Breeze
District 7 • United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Issue 4, 2019
Twelve pages of DTRAIN news, photos and awards starting on page 8!
Cover photo: Barbara Burchfield from Flo lla 12-3 Lake Murray, the recipient of the Recrea onal Boa ng Safety Award of Excellence from the Office of Auxiliary and Boa ng Safety beside her husband, Festus Burchfield. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Do e Riley)
BREEZE Issue 4 2019 Read the BREEZE online at: www.uscga-district-7.org/breeze.html
District 7 Staff Officers
District Staff Officers
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD District Commander
Preven on Directorate
Rear Admiral Eric C. Jones
Russell Dewey Jackson, DDC-P Gary Gunter, DSO-MS Michael Griffith, DSO-MT Mark Chiappone, DSO-NS Barbara D. Burchfield, DSO-PV Harry Tipper III, DSO-PE William S. Griswold, DSO-SL Patricia Zuluaga, DSO-VE
Director of Auxiliary District 7
CDR John Briggs Opera ons Training Officer
CWO4 Hailie Browne U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY District Commodore
Commodore Gary P. Barth
Response Directorate Frank Wondolkowski, DDC-R Thomas E. Powers, DSO-AV Mark C. Gaisford, DSO-CM Bruce A. Lindsey, DSO-OP William F. Hanlon III, DSO-IM
Logis cs Directorate
District Chief of Staff
Patricia McMenamin Immediate Past District Commodore Commodore Judith L. Hudson District Captain North
James F. Stone, DDC-L Craig R. De Toma, DSO-CS Gary Gray, DSO-DV Paule e R. Parent, DSO-FS Angela Pomaro, DSO-HR Susan Z. Has ngs, DSO-IS Edward Zaret, DSO-MA Robert Quigley, DSO-PA Dorothy J. Riley, DSO-PB Diane Riggan, NSBW Coordinator
John Holmes District Captain West
Thomas Bamford District Captain East
William Thomas Butler Auxiliary Sector Coordinators ASC Sector Charleston
Festus Burchfield
Others Jullianne Bouchard, DSO-SR Carl Dalton Motes, DSO-LP Donna Miller, DSO-FN
ASC Sector Jacksonville
William Sekeres
District Administra ve Assistant & Aide David M. Sco , D-AA DAC Richard Washburn, D-AD-SA Teresa A. Barth, D-AD-LT Carolyn R. Hooley, D-AD-CC Douglas Colwell, D-AD RR Julianne Bouchard, D-AD Phillip T. Poole, D-AD-LL Robert Weskerna, D-AD ST Robert A. Fabich, Sr., D-AD-SP
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ASC Sector Key West
Division Commanders Division 1.......................... Javier Bernabe Division 2....................James McMenamin Division 3 .................. Robert M. Sherman Division 4 ............... Mar n S. Goodwin, Sr. Division 5.............................. Chris Haarer Division 6.................. Alfredo M. Ventura Division 7.................. Donald T. Hershman Division 8........................ Braxton R. Ezell Division 9.................... Douglas Donovan Division 10........................ William Ballard Division 11.............................. Leslie Long Division 12................ Joe L. Livingston, Sr. Division 13................... Robert W. Bencze Division 14....................... Jonathan Hunt Division 15............... Raymond O’Connell Division 16............. Cheryl Boynes Jackson Division 17.................. James H. Parker III BREEZE is the official publica on of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary District 7 to provide ar cles of interest and informa on to its members. All ar cles and photographs submi ed must be consistent with the policies of the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. Electronic submissions are encouraged. Send high resolu on images as a achments not embedded within a document or email. Ar cles should not exceed 750 word length. BREEZE ar cles and photographs may be reprinted with proper a ribu on to BREEZE and the author/photographer. Send comments and submissions to: do eriley@gmail.com
Edward Pra ASC Sector Miami
Andrea J. Rutherfoord ASC Sector St. Petersburg
Ronald R. Howington ASC Sector San Juan
Ramses Rodriguez
Personal informa on of members is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. The use of these rosters, addresses and telephone numbers on any computer or online service including the Internet is prohibited by the Act. Submission deadlines: Apr. 15, June 30, Sept. 15, Nov. 30, 2020.
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Words rds fo for the Members from the he D7 Helm H
Words for fo the Members from He the D7 Helm
4 8 20 23 25 27 29 31 DTrain Train rain 2019 20 201
DTRAIN: RAIN: Awards
Wreaths Across Am America Ame Stevee Su Summ Summer, mmer er,, Flo Flo llla 11-7 Hudson; on; Co Coastal Coas asta tall Guardian, Gu Guardia Guar ardi dia a Division 5, editor. Norman Norm No rman an She SSheriff heri riff ff, edit ed edi i
Auxiliary Member Inductec In as Coast Guard Clergy Support Chaplain plain Wayne Wayn Wa ynee La Lanc Lancaster, ncas aste ter, r, FFlo lo lla 10-10 St Simons Simo Si mons ns Island Isl slan and d
Where the Rubbe Rubber Meets the Opa-Locka Road at Opa-Lock Rutherfoord, Auxiliary Andrea Rutherfoord Sector Coordinator-Sector CoordinatorCoordinato Miami
COMO to OMO Washburn Named N Serve on Pane Panel of Bo BoatUS
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
COMO MO Judith Hudson, Hudso IPDCO 7
NanEllen nEllen Fuller, Flo lla 22 Mariee a
Auxiliarist HonLake Murray Auxilia Auxil ored for 40 Years o of Service
assmaster Tournam Bassmaster Tournament 2020: Examiners Call for Vessel Exam
Barbara arbara Burchfield, Flo lla 12-3 Lake Murray
Charles harles Truthan, Truthan Flo lla 99 Cape Haze
Telecommunica ons Flo o lla Telecommu Telecommun Operator Earns Pres gious Paul White ite Award. Award
Division ivision 8: Apprecia ng our Me M Members. Judi udi Bidwick, Flo lla 86 Venice
Stephe Stephen Step hen n Mu Mull Muller, ller er,, Fl Flo o lla 72 St. Petersburg ete ters rsbu bu
Division ivision 11 Hono Honors Member's Accomplishments
Pear Harbor Remem Remembrance Day Dorothy othy Joan Riley, DSO-PB
Karen Miller, Flo la 11 Clearwater er
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Division 11 Michael Lloyd, Divisio Staff Officer-Opera o ons
U.S. Coast Guard Au A Auxiliary Radio Celebrates 80 Years of Volunteer Service ice Linda inda Jones, Flo lla 15-1 Crystal River
2019 019 Holiday Ac vi es e throughout hroughout District 7
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Use Social Media to Help Spread the Boating Safely Message-Page 38 BREEZE
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WHAT’S INSIDE....
Doroth Dorothy Doro thyy Joan Joan Riley, R Rililey ey DSO-PB
Dorothy DSO-PB 7 orothy Riley, Ri
The he Importance of th the t Pre-Mission Briefing
6 13 22 24 26 28 30 32
Pat McMenamin McMe DCOS
Gary P. Barth COMO OG
Commodore Gary P. Barth Happy New Year!
FROM THE DISTRICT 7 BRIDGE
It
's hard to believe how quickly the end of the year has rolled around. Because of YOU, District 7 has accomplished many of its goals for 2019. These accomplishments were made possible due to the hard work and dedica on you gave to the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Our recrui ng efforts this year were very successful with the addi on of 371 new members. Unfortunately, this impressive gain was offset by a large, end-of-year disenrollment rate. We disenrolled slightly more members than we added, resul ng in a minimal reduc on in membership to our District. Reten on and recrui ng will con nue to be a major ini a ve for 2020 and with your help and support will be successful. Several Changes of Watch will have already occurred by the me this edi on of Breeze is published. These new bridges will be working hard with their members to plan and prepare for the coming year's missions, training and ac vi es. It is always great to see members step up to leadership roles, whether it be as an elected or appointed office. As with any organiza on, we need to bring new members with new ideas into these posi ons, so we don’t become stagnant. This allows us to con nue to grow and implement new processes and strategies. Thank you to those who ran for office and to those who were elected and/or appointed to new offices for 2020. The district staff stands ready to assist the divisions and the flo llas as needed.
