1. To whom it may concern:
I understand that Frank D. Schilleci is seeking employment on your team and I would give
my highest recommendation in his regard. I had the pleasure to serve alongside Mr. Schilleci for
many years and at multiple duty stations where I experienced his work ethic and dedication in
many of his multifaceted work environments. He was an outstanding asset to the United States
Coast Guard (USCG) and I am beyond confident that he will carry his professional competence,
technical expertise, leadership, educationalist, and zeal to any organization.
I was first introduced to Mr. Schilleci at USCG Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC)
Elizabeth City, NC. Mr. Schilleci was already an established instructor in Avionics and was
recently reassigned to instruct HC-130 Navigators and Flight Safety at the advanced training
course department of ATTC after his advancement to Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Schilleci
immediately demonstrated his great desire for education as well as his vast experience in
navigation, avionics, and aeronautical operating systems and thoroughly prepared his students
for Aviation Navigation. Mr. Schilleci’s leadership and fortitude held no bounds as he
demonstrated great care for his estranged students by providing area maps and information so
they were adequately informed. Mr. Schilleci would go above and beyond by inviting students
to his home during the holidays for holiday meals so they would not have to spend these trying
times alone while away from family.
I again was stationed with Mr. Schilleci at USCG Air Station Kodiak, AK. Although we
were not assigned to the same department, we did have constant interaction on a professional
level. I worked as a criminal investigator for the USCG in AK and on occasion had to discuss
issues with Mr. Schilleci regarding members who worked with and for him. Mr. Schilleci was
always incredibly cooperative and had great integrity in all matters we discussed. Mr. Schilleci
was assigned to lead the Aircraft Quality Control Teams and the HC-130 Avionics/Electrical
Department with full responsibility for five operational aircraft and over 80 personnel which
included evaluations, performance assessments, and career guidance mentorship. Mr. Schilleci
rapidly adapted to his new role and distinguished himself by applying his extensive technical
proficiency, managerial prowess, problem solving abilities, and avionics knowledge to expand
on an already well-established HC-130 maintenance, training, and safety programs. Never one
to allow the status quo to prevail, he sought additional responsibilities by assisting the Flight
Examination Board ensure extreme proficiency amongst the duty standing HC-130 crewman
corps. His sustained performance and can-do attitude bled over to the entire unit through his
uncanny ability to lead and direct extracurricular activities that were a must in such a remote
environment with limited resources and availability. Mr. Schilleci helped orchestrate holiday
events, crew morale, and always led by example by participating in activities to encourage all to
take part in celebrations and morale.
Mr. Schilleci again advanced to the rank of Senior Chief Avionics Electrical Technician and
transferred to USCG Aviation Training Center (ATC) Mobile, AL for his final tour of duty. Mr.
Ground Safety Chief
United States Coast Guard
Aviation Training Center
8501 Tanner Williams Road
Mobile, AL 36608-8322
Phone: (251) 441-6733
Fax: (251) 441-6815
1530
December 21, 2015

2. 2
Schilleci was assigned as the Supervisor for the entire ATC Quality Control (QC) Program in
which he was responsible for managing all assigned aircraft three separate aviation platforms
including helicopter and fixed winged aircraft maintenance procedural programs. His keen
understanding of operational demands helped him rectify organizational challenges within these
maintenances programs. This also amplified his ability to train, motivate, and guide Quality
Control Inspectors to recognize and correct even the smallest of maintenance infractions. During
his time as QA Supervisor, Mr. Schilleci completed 88 maintenance procedure changes, 216
product quality deficiency reports, 1,006 line items issues for 16 separate aircraft after
completing a Quality Control Audit, and corrected 79 hard fail maintenance discrepancies to
return multiple aircraft to full operational status. Mr. Schilleci also developed and managed
ATC Mobile’s aircraft weight and balance program, tool control and accountability as well as
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Control Program for ramp traffic.
Through his innate ability and leadership, he continued to help guide and mentor junior
personnel by hosting enlisted advancement study technique classes to educate junior Coast
Guard men and women on how to test effectively to advance their careers. Mr. Schilleci started
teaching his course during his own personal time by instructing his developed methods to
members who volunteered to try his way. The results of those who tried his course caught the
attention of the Command at ATC Mobile. The Command at ATC Mobile allowed Mr. Schilleci
to teach his methods to all rated members who wanted to attend during work hours. This
allowed Mr. Schilleci the ability to instruct over 500 USCG members his methods and the results
were astonishing. Mr. Schilleci’s students were seeing as much as 10 point gains above previous
testing averages and an advancement rate of 60 percent of members who sat through his course.
In conclusion, Mr. Schilleci is an innovative leader, mentor, and educator as well as an expert
in the field of avionics, electronics, and aeronautics. He is fully involved, dedicated, and caring
and a detrimental piece to the future of USCG aviation. Mr. Schilleci will bring his unique
qualities to any organization that hires him and I would place Mr. Schilleci’s performance of
Honor, Respect, and Devotion of Duty, the core values of the United States Coast Guard, in the
top five percent of those I have served with in my 20 year military career. I urge your company
to capitalize on this opportunity to recruit Mr. Schilleci as a member of your team. He is a superb
employee, a standout performer, and tremendous team mate whose limitless leadership potential
and work ethic make him the ideal candidate for this challenging opportunity.
Sincerely,
Joseph M. Sturgis
Avionics Electrical Technician Chief (AETC)
U.S. Coast Guard
joseph.m.sturgis@uscg.mil
Joseph M Sturgis