By Michael Reff
NCTTA Press Director

Exciting news! The United States Coast Guard is making waves by becoming a new NCTTA Sponsor! In doing so, they will be able to have their own booth at the 2024 Champs in Eau Claire and, according to Petty Officer Jackson, hope to bring a “crew of Coasties to this event and possibly a couple boats as a static display for people to hop on and view.”

Petty Officer Jackson has been a major player in securing the sponsorship deal between the NCTTA and the United States Coast Guard. He’s served for 18 years and has had “a host of adventures and good times within the service.”

He met NCTTA President Willy Leparulo through a mutual friend and “it didn’t take long for us to become friends.” One thing led to another and Petty Officer Jackson helped volunteer at the Champs in Round Rock 2 years back and assisted greatly with the flooring and much more!

Leparulo is ecstatic over the sponsorship! “I am super excited about getting US Coast Guard on board with NCTTA. We are a good match and am excited for USCG to be a part of the College Table Tennis landscape!”

The following is Petty Officer Jackson’s description of the United States Coast Guard and its many benefits for employment and service:

“The US Coast Guard is a fantastic place for young men and women from ages 17-41 to start or further their career. We fall under the Department of Homeland Security which means most of our jobs are here in the United States protecting our coasts and defending citizens from harsh elements on the water. We have a wide variety of benefits from getting your college paid for, 100% free medical, exciting jobs with active mission and a whole host of additional opportunities.

I am Proud to serve in this great service and love coming to work every day being able to spread this opportunity to many others making the coast guard family grow.”

Thank you so much to Petty Officer Jackson and the United States Coast Guard for what we hope will be just the beginning of a fruitful sponsorship!