A Culture of Safety Due to the number of injuries sustained by members, not only in our district but na onwide, we will be forming a commi ee to inves gate developing a “Culture of Safety.” Members are exposed to many hazards on land, in the air and on the water. You, our members, are the most important asset we have, and we always need to ensure your safety. More will be forthcoming on this project as it progresses.
Commodores Guidance on Uniforms A recent Commodores Guidance was sent to all members regarding uniforms. This is a very important issue. We need to be respec ul of the uniform, the Coast Guard we represent, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary by being knowledgeable in the uniform requirements and wearing it neatly and properly. It is each member’s responsibility to ensure members are not only in the correct uniform
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but also wearing it correctly. We all need to be mentors to each other, whether it be a new member or a member with years of service. This includes proper hair standards for all members, the wearing of proper uniform parts, jewelry and basic personal hygiene. The general public cannot dis nguish between the Auxiliary and ac ve duty. We must wear the uniform neatly and correctly and to represent the Coast Guard posi vely. When we are assigned to duty, whether it is a patrol on the water, doing a vessel exam or other missions, we need to present ourselves as we would going to work a regular job. Men should be shaved, and all members should be in proper uniform and ready for “work.’ If a member is not in proper uniform, take them aside and explain what is wrong and how to correct the problem. If a member is never advised of what is wrong and how to correct it, they will con nue the improper wearing of the uniform. Leadership has the responsibility to ensure that members are adhering to the uniform standards. If a member refuses to conform to uniform standards, the leader needs to start the documenta on process of the discipline guidelines, as stated in the Auxiliary Manual. The goal is not to discipline members, but rather inform and educate, to have all members in compliance with the uniform standards. If we want to keep wearing our current uniforms, we need to abide by the regula ons for uniforms. This is a very “hot topic” at the Na onal level of both the Auxiliary and ac ve duty.
AUXSCOUT A new program, Auxiliary Sea Scout Youth Development (AUXSCOUT), will be star ng in our district. James Roche, of Division 17, has been appointed as the District Staff Officer-AUXSCOUT (DSO-AS). Mr. Roche will be receiving training in January at N-Train in St. Louis. Upon comple on of the training, he will be working with the divisions to establish the AUXSCOUT program throughout the district. Many requirements must be met by members wishing to work with the Sea Scouts. We are excited
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
(ConƟnued on page 5)
Commodore Gary P. Barth (ConƟnued from page 4) about the AUXSCOUT program and are an cipa ng many new, young members joining our ranks from this program. It has been tested in other districts with posi ve results.
Happy New Year. We have many opportuni es in 2020 to keep the “Sensa onal Seventh” the best in the Auxiliary. Thanks for all you have done and will con nue to do in the coming year. Ω
COMO Gary P. Barth, DCO District 7, USCG Auxiliary
FROM THE DISTRICT 7 BRIDGE
I would like to wish all members a healthy and very
COMO Gary P. Barth, District Commodore and Patricia McMenamin, District Chief of Staff hosted the 2019 District 7 Training Conference in Orlando Sept. 19-21, 2019. Conference a endees le feeling proud of their membership in the "Sensa onal Seventh." That is what great leaders do. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart)
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Pat McMenamin, District 7 Chief of Staff
FROM THE DISTRICT 7 BRIDGE
Thank you for a great year. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work and support to the district during 2019. Although our recrui ng numbers were very good this past year, we s ll lost members overall due to disenrollments, transfers and member deaths. As we enter 2020, I would like to see a greater focus on the reten on of exis ng members. We have many members who become bored or disillusioned with the same old thing. This is a golden opportunity to reintroduce all the programs the Auxiliary has to offer. Some of our more experienced members may not be aware of several of the new offerings throughout the Auxiliary. Also, we need to put more fun and fellowship ac vi es into some flo llas. Coaching, advising and mentoring all members should be a goal of not only the leadership but all auxiliarists. So, team up with a buddy and explore a new program area this coming year!
on the proper wearing of the uniform, including grooming standards. All Auxiliarists are authorized and encouraged to wear the various Auxiliary uniforms or the Blazer ou it. Auxiliarists must adhere to uniform policies when engaged in Coast Guard and Auxiliary programs and ac vi es. Of course, if they choose not to wear an appropriate uniform, this will limit their ability to par cipate and cer fy in several Auxiliary programs. “Failure to follow uniform guidelines may also cons tute an infrac on warran ng informal disciplinary ac on, as stated in AUXMAN, Ch. 10, 3G.1.c; 3G.1.f and 3H1.f. Leadership may need to follow the guidelines of progressive discipline to ensure that this standard is achieved. Remember, there is an alternate uniform for those members who choose not to wear the uniform properly or may not meet other uniform standards. (District 7 Commodore Guidance 10-19)”
The next issue I would like to discuss is the privilege of wearing the Coast Guard uniform. Over the past few years, many of our members across the country have become very lax in following the Auxiliary Manual when it comes to uniform and grooming standards, personal hygiene, including facial hair and hair standards. Several members seemed to have forgo en their oath.
We are here to support all our leaders, elected and appointed, and our members in ensuring we meet the standards as put before us.
“I, (your name), solemnly and sincerely pledge myself to support the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and its purposes, to faithfully execute my duƟes, and to abide by the governing policies established by the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.” Part of those governing policies regulates the proper wearing of the uniform and the grooming standards we must uphold. The word “uniform” implies consistency and conformance to certain standards. These standards can be found in the Auxiliary Manual COMDTINST M16790.1G Chapter 10 –SecƟon C.3 “Uniformity in Grooming and Appearance” The Uniform Standards are established by The USCG Uniform RegulaƟons Manual – COMDINST M1020.6 (series); USCG Auxiliary Manual –COMDINST M16790.1 (series); and the Uniform Board announcements and ALCOAST/ALAUX messages.
If we want to con nue to have the privilege of wearing the U.S. Coast Guard uniform as part of the Auxiliary, then we had be er show that we can do so properly and proudly! We must discipline ourselves or it will be done for us.
Pat McMenamin, DCOS District 7, USCG Auxiliary
We should wear the uniform with Pride! YOU are a representa ve of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Elected and Appointed officers are expected to set the example and educate their members
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2019
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
FROM THE DISTRICT 7 BRIDGE Click on the logo to donate now h ps://www.cgmahq.org/give.html
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Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
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MEMBER FOCUS
DTRAIN 2019: Welcome to the Sensational 7th District!
By Dorothy Joan Riley, DSO-PB 7
O
ne knows when an event is successful. One can tell by the smiles on people’s faces as they greet one another and by how they carry themselves. Their warmth and laughter convey that they enjoy each others company while their posture displays pride in their membership. The energy is almost palpable. One leaves such an event with renewed energy and commitment. This vigor is what the District 7 annual Board Mee ng and Training (DTRAIN) offered those who a ended this year. Held Sept. 19-22, 2019, at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, DTRAIN provided fun-filled fellowship events, great food, me-honored ceremonies, and above all, numerous training opportuni es in a broad range of Auxiliary qualifica ons. For those who have never a ended, the following is a breakdown of major elements and events. Opening Ceremonies and District 7 Board Business Mee ng
The District 7 Board Business Mee ng took place Friday, Sept. 20. The opening ceremonies encompassed several tradi ons including the pos ng of the colors by the combined Color Guards of Sector Jacksonville, and the Auxiliary followed by the singing of the na onal anthem performed by William Giers from Flo lla 17-6 Central Brevard, and the playing of “God Bless America” by the United States Coast Guard Pipe Band member David Lairson from Flo lla 58 Ft. Pierce.
Welcome poster at the District 7 Training Conference Sept. 19-22, 2019 in Orlando.
COMO Barth introduced this year’s dis nguished guests and showed a video commemora ng the 80th Anniversary of the (ConƟnued on page 8)
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DTRAIN (ConƟnued from page 8) Auxiliary featuring the members of District 7. In COMO Gary Barth’s words, “Remember the member, for, without them, we do not have an Auxiliary.”
