and became a watchstander at Station Emerald Isle. She logged more than 1,000 hours, assisted during personnel shortages and aided in training new crewmembers at the station.
“One of the fondest memories for me is how the crew has just folded their arms around me and just made me feel so welcome here,” she said. “Many times, they’ll say ‘oh come on, Ms. Susan, you’re part of the crew.’ They include me in that, and it’s been so wonderful.”
Stepputtis said she wanted to improve her ability to provide spiritual and emotional support to the crew, so she began participating in various chaplain events, including marriage retreats. Despite already having a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in business administration, she also went back to school to earn an associate of arts degree in ministerial studies.
“I currently hold a chapel service for the crew at Station Emerald Isle every Sunday,” said Stepputtis. “Even though participation is optional, we have 100% attendance from the crew on duty.”
MacDougall said her efforts have been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for military personnel and illustrate her comprehensive commitment to all facets of military life.
“Susan Stepputtis’ dedication, compassion and tireless efforts have made an indelible mark on the military community,” said MacDougall. “She has not only significantly enhanced the lives and morale of the men and women of the Coast Guard, but every military member and family that she has in her reach, despite their branch of service.”
Stepputtis recently earned the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Coast Guard Auxiliary Swansboro Flotilla 054-20-10 and continues to serve six days a week at Station Emerald Isle.
As the advancement ceremony came to a close, Stepputtis was surrounded by the station’s crew and her husband of 47 years, Rick, who had a smile on his face as he looked at his wife and listened to all she had accomplished.
“Susan’s service record is nothing short of extraordinary,” MacDougall said. “Her volunteer work, spanning from March 2018 to the present, is a testament to her unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions to the Marines, Coast Guard, Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as their families.”
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