Some people are always ready to lend a hand – even when on vacation. Our own Frank Costanza is one of those people, and a family from Aberdeen is very lucky and thankful that Frank and a few of his friends were nearby last May to rescue them from chilly Willapa Bay when their boat capsized. The details of how that event unfolded are in this news story from the Chinook Observer.

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/harrowing-rescue-aberdeen-family-willapa-harbor    

Frank isn’t one to boast about himself. Last year at a MacKay Sposito survey breakfast, when Frank received a first edition “Cornerman Award” in recognition of his efforts during the rescue, he kind of shrugged off the kudos and said something like, “I just did what anyone else would have done in that circumstance.” Well, now Frank has been recognized again: at the recent Red Cross Heroes Award ceremony, Frank and his friends Adam Bridgens and Larry Morton received the Group Water Rescue award. It was one of seven categories of Heroes Awards presented that day.

http://www.columbian.com/news/2015/mar/13/american-red-cross-honors-community-heroes/

Frank may shrug this award off as well, but I see it as more than a “circumstance.” It speaks to Frank’s character and his selfless dedication. Many of us have seen Frank in action. Gary Folkerts has spent a fair amount of time working with Frank over the years and he shared his perspective on Frank.

“I think it is definitely well deserved. When we travel, I often see Frank stepping in and helping people along the way. Sometimes just little things like noticing a mom (traveling with little kids) that didn't have anywhere to sit, and making sure that she got our table as we were ready to leave a busy food court area at the airport.”

“You probably heard a couple years ago that he intervened when someone was running up behind (to attack) a police officer that was trying to arrest someone near his neighborhood. Frank said the funny part was his daughter asking his wife "Why's Daddy playing with that man?"

Semper Fidelis (often shortened to Semper Fi) is the motto of the US Marine Corps. It means always faithful. Frank is both a proud veteran of the Marine Corps and a true hero, and he exemplifies that motto every day.

Semper Fi