Auxiliary Training DTRAIN offered a broad array of training. A par al list includes Naviga on Systems, Flo lla Leadership Academy, Marine Safety Program, Public Educa on, Opera ons, Diversity, Public Affairs Social Media Tips, Communica ons, Publica ons, Introduc on to Risk Management, Recrea onal Boa ng Safety, Partner Visita ons and Vessel Examiner Workshops. Some training offered the complete course to prepare a member for the test to earn the qualifica on, while others targeted problem areas such as Human Resources topics from how to process new members to how to complete forms. Many courses were geared toward new members, while others targeted flo lla officers. DTRAIN offered “something for everyone.” Presenta on of Awards Recognizing members is important. Awards ranged from those earned by District 7 members and units at the na onal level to those earned for outstanding contribu ons at division and flolla levels including Na onal Safe Boa ng Week. The presenta on of honors was spread over Friday and Saturday events. Awards presented to individual members and units appear on pages 13-19.
The Color Guard opens the District 7 annual Board Business Mee ng in Orlando Sept. 20 with the pos ng of the colors by the combined Color Guards of Sector Jacksonville and the Auxiliary. Bill Sekeres, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator Jacksonville, and GM1 Stephen Shelley led the color guards, GMC Kris n Rodriguez, MM3 Daniel Kubler and SN Gabriel Miller from Sector Jacksonville. (USCG Auxiliary photograph) Right: David Lairson from Flo lla 58 Ft. Pierce and member of United States Coast Guard Pipe Band plays “God Bless America” at the opening ceremonies at DTRAIN. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart.) Below: Carolyn Hooley (center) has served as District 7 Conference Coordinator for many years. (What would we do without her?) She is flanked by conference staff members Lou and Marianne Con , members of Flo lla 9-10 Fort Myers and Cape Coral. (USCG Auxiliary photograph)
Fellowship Ge ng to know other members of District 7 is one of DTRAINs bestselling points. No member is ever a stranger even before shaking hands or saying hello. While geography may differ, members share their commitment to the Coast Guard (ConƟnued on page 10)
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MEMBER FOCUS
One of the most important elements of the District 7 Business Mee ng is the elec on of our district leaders. District Captains are elected every year, and District Commodore and District Chief of Staff are elected every two years. District Captains elected for 2020 were John Holmes (north) Tom Bamford (west) and William Butler (east).
DTRAIN (ConƟnued from page 9) and boa ng safety. Members wear the same uniform and receive the same training, so it is safe to assume that we are talking apple to apple rather than apple to kumquat when we first meet. This common ground serves as the social “ice breaker” not found in community life. Hopefully, the photographs on these pages convey how comfortable and warm members quickly become with one another.
MEMBER FOCUS
There are numerous reasons to a end DTRAIN, many of which are not listed here (like great food and the Auxiliary store). If you did not a end this year, be sure to a end in 2020. You will not regret it! Ω
Above: Stacey Wright from Flo lla 43 Lake County sits behind a display head of Sammy the Sea O er, the Marine Safety mascot of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary at DTRAIN. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart) Center page: David Lairson from Flo lla 58 Ft. Pierce and member of United States Coast Guard Pipe Band plays “God Bless America” at the opening ceremonies at DTRAIN. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart) Right: A sampling of the desserts served at the Commodore's Recep on Sept. 19, 2019. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Do e Riley, Flo lla 74 Brandon)
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Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
MEMBER FOCUS
Below: If you think the District 7 Training Conference (DTRAIN) is just about ceremony and training, then you might be limi ng your percep ons. DTRAIN is also about fun and fellowship as evidenced by the conga line led by Captain Sco L. Johnson, Chief Director of the Coast Auxiliary and Chief of the Office of Boa ng Safety, at the dinner Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. The Auxiliary may place a strong emphasis on professionism, but fellowship remains one of the cornerstones of the Auxiliary. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Dorothy Joan Riley, Flo lla 74 Brandon)
Le : What may not be immediately apparent in this image is that COMO Jay Dahlgren, Past District 7 Commodore, photo-bombed this shot of Toni Borman, Assistant District Staff Officer-Public Affairs and Ron Howington, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator-St. Petersburg. One never knows what will happen when people who like and respect each other get together at DTRAIN! (USCG Auxiliary photo by Dorothy Joan Riley, Flo lla 74 Brandon)
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Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
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MEMBER FOCUS
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District 7 2019 Training Conference 80 Years of Proud Volunteer Service
All photos this page USCG Auxiliary photos by Dorothy Joan Riley, Flo lla 74 Brandon and Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart
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Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Individual and Unit Awards
MEMBER FOCUS
2019 DTRAIN
COMO Gary Barth, Commander District 7 Auxiliary and Rear Admiral Eric Jones, Commander District 7 USCG present Robert Fabich Sr. the Auxiliary Commenda on Medal. To his le are COMO Larry L. King, Auxiliary Na onal Commodore and CDR John Briggs, Director of Auxiliary District 7. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart)
Robert A. Fabich Sr., a member of Flo lla 15-1 Crystal River received numerous awards from Auxiliary na onal and District 7. Fabich’s accomplishments these past two years are so astounding and diverse as to evoke the single-word response, “Wow!” Some of his many accomplishments include serving on the PARROT (Public Affairs Rapid Response Opera ons Team) and comple ng the Special Hurricane Edi on of NAVEX ahead of schedule. Addi onally, Fabich was a contribu ng editor and photographer for the Navigator. At the district level, Fabich developed a District 7 vector boundary map that accurately outlines all flo llas, sectors, sta ons and unit loca ons. He was the District Seven photographer at DTRAIN, provided over 250 photographs on the District webpage and published two award-winning newsle ers. Look for his name to appear in the lists of individual and unit awards. For all of his contribu ons, Fabich earned the District 7 Auxiliarist of the Year Award and the Auxiliary Commenda on Medal. Ω
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2019 DTRAIN Individual and Unit Awards
MEMBER FOCUS
Barbara Burchfield Receives Recreational Boating Safety Award of Excellence from the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety Donna Miller, a member of Flo lla 17-6 Central Brevard received the Donald Frasch Inspiraonal Leadership Award and an Auxiliary Achievement Medal. From the award text:
Rear Admiral Eric Jones, Commander District 7 USCG presents the Recrea onal Boa ng Safety Award of Excellence from the Office of Auxiliary and Boa ng Safety to Barbara Burchfield, member of Flo lla 12-3 Lake Murray, Sept. 21, 2019, at the District 7 Training Conference in Orlando. The award honors Burchfield’s significant impact in improving boa ng safety both on Lake Murray and throughout District 7. To Burchfield’s le are COMO Judith Hudson, Immediate Past District 7 Commodore; COMO Larry L. King, Auxiliary Na onal Commodore; CDR John Briggs, Director of Auxiliary District 7, USCG; Past District 7 commodores COMO John Tyson, COMO Robert Weskerna and COMO Jay Dahlgren, and COMO Gary Barth, Commodore District 7. We are proud to call Barbara Burchfield one of our own. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Dorothy Joan Riley, Flo lla 74 Brandon)
“…Ms. Miller was able to find a new “home” for the flo lla and provided superior leadership in coordina ng and handling the move to a new facility. She engaged her flo lla in providing public affairs outreach campaigns to educate the community about the important services of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, especially to the boa ng public. By doing so, the county commission extended the offer to house the Flo lla Mari me Educa on Facility. She ins tuted the “All that and a bag of chips” mentoring program of presen ng a mentor with a poker chip for each ac vity leading to the qualifica on of a new member or appren ce in an Auxiliary program. This program led to the reten on and growth of Flo lla.” Miller is a prime example of what a mo vated and crea ve leader can do to benefit flo lla members and the Auxiliary. Ω
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Na onal Safe Boa ng Week Award Flo lla 15-1 Crystal River was presented the "District 7 Best Flo lla Na onal Safe Boa ng Week Program Award" for 2019. Captain Ma hew Thompson, USCG Commander Sector St. Petersburg and Commander John Briggs, USCG Director of Auxiliary District 7 presented a plaque and banner to the flo lla’s bridge officers at the Division 15 Change of Watch banquet. The annual banquet was held at Citrus Hills Country Club Nov. 16. This is an outstanding achievement for Flo lla 15-1 because USCG District 7 is comprised of more than 100 Auxiliary flo llas from South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Island and Guam. Pictured from le : Commander Briggs, Jack Neely, Vince Maida, Larry Taylor, Joey Cardona, Andy Render, Linda Jones, Capt. Thompson, Larry Berman, Diane Berman, Robert Fabich, Don Jones. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Dennis Skonecki. Text and photo submi ed by Linda Jones)
MEMBER FOCUS
2019 DTRAIN Individual and Unit Awards
Na onal Awards NACO 3 Star Diversity Award Division 1 Division 2 Division 3 Division 4 Division 5 Division 6 Division 7 Division 8 Division 9 Division 10 Division 11 Division 12 Division 14 Division 15 Division 17
3 awards 5 awards 7 awards 1 award 5 awards 1 awards 2 awards 4 awards 7 awards 2 awards 4 awards 4 awards 4 awards 1 award 5 awards
Na onal Photography, Video and Publica on Awards Best Division Publica on: First place: “Lifeline” Division 17, Richard Knapp editor. Best Public Affairs event project: “Vessel Examiner/ Public Educa on Post Cards,” First place Flo lla 9-10 Fort Meyers/Cape Coral
(Con nued on page 16)
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2019 DTRAIN Individual and Unit Awards Winning flo llas in each of the six core ac vi es
(ConƟnued from page 15) Best Video: “Local Waters Knowledge,” First place, Gregg Ramshaw Flo lla 96 Wiggins Pass Best Photography- Marine Safety category: First place, Robert Fabich Sr., Flo lla 15-1 Crystal River
MEMBER FOCUS
Best Photography- Public Affairs category: First place, Robert Fabich Sr. FL 15-1 Crystal River
Best Performing Division in 2018: Division 12 (Six mis-
District Awards
sion areas of Member Growth, Vessel Safety Checks, Opera ons, Member Training, Program Visita on and Public Educa on during 2018.) A Meritorious Team Commenda on is presented to the winning division.
