Karen Buffington
Texas City,TX
Summary
Dedicated and service-driven professional with a strong commitment to supporting others through crisis, life challenges, and times of need. Brings enthusiasm for volunteering, leadership, and taking on responsible support roles while adapting leadership style to meet organizational goals and team needs. Known for listening without judgment, understanding diverse backgrounds and strengths. Eager to leverage knowledge in leadership.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Yeoman Third Class Petty Officer
U.S. Coast Guard
08.2024 - Current
- Support accession and hiring processes for new recruits through administrative coordination and documentation.
- Provide travel and permanent duty station transfer counseling to service members.
- Process awards, pay-related entries, and personnel records with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Deliver administrative support while referencing regulations, policies, and manuals to ensure compliance.
Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Petty Officer
U.S. Coast Guard
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Conducted search and rescue cases and participated in routine marine safety and law enforcement patrols.
- Supported patrol operations involving boating safety and DUI enforcement.
- Performed boat maintenance, seamanship duties, Deck Watch Officer responsibilities, and communications watchstanding.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Maryland Global Campus
MD01-2027
Associate of Science - Social And Human Service
Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, FL05-2020
High School Diploma -
Bodwell High School
North Vancouver, BC05-2017
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Organizational skills
- Documentation
- Event Coordination
- Customer Service
- Democratic Leadership Style
- Bilingual Japanese
Certification
- Adult Mental Health First Aid — Mental Health First Aid, March 2026
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) — Crisis Text Line, December 2025
- Crisis Text Line Volunteer Counselor — Crisis Text Line, October 2025
- VA S.A.V.E. — PsychArmor, May 2026
- SafeTalk Training Certification — LivingWorks, March 2024
- Apprentice Leadership Program — U.S. Coast Guard Leadership Development Center, June 2024
Timeline
Yeoman Third Class Petty Officer
U.S. Coast Guard
08.2024 - Current
Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Petty Officer
U.S. Coast Guard
01.2023 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Maryland Global Campus
Associate of Science - Social And Human Service
Eastern Florida State College
High School Diploma -
Bodwell High School
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal — August 2025
Recognized for exceptional volunteer service, contributing 105 hours in 5 weeks and setting a new school house record for volunteer hours.