District 7 Publica on Awards: Third place: “Crossroads Currents,” Flolla 59 Stuart, , Michael Stringer, editor Second place: “Channel Marker,” Flo lla 11-1 Clearwater, Leslie Long, editor
Commodore’s Cup Award for the Best Performing Flo lla in the dis-
First place: “All Hands,” Flo lla 9-10 Ft. Myers/Cape Coral, Clint O’Connor, editor
trict: Flo lla 58 Fort Pierce A Flo lla Meritorious Achievement Medal is presented to the winning flo lla.
Best Division Newsle er in District 7: First place: “7:15 Express,” Division 15, Robert Fabich Sr., editor
Commodore William Mansfield Perpetual Trophy for highest number of Vessel Safety Checks in 2018: Flo lla 11-3 Madeira Beach
Casey Purvis and Robert Fuller Avia on awards of Excellence awarded to the pilot and crew/observer who have accumulated the most flight hours in a calendar year: Pilot-Peter Hecht, Flo lla 54 Delray-Boynton Beach; Crew: Paul Lordi, Flo lla 51 The Palm Beaches
Commodore’s Cup Awards presented to the winning/ most improved flo llas and divisions in each of the six core ac vi es: Membership growth: Division 5 Vessel Safety Checks: Division 12 Opera ons: Division 10 Member Training: Division 14 Program Visita on: Division 9 Public Educa on: Division 2 16
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Membership Growth: Flo lla 17-6 Central Brevard Vessel Safety Checks: FL 17-6 Central Brevard Opera ons: Flo lla 11-1 Clearwater Member Training: Flo lla 44 Daytona Beach Program Visita on: Flo lla 96 Wiggins Pass Public Educa on: Flo lla 61 Homestead
Ernest T. and Anne Fruhner Award of Excellence in Public Educa on: This award is presented annually to the two flo llas with the greatest Na onal Associa on of State Boa ng Law Administrators (NASBLA) graduates reported in AUXDATA/AUXINFO for the previous year. The two winning flo llas shall each receive $1,000 in public educa on materials or equipment of their choice to enhance their public educa on programs. First place: Flo lla 52 Jupiter (249 gradua ng students) Second place: Flo lla 61, Homestead (211 gradua ng students) Note: Flo lla 67 Coral Gables graduated 417 students, however, a flo lla cannot win the award more than once every three years.
Congratulations to this year's winners! Ω
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
CAPT James Passarelli, District 7 Chief of Staff presents two first place Na onal Public Affairs photography awards to Robert Fabich, Sr. at the District 7 Training Conference Sept. 19-21 in Orlando. Fabich earned the awards in two categories: Marine Safety and Public Affairs. To his le stands COMO Gary Barth (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flolla 59 Stuart)
CAPT Sco Johnson, Chief Director of Auxiliary joins in a round of applause for COMO Judith Hudson, Immediate Past District 7 Commodore at the District 7 general business mee ng held Friday, Sept. 20, in Orlando. COMO Hudson is an advocate for the members of our district for which she is greatly admired. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart)
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CAPT James Passarelli, District 7 Chief of Staff presents the Na onal Safe Boa ng Week Award to Flo lla 15-1 Crystal River at the District 7 Training Conference Sept. 19-21 in Orlando. Raymond O’Connell, Division 15 Commander accepts the award on behalf of the flo lla. To his le are COMO Gary Barth and CDR John Briggs, Director of Auxiliary District 7. Pat McMenamin, District 7 Chief of Staff reads the award from behind the podium. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart)
District 7Training Conference 2019
MEMBER FOCUS
Hosts: COMO Gary Barth, District 7 Commodore Pat McMenamin, District 7 Chief of Staff
Rear Admiral Eric Jones, District 7 Commander CAPT Sco Johnson, Chief Director of Auxiliary CAPT James Passarelli, District 7 Chief of Staff CAPT Janet Espino-Young, Director of Preven on District 7 CMDR John Briggs, District 7 Director of Auxiliary CMDCM Devin Spences, District 7 Command Master Chief CWO4 Hailie Browne, District 7 Opera ons Training Officer COMO Larry King, Na onal Commodore COMO David Elliot, Assistant Na onal Commodore COMO Donald Zinner, Assistant Na onal Commodore COMO Richard Washburn, Immediate Past Na onal Commodore COMO Judith Hudson, Immediate Past District 7 Commodore COMO Jay Dahlgren, Past District 7 Commodore COMO John Tyson, Past District 7 Commodore, COMO Robert Weskerna, Past District 7 Commodore and Sta s cal Aide, COMO Joseph Favaloro, Past District 9ER Commodore, John Holmes, District Captain-North Tom Bamford, District Captain-East Tom Butler, District Captain-East COMO Armando D’Alessandro, Na onal Commodore, Dominican Republic Navy Auxiliary
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N Newsletter ew wslletter tt ffor Di District t i t 7 USC U USCG SCG Auxiliary SCG A ili
District 7 Informal Awards 2019 LIGHTHOUSE AWARD
David Bird, Flo lla 10-2 Savannah Gerald Damico, Flo lla 23 Northeast Georgia Keith Cline, Flo lla 87 Englewood Zoraida Sorren no, Flo lla 44 Daytona Beach Michael Donahue, Flo lla 17-2 South Brevard Wayne Johnson, Flo lla 59 Stuart Barbara Burchfield, Flo lla 12-3 Lake Murray Thomas Timberlake, Flo lla 12-4 Ocean Reef Paul Lassanske, Flo lla 12-8 Charleston
INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU AWARD D Presented to members who have completed over 1,000 Vessel Examina ons. The following members qualified and received this award for 2019:
Jack Grumen, Flo lla 10-2 Savannah Jose Guzman, Flo lla 13 Ponce John Hart, Sr., Flo lla 61 Homestead
MEGALODON AWARD Presented to members mbers who ho have completed 1,000 hours underway in surface opera ons. The following members qualified and received this award for 2019:
David Fuller, Flo lla 22 Marie a Walter Gorenflo, Flo lla 43 Lake County Jerome Hyafil, Flo lla 6-10 North Bay Margaret Ingram, Flo lla 10-10 St. Simons Island Daniel Jacquish, Flo lla 51 The Palm Beaches Allen James, Flo lla 12-10 Georgetown Walter Jennings, Flo lla 86 Venice John Nixon, Flo lla 23 Northeast Georgia Thomas Walter, Flo lla 67 Coral Gables Russell Jackson, Flo lla 13-8 Upper Keys
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Presented to members who have completed at least 1,000 Program Visits. The following members qualified and received this award for 2019:
Members Participate in
Wreaths Across America MEMBER FOCUS
Ceremonies
By Steve Summer, Flo lla 11-7 Hudson On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, members of Flo lla 11-7 Hudson par cipated in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Grace Memorial Cemetery on US 19 in Hudson. Members of the community placed over 1,800 Christmas wreaths on the graves of veterans and par cipated in a memorial service. The program was coordinated by the Aripeka Elks Lodge 2520. Represen ng Hudson Flo lla were Kenneth Aldridge, PO David White (USCG), Dimetrios Bitzas, Ma hew Copeland, Robert Lippman and Judy Hershberger.
Photos: Judy Hershberger from Flo lla 11-7 Hudson and PO David White, United States Coast Guard place wreaths on veteran’s graves. Kenneth Aldridge placing a wreath. (United States Coast Guard Auxiliary photos provided by Steve Summer) (Background photo: Wreaths at Arlington Na onal Cemetery. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. James K. McCann )
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Above: Members of Flotilla 51 The Palm Beaches helped unload and place 24,000 wreathes.Taking part were from left: Michael McCarthy, Marla Stein, Joe Stein, Brian Johnson, Clark Woods, Tim Leyendeker, Kim Leyendeker, Nick Leischen and Dan Jacquish. Top right: Dan Jaquish and US Army Specialist Anderson place a wreath. (USCG Auxiliary photos by Michael McCarthy) Photos reprinted from Coastal Guardian, Newsletter of South Florida Division 5, Winter 2019, Norman Sheriff, editor.
Flotilla 9-10 Cape Coral/Fort Myers Flo lla 9-10 Cape Coral/Fort Myers members par cipated in a Wreaths Across America (WAA) ceremony Dec. 14 at Coast Guard Staon Fort Myers Beach. For the eighth year, the ceremony was the only one of 1,700 loca ons with full land, sea and air par cipa on. The wreaths are also the only ones within WAA that are biodegradable, with poinse as and red, white and blue mums donated by SuEllen Floral in memory of her father, Joseph L. Fabbrini, Army Air Corps. On the day of the ceremony the Coast Guard was called out for a search and rescue mission and the wreath was not laid at sea un l the following day by Coast Guard Reserves members from Sta on Fort Myers Beach. There was, however, a flyover by an Auxiliary air flight from Sarasota flown by veterans Bill McDonough (Navy), Dan Smith (Army), members of Flo lla 84 Sarasota and Tom Maloof (Air Force), member of Flo lla 11-9 Tarpon Springs. Photo: Auxiliarist Pat McCarn salutes as Ron Allen plays “Taps.” (USCG Auxiliary photo) Reprinted from All Hands, Winter 2019, NewsleƩer for FloƟlla 9-10 Cape Coral/ Ft. Myers, Clint O’Connor, editor.
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MEMBER FOCUS
Wreaths Across America
Flotilla 51 The Palm Beaches Lay Wreaths at South Florida National Cemetary
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Radio Celebrates 80 Years of Volunteer Service Submitted by Linda Jones, Flotilla 15-1 Crystal River Photos by: John Bescher, Citrus County Amateur Radio Club, and Linda Jones
MEMBER FOCUS
T
he U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Citrus County Amateur Radio Club held a joint communica ons event at the Citrus County Emergency Opera ons Center in Lecanto, Florida, Oct. 19 -20, 2019. Together they worked to make radio contacts with people from all over the U.S.A., Croa a, Slovenia, England, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Virgin Islands and Japan. Even the Boy Scouts par cipated! These HAM operators were "on the air" for two days under the call sign W4F. The event goals were to spread the word about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, its missions and purposes. The event encouraged members to become involved with Auxiliary Communica ons; to encourage any Auxiliary Communica ons staff in “hands-on” par cipa on, to bring new members into the Auxiliary, and to enjoy Auxiliary fellowship. Organizers Deborah Thomas and Ron Dyke, members of Flo lla 15-1 Crystal River and John Bescher, (CCARC) said the event was a great success and they are hoping to expand this annual event next year. Ω
Photos: Top-Ron Dyke a member of Flo lla 15-1 on the radio. Bo om: Ron Dyke explains to Sean Walsh what happens when the radio operators make a contact. Both men are members of Flo lla 15-1 Crystal River. Ron Dyke listens in as a member of the radio club makes contact during the joint communica ons event at the Citrus County Emergency Opera ons Center. (Photos by: John Bescher, Citrus County Amateur Radio Club, and Linda Jones, Flo lla 15-1 Crystal River)
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Auxiliary Member Inducted as Coast Guard Clergy Support Chaplain Submitted by Wayne Lancaster, Flotilla 10-10 St. Simons Island Text and photos by Alice Williams, Flotilla 17-11 Orlando/Winter Park
Alice Williams, FloƟlla 17-11 Orlando/Winter Park (Florida) toured the Simons Lighthouse and Museum January 2019. Williams returned in February to meet members Billy Wiggins, Ron Ainger and John Farmer from FloƟlla 10-10 St. Simons Island who perform the weekly cleaning of the Fresnel lens and rotaƟng motor mount of this historic lighthouse. This arƟcle is about one of these three members and not the lighthouse. In her own words: “…To say I enjoyed my me spent with my three new Coast Guard Auxiliary BFFs (Best Friend Forever) is an understatement. … As I was ge ng acquainted with my new buddies, I found that one of them, John Farmer, was a re red Methodist minister who has been working for several years on an informal basis as friend and counselor to the men and women at USCG Sta on Brunswick. It just so happened that the following morning he was going to be inducted as one of Georgia’s first United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Clergy Support Program chaplains. I was both thrilled and humbled when he asked if I would like to a end his induc on ceremony at Sta on Brunswick. “Wearing “civies” as I didn’t an cipate needing a uniform this trip, I arrived at the sta on only to be greeted by a cadre of Coast Guard personnel. Because he was
so well liked and respected for the years of service he had donated, the en re sta on came to muster for Rev. Dr. John Farmer’s induc on. It was a simple and brief ceremony filled with pride and true apprecia on. The Brunswick News ran the story (see below) on Feb.13, 2019.” On Feb. 13, the “Brunswick News” published: “Coast Guard Sector Charleston, U.S. Coast Guard, held a Coast Guard Auxiliary Clergy Support program inducƟon ceremony at Coast Guard StaƟon Brunswick, Feb. 1. The Rev. John Farmer, a member of FloƟlla St. Simons Island, Division 10, District 7 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was formally inducted into the Coast Guard Auxiliary Clergy Support program. PACS supplements the acƟve duty Coast Guard chaplains to better meet the religious ministry needs of Coast Guard members, their families and other authorized personnel. Farmer is one of only three ACS members that covers Sectors Charleston and Jacksonville.” Those who took part in the induc on ceremony were Senior Chief Pe y Officer Jus n Irwin, the Rev. John Farmer, Mary Lou Farmer, Lt. Bradley Spear, chaplain and Capt. John Reed, Sector Charleston Commander (not pictured). Source with text edits: “Lifeline,” issue #1 2019, newsletter for Division 17, Richard Knapp, editor.
John Farmer, a member of Flo lla 1010 St. Simons Island (holding award folder) is inducted as a Coast Guard Auxiliary Clergy Support Program chaplain February 2019 at Coast Guard Sector Charleston. Par cipa ng in the induc on ceremony were Senior Chief Pe y Officer Jus n Irwin, the Rev. John Farmer, Mary Lou Farmer, Lt. Bradley Spear, chaplain and Capt. John Reed, Sta on Brunswick Commander (not pictured). (USCG Auxiliary photo by Alice Williams, Flo lla 17-11 Orlando/Winter Park)
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SomeƟmes we catch arƟcles about our members late, but they are noteworthy enough to be published months aŌer the event. Such is this arƟcle.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road at Opa-Locka By Andrea Rutherfoord, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator-Sector Miami, Flotilla 36, Boca Raton
MEMBER FOCUS
O
ne of the treasures of Air Sta on Miami, located at the Opa-Locka Airport in Miami-Dade County, is a team of Auxiliarists, mainly from Flo lla 69 Opa Locka but includes members from all over Division 6 and 3 who meet at the Air Sta on. These volunteers perform ongoing maintenance and repairs that save the Coast Guard thousands of dollars each year. Working amid H65 Dolphin helos and H144 Ocean Sentry aircra , the Auxiliarists target the ground tasks and infrastructure that support all units on the base, plus occasional projects at Sta on Miami Beach.
The team’s first major project was a leaking water pipe under a concrete driveway. It was a big success for the team and highly appreciated by the Sta on. Other projects have included replacing the wooden pool deck, installing a new le roof on the clinic, pain ng the barbershop, refurbishing and repairing golf carts, and a myriad of hurricane readiness tasks. Other on-going projects include running the “hobby shop,” where the sta on personnel can work on their cars. Julio conducts forkli training, a cer fica on recognized by the Air Sta on. Special events, such as Change of Command ceremonies, the Air Show and the annual Open House, will find numerous Auxiliarists from several flo llas performing many du es.
Julio Garcia and Ted Tundidor, a licensed civil engineer, lead the team and oversee the plumbing, electrical, and general refurbishment of various projects at the air sta on. As Julio and Ted drive around the sta on, they spot Julio Garcia from Flo lla 69 Opa-Locka coordinates a team of AuxJulio’s proudest iliarists making repairs on the grounds of Air Sta on Miami, (USCG projects, both high accomplishment is and low priority that Auxiliry photograph Opa-Locka) the annual Veterans the team members Luncheon. In 2016, its can assist with or complete themselves. The quality and first year and with the approval of the sta on commanddependability of their work have earned them the trust and confidence of the ac ve duty. This reputa on results ing officer, the team organized a successful event for 750 veterans, with 30 vendors of support services, and a job in calls from the Air Sta on Command for more last-minfair. Last year, there were 2,300 veterans, 116 vendors ute or special projects. and about 300 volunteers. This year’s event, held Nov. 16, Julio’s background of law enforcement and private secubrought over 2,500 veterans and their families, as well as rity, as well as years as communica ons for NGOs in Hai the Veterans Hospital staff and services. and Africa, has given him an understanding of how to Future projects include installing 100 feet of water pipe assess projects, make do with limited resources, and s ll under a driveway to create a drain. These Auxiliarists will maintain high-quality standards for all the work. His experience includes knowing which projects require special rebuild the "rubber for the road" at Air Sta on Miami. considera on since this is not just a Coast Guard base, Julio Garcia and his team have proved to be more than but an airport. He has regular visits with the Command, valuable force mul pliers. They are also money-savers normally mee ng daily with LCDR Beauchamp, as well as for Air Sta on Miami, which works well for our budwith different community and private organiza ons, city get-crunched partners on the “gold side.” Ω and county leaders in Dade and Broward coun es, and Federal and State organiza ons.
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COMO Washburn Named to Serve on Panel of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS)
MEMBER FOCUS
Submitted by NanEllen Fuller, Flotilla 22 Marietta
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2019 – A panel of dis nguished na onal boa ng leaders who serve as a sounding board for the na on’s boater advocate, Boat Owners Associa on of The United States (BoatUS), gathered last week with BoatUS staff in Washington to discuss key issues affec ng recrea onal boaters. The volunteer members of the BoatUS Na onal Advisory Council included Robert Baldridge, past Chief Commander, United States Power Squadrons; Lenora S. Clark, former California Boa ng and Waterways Commissioner and former Recrea onal Boaters of California President; Dean Travis Clarke, former Execuve Editor, Bonnier Marine Group; Thom Dammrich, President Emeritus, Na onal Marine Manufacturers Associa on; Ray Durazo, President, Recrea onal Boaters of California; Jim Ellis, Na onal Advisory Council Chairman and former president, BoatUS; John Flynn, Principal, Squire Pa on Boggs; Cody Jones, Chair, Na onal Associa on of State Boa ng Law Administrators; Liz Ogilvie, Vice President and Chief Marke ng Officer, American Spor ishing Associa on; Richard Washburn, Immediate Past Commodore, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; and Bob Adriance, former editor, Seaworthy. (Photo by BoatUS) Read the full ar cle at h ps://www.boatus.com/news-room/release/boatus-na onal-advisory-council-gathers-to-d-1?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
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ARTICLES OF INTEREST
By Judith Hudson, Immediate Past District Commodore
W
hat do we all need from me to me? Mo va on, apprecia on, encouragement, support, and happi-
ness?
There have been many successful missions, new programs, good leadership, and fun social events in District 7 this year, but we all know that not every flo lla and division is running smoothly and se ng new posi ve records. What is the difference between a happy, smooth running flo lla/division and one that is struggling? Posi ve leadership makes a lot of difference. Posi ve leadership can come from staff officers and from members as well as the elected officers. Having offices filled with different members rather than a few members filling all the offices is a hallmark of a happy flo lla. We have difficulty iden fying members who want to take the opportunity to serve in an appointed office, much less an elected office. Accep ng an Auxiliary office is a lot of responsibility, but really it can be fun, provide a lot of sa sfac on and pride for meaningful contribu on, as well as provide your flo lla/division with a path to success. Another major difference in a produc ve flo lla/division is happy members. Think about how you feel when you must meet or work with an unhappy person. It is tedious and unpleasant requiring pa ence and addi onal energy. Do you know your members - what they like and don’t like, and what is going on in their lives? Have you talked to them about what they enjoy and what gives them pride in the Auxiliary? (Good topic for a monthly meeting!) Happy members know that you know what they like to do, that you recognize and appreciate their contri-
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bu ons, and that you know them as a person, not just a member who can help them accomplish something. Talk to unhappy members, complainers, and inac ve members. We should try to learn what they want or need from their Auxiliary experience – how can we do and/or say something that might resonate and make a difference in their approach to Auxiliary life. We need to get them the training they want, give them the assignments they want, ensure they know what their responsibili es are, and provide support. Remembering that all members can be leaders, how do you become a role model for being posi ve and happy?
10 Ways to be Happy 1. Choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice. It sounds simple, but many mes it isn’t; it takes effort and work, but it is your choice. Think about the posi ves, keep everything in perspec ve, take care of the nega ves, don’t just ignore them, and find the truth in rumors. 2. Be sure to do something you love every single day. 3. Take charge of your own skills and knowledge development. You will to gain confidence and skills. Ask for help from your Membership Training Officer and the experts in your flo lla and division.
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
(ConƟnued on page 27)
(ConƟnued from page 26)
4. Take responsibility for knowing what is happening in your flo lla and division. Communicate, communicate, communicate. A end flo lla mee ngs, par cipate, and interact with other members. 5. Ask for feedback frequently from officers, members, customers, and partners. 6. Make only commitments you can keep. One of the most serious causes of stress and unhappiness is failing to keep commitments. Create a system of organiza on and planning to help you assess your priori es and me to complete commitments.
Bassmaster Tournament 2020: Call for Vessel Examiners By Charles Truthan, Flotilla 99 Cape Haze
C
harles Truthan, Flo lla 99 Cape Haze has coordinated the Bassmaster Elite Series Annual Vessel Safety Check Blitz for the past 10 years. This year, it is again in Palatka, Florida, Feb. 6-9.
The Vessel Examiner Blitz will be held on the Wednesday preceding, Feb. 5 in conjunc on with their annual business mee ng. Examiners have less than two-hour window to perform up to 100 Vessel Examina ons. This requires a minimum of 20 Vessel Examiners and 4 to 6 support staff. Usually, this means Vessel Examiners from across the en re district as well as across divisions and adjoining districts. United States Power Squadron examiners also par cipate.
7. Avoid Nega vity. Be aware that negave people, complaints, gossip, and unhappy people can have an effect on you. Befriend, train, and work with members who are upbeat and posi ve.
Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S., LCC. CEO, has again agreed to con nue the free Recrea onal Boa ng Safety space to all 35 B.A.S.S. Na onal level Tournaments, across all six named series events. This will provide Public Affairs/Recrea onal Boa ng Safety exposure to over 94,000 spectators who a end these tournaments. New this year is a Kayak series tournament.
8. Prac ce Courage. No one likes dealing with and working through conflict. It is not fun. But if you deal with it effec vely, it can help you achieve success, serve others, and give you more confidence in your people skills. Meet challenges directly and tac ully.
The biggest challenge to the event is speedy distribu on of the 2020 Vessel Examiner decals when they become available. We found that the most efficient way for Vessel Examiners to get credit for the Vessel Safety Checks and to get replacement decals is for them to bring their own. Ten decals per Vessel Examiner is more than ample.
9. Make Friends. Enjoying your Auxiliary experiences entails having members whom you enjoy sharing those experiences with. Take the me to get to know your mates.
Interested examiners and support persons should contact Charles Truthan by email. This event is right around the corner and will be an experience to remember!
10. Evaluate. If all of these sugges ons do not help you have happy and fun Auxiliary experiences, it is me to evaluate your membership. Happiness and happy members lead to opportuni es to do Hip! Hip! Hoorays!! Ω
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ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Lake Murray Auxiliarist Honored for 40 Years of Service By Barbara Burchfield, Flotilla 12-3 Lake Murray
G
MEMBER FOCUS
eorge Jeandheur, a member of Flo lla 12-3 Lake Murray was honored for 40 years of service Saturday, Dec. 7, at the annual Change of Watch ceremony, a ended by U. S. Coast Guard from Sector and Sta on Charleston, and Auxiliary leadership, members and families. George Jeandheur received a framed cer ficate of special congressional recogni on from Rep. Joe Wilson for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Jeandheur began his service at Lighthouse Point, Florida, in 1979. He has held numerous elected and appointed posi ons, including the highest district posi on as District Commodore in 1995-1996. Following that two-year term, Jeandheur served eight years at the Auxiliary na onal level from 1997 to 2004 as Na onal Vice Commodore for Coast Guard Support, later renamed Opera ons, Marine Safety and Environmental Protec on.
COMO George Jeandheur, coxswain, seated and boat crew John Bradley, members of the Lake Murray Coast Guard Auxiliary, assist the University of South Carolina environmental science department with water quality sampling at Lake Wateree Oct. 18, 2019. (Coast Guard Auxiliary photo.)
Significant accomplishments during Jeandheur’s eight years of na onal leadership have contributed to the Auxiliary air and surface opera ons. He worked with Coast Guard leadership to develop and implement the Auxiliary Avia on Reorganiza on Act of 1997, which reassigned Auxiliary air assets from Coast Guard Sectors to Coast Guard Air Sta ons. The Act also established District Avia on Boards, District Flight Safety Officers and District Avia on Staff officer posi ons. Jeandheur also worked with the Civil Air Patrol command to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between the Auxiliary and the CAP, allowing an exchange of air crew and air observer personnel in each other’s aircra .
Boat Crew Opera onal Excellence program to enhance training skills and proficiencies for an interna onal search and rescue compe on. Surface boat opera ons benefited from Jeandheur’s development of the Personal Watercra program and addi on of the Auxiliary Boat Forces program. As a boat coxswain and resident of Lake Wateree, Jeandheur con nues to support marine safety and environmental protec on ac vi es, such as assis ng with water quality sampling on the lake. Our congratula ons and hear elt apprecia on go out to COMO George Jeandheur. Ω
Jeandheur was instrumental in the development of the Auxiliary’s Trident qualifica on in the Marine Safety and Environmental Protec on program. He also ini ated the
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Division 8 News:
Appreciating our Members.
MEMBER FOCUS
Submitted by Judi Bidwick, Flotilla 86 Venice
Top le and le : Chief Hollingshead from Sta on Cortez presents Walter Jennings from Flo lla 86 Venice an award for his 40 years of service in the Auxiliary during a Division 8 mee ng in June. Jennings assists the sta on by taking his boat and crew to Sta on Cortez each week to train new recruits. OďŹƒcers and members a ending the mee ng pose with Jennings. Top right: Joe Remo, Flo lla 86 Venice and Kurt Ziebarth, Flo lla 82 Longboat Key, prac ce life saving techniques at a recent CPR, First Aid and automated external defibrillator training oered by Division 8. (USCG Auxiliary photos by Al and Judi Bidwick, Flo lla 86 Venice)
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Flotilla Telecommunications Operator Earns Prestigious Paul White Award. By Stephen Muller, Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg exams on first try in March 2013. He later earned his Extra Class in September 2014. Rockwell was drawn to traffic handling and public service communica ons, both through his associa on with the Coast Guard and his prior experience in the United States Air Force radio in the 1970s. He became first a net control sta on for the Eagle Net, the NTS Traffic Net for the ARRL West Central Florida Sec on and later was chosen as the Net Manager for the Eagle Net.
MEMBER FOCUS
Rockwell is an ac ve member of the Pinellas County Auxiliary Communica ons Service and Pinellas Amateur Radio Emergency Services (Pinellas County ACS/ARES) and is the night shi lead in the Pinellas County Emergency Opera ons Center radio room. Rockwell is a member of the St. Petersburg Amateur Radio Club (SPARC), the Glorious Society of the Wormhole, and is a volunteer examiner for ARRL, W5YI and Laurel Volunteer Examiner Coordinators VECs. Rockwell is also currently an ARRL technical specialist and serves as a member of the board of directors for the West Central Florida Group Inc., who owns and operates the NI4CE repeater system. Rockwell is a life member of the ARRL and has served as ARRL Public Informa on Coordinator for the ARRL West Central Florida Sec on in 2015. Rockwell also holds a General Radiotelephone Operators License. Rockwell has qualified as a Lead Instructor for the Incident Command System and ac vely supports Pinellas and Hillsborough county ICS training programs. Rockwell has taught two training sessions in Traffic Handling for the ARRL West Central Florida Sec on and par cipates in the Florida Phone Traffic Net, o en serving as liaison to Eagle Net.
D
ave Rockwell W4PXE, a member of Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg has been named the 2019 White Award recipient. The White Award, established in 2016, is to name the amateur radio operator who has made the greatest contribu on to amateur radio in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) West Central Florida sec on.
Rockwell has been fascinated with radio communicaons and electronics since the 1960s. In 2011, Rockwell became ac ve in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, earning cer fica on as a Telecommunica on Operator providing land-based radio communica ons for Auxiliary vessels. This rekindled his interest in radio leading him to test for and pass both the Technician and General Class
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Rockwell's other interests are the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary where he serves as the Branch Chief, Conngency Communica ons on the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Na onal Staff and holds posi ons of Division and Assistant District Communica ons Officer in the Auxiliary. Rockwell's professional career included serving in the United States Air Force as a ground radio repairman, augmentee Radiotelephone operator, and served 14 years as a Communica ons Computer Systems Engineer working on communica ons and computer security systems. Rockwell a ended Strayer University and New Mexico State University gradua ng with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Rockwell also did a me as Chief Engineer of a college radio sta on and WPEP in Taunton, Massachuse s. A er (ConƟnued on page 31)
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
White Award (ConƟnued from page 30)
The ARRL West Central Florida Sec on congratulates Dave Rockwell W4PXE on being named the 2019 White Award Recipient. The 2019 White Award was presented at the ARRL forum during the Tampa Bay Hamfest Dec. 14, 2019. Ω
Dave Rockwell from Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg hosts a Telecommunicaons Operator informa on table at DTRAIN 2019 in Orlando. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Dorothy Joan Riley, Flo lla 74 Brandon) Opposite page: Rockwell poses with the award at a mee ng of Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg. (USCG Auxiliary photo)
Division 11 Honors Member's Accomplishments Submitted By Karen Miller, Flotila 11-1 Clearwater
Le : Joe Primosch 11-3, Madeira Beach and Kathy Lloyd, 11-1 Clearwater pose with the numerous “Century Club Awards” presented at the Division 11 mee ng Oct. 19. The award is presented annually to members comple ng 100 Vessel Safety Checks. Right: Tom Bamford, District Captain-West District 7 presents the Eagle award to Sam Walker, Division 11 Vice Commander, for his assistance a er Hurricane Dorian. (USCG Auxiliary photos by Karen Miller, Flo lla 11-1 Clearwater)
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MEMBER FOCUS
re ring from the United States Air Force, Rockwell went on to serve as a principle Systems security engineer suppor ng contracts with the Department of Defense, U.S. Treasury, and the FBI, culmina ng in a posi on as Chief Scien st with Federal Data Systems. Rockwell was an adjunct instructor for Strayer University and Hawaii Pacific University, specializing in object-oriented programming. Rockwell and his family now reside permanently in St. Petersburg, Florida.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
By Dorothy Joan Riley, DSO-PB 7
n the hours leading up to 6:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, the crew of CGC Tiger had no warning that their day would take a turn for the worst. Berthed at Pearl Harbor, a naval base near Honolulu, that morning started out like any other.
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USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Utah, USS Maryland, USS Pennsylvania, USS Tennessee and USS Nevada—had sustained significant damage. More than 2,400 Americans died in the a ack, including civilians and another 1,000 people were wounded
There was just one confusing blip: the USS Ward (DD139), an American destroyer, sent out a radio dispatch claiming to have engaged an uniden fied submarine and to have sunk it. For the next 30 minutes, there were no further radio transmissions or explanaons. No one seemed to know anything about a foreign hosle cra in American waters.
Because American military leaders were not expec ng an a ack so close to home, the naval facili es at Pearl Harbor were rela vely undefended. Almost the en re Pacific Fleet was moored around Ford Island in the harbor, and hundreds of airplanes were squeezed onto adjacent airfields.
Then came the assault: Just before 8 a.m. on that Sunday morning, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes descended on the base and destroyed or Pain ng of high-endurance cu er Taney firing at damaged nearly 20 American Japanese aircra from its dock in Honolulu. (Coast Guard Collec on) naval vessels, including eight ba leships and over 300 airplanes. Less than two hours later, the surprise a ack was over, and every ba leship in Pearl Harbor—USS Arizona,
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The day a er the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. This declara on catapulted the U.S. into wars on two fronts- both the Pacific and the Atlan c. Germany, Italy, and Japan had signed the Tripar te Pact in 1940, be er
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
(Con nued on page 33)
Pearl Harbor Remembrance (Con nued from page 32) known as the Axis alliance, and Dec. 11, 1941, Germany declared war on the United States. The Coast Guard played a major role during World War II by protec ng our extensive coastlines and placing most of their cu ers under Navy control. The Coast Guard ferried infantry soldiers to the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and contributed some of the most famous photographs of that bloody event.
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We as Americans will never forget Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day- Dec. 7- “the day that will go down in infamy.” Read more about Pearl Harbor and the Coast Guard in “The Long Blue Line: The a ack on Pearl Harbor—“a date that will live in infamy” COAST GUARD COMPASS blog, wri en by William H. Thiesen, Ph.D., Coast Guard Atlan c Area Historian and posted by Diana Sherbs, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 found at h ps://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/12/pearl-harbor-5-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-coast-guardthat-day/
A graphic designed to commemorate the a ack on Pearl Harbor. This year (2019) marks the 78th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, a ack on Pearl Harbor that took the lives of an es mated 2,400 United States personnel, injured 1,178, and drew the United States into World War II. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communica on Specialist 3rd Class Caledon Rabbipal) PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2018)— Pe y Officer 1st Class William Stevenson and Ms. Elisabeth Williams show their respects a er presen ng the United States Coast Guard wreath during The Na onal Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 77th Anniversary Commemora on ceremony. The ceremony was held in remembrance of the 2,400 American casual es most during the a ack on Pearl Harbor and to reflect on the peace and prosperity forged by all who fought on. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communica on Specialist 1st Class Randi Brown) In accordance with United States Code Title 36, Chapter 1, Sec on 129, the president of the United States is requested to issue a proclama on (per Flag Code sec on 7(m)) for the United States Flag to be displayed at halfstaff for the en re day (sunrise to sunset) for Na onal Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Wednesday, December 7. When issued, the proclama on will be found on the White House website. States home to Navy bases and Coast Guard sta ons also hold remembrance ceremo-
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nies and issue proclama ons. Unfortunately, most Pearl Harbor survivors have now passed on. Ω
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The Importance of the Pre-Mission Briefing By Michael Lloyd, Division 11 Staff Officer-Operations
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
facility we’re on is commands. In the Division Opera ons Manual are these suggested line handling commands. (See Figure 1) As part of the pre-mission briefing, clarify with the coxswain the line handling commands they use. Ask ques ons if you are unsure of anything. This briefing is an important part of the patrol and an integral part of Team Coordina on Training. Now would also be a good me to discuss how to set up the towline, show everyone what the ‘Oscar’ looks like, and point out anything that may be unique to that facility. A properly given pre-mission briefing will result in a smoother running patrol. USCG Auxiliary photo by Judi Bidwick, Flo lla 86 Venice
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hen a Coas e steps on a 29-foot Response Boat in Clearwater, it’s the same as stepping on a 29-foot Response Boat in Charleston. A 29-foot is a 29-foot is a 29foot. They are all the same. Train on one, you’ve trained on them all.
Reprinted from Chip Log, September 2019 issue, NewsleƩer Division 11, Karen Miller, editor
As Auxiliarists, we don’t have that luxury. Each of our boats is different. On one patrol, we may be on a center console and the next patrol we may be on a small cuddy cabin. Within the division, we have small boats, large boats, single-engine, twin-engine, center consoles, cuddy cabins, fast boats and slow boats, boats with tow posts and boats with large flares. While the equipment needed for a boat to be a facility is defined, where that equipment is on each boat varies. There are no standards where the gear must be stowed. This means the pre-mission briefing is a critical component of a successful patrol! Even if you’ve been on a facility many mes, pay a en on, and be involved during the briefing. Look to ensure the gear is where the coxswain says it is. The de-watering device that was in the starboard side fish well the last patrol may now be in the port side fish well. One area that is common regardless of which
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((Figure Figure 1))
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
U.S Department of Homeland Security United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
District 7 Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program
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MEMBER FOCUS
2019 Holiday Activities throughout District 7
Santa is dressed for the Florida weather at the holiday event sponsored by Flo llas 59 Stuart, 56 Vero Beach/ Sebas an and 58 Fort Pierce for members and families of Sta on Fort Pierce. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart.) Auxiliary members design and build a helicopter frame covered in Christmas lights to mount atop a Coast Guard Response Boat for the Stock Island holiday boat parade. (USCG Auxiliary social media post by Russell Dewey Jackson, Flo lla 13-8 Upper Keys) Agnes Mical, Mark Cannon, Tommy Augustsson and Joe Dowling from Flo lla 56, Vero Beach/Sebas an at the holiday party for Sta on Fort Pierce. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart.) The gingerbread house built by Joe Dowling, Flo lla 56, Vero Beach. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart.)
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Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
MEMBER FOCUS
2019 Holiday Activities throughout District 7
Members of Flo lla 11-1 Clearwater collect toys and gi s for “Toys for Tots” and display quite a haul at the flo lla’s annual holiday party. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Kathy Lloyd, Flo lla 11-1 Clearwater.) Keith Betzig, Flo lla 11-10 Dunedin decorated their 22-foot Carolina Skiff in the Peanuts theme for the Dunedin holiday boat parade which earned them second place for best lights in the marina. (Reprinted from Wet Gaze e, newsle er for Flo lla 1110 Dunedin). CWO Cheston Evans, USCG, talks with Marcus Kiriakow and Dawn Muller, members of Flo lla 59 at the holiday party in honor of members of Sta on Fort Pierce and their families. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Michael Stringer, Flo lla 59 Stuart.) It’s not Christmas without a tree! (Photo by Valerie Fernandes, Flo lla 78 St. Pete Beach)
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Use Social Media to Help Spread the Boating Safely Message Auxiliary Social Media
1. LIKE the page so that its posts appear in your newsfeed.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary District 7 on Facebook: ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Auxiliary social media pages are a good source of informa on and ideas as well as a great way to spread the recrea onal boa ng safely message and recruit new members. But…yes, there is a caveat… to help spread the boa ng safely message you must do three things:
https://www.facebook.com/uscg.auxd7/
2. LIKE posts that appeal to you, and 3. SHARE these posts on your page so that your friends can see these messages. Everyone has their own newsfeed so your friends do not see the contents of yours unless you SHARE on your meline. Spreading the word is not all that difficult. LIKE and SHARE!
United Staes Coast Guard Auxiliary
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/uscgauxiliary/
Seventh District
While you are online, check out all of the new features on the District 7 Web page. Between the links on the sidebar and the ones within the table, it could not be any easier to find what you need! h p://www.uscga-district-7.org/
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U.S.C.G Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RecreationalBoatingSafety/ Please remember to LIKE and SHARE to help spread the boating safely message!
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