Intercom Fall/Winter 2015

Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Volume XXXVIII Issue 3 Fall/Winter 2015

We Have All of the Pieces in Place-

For a Great 2016!

INTERCOM

Newsletter for Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7, USCG Auxiliary Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

In this Issue...

Click on the tle to read ar cles. Use the "Home" bu on on the bo om of each page to return to this contents page.

From the Helm: Jeffrey Gines, Division Commander

4

From the Helm: Gene Keller, Division Vice Commander

6

Division 7 2015 National Awards

6-7

Division 7 Conducts Quarterly Meeting and Elections.

8-9

Division 7 Change of Watch signals readiness for another great year

10-13

Flotilla Activities

14-19

Staff Reports

20-23

Fatality Reminds Members of the Importance of the Boating Safely Message

24

Auxiliary Searches for Boater in Distress

25

Bad Weather Makes for Busy Evening

26

New Members in Approval Pending (AP) Status

29

Division 7 Independence day Activities

30-31

Coast to Coast Navigation: Airmail Route Beacons.

32-33

Member Spotlight: Division 7 Members Make Great Contributions Both to the Auxiliary and to our Local Communities.

34-36

Auxiliary Food Service Specialists Join Crew of Coast Guard Cutter TAMPA

37-38

Members Participate as Mock Victims in Mass Casualty Training Excercise

40

High School Students Contribute to Oceanographic Scientific Research

41

Chartering Announcement and Invitation-Flotilla 77

42

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 3

INTERCOM

Newsle er for Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7, USCG Auxiliary

Div 7 Division Commander Div 7 Division Vice Commander Div 7 Immed. Past Division Commander

Jeffrey Gines, DCDR Gene Keller, VCDR J. Michael Shea, IPDCDR

FL-72 Flo lla Commander Flo lla Vice Commander FL-74 Flo lla Commander Flo lla Vice Commander FL-75 Flo lla Commander Flo lla Vice Commander FL-78 Flo lla Commander Flo lla Vice Commander FL-79 Flo lla Commander Flo lla Vice Commander FL-7-16 Flo lla Commander Flo lla Vice Commander

Jack Lee, FC Tony Hooper, VFC Dus n Buxton, FC Carlos Velez, VFC Gary Mull, FC Judith Clapp, VFC Tony Novellino, FC Eric Davis, VFC Michael Massimini, FC Darren Hart, VFC Tom Bodi, FC Bill Zinner, VFC

Communica ons Communica on Services Diversity Finance Informa on Services Human Resources Materials Marine Safety Member Training Naviga on Systems Opera ons Public Affairs Publica ons Public Educa on Program Visitor Secretary Vessel Examina ons Auxiliary Unit Coordinator

David Rockwell, SO-CM Franco Ripple, SO-CS Donald T. Hershman, SO-DV Linda Brandt, SO-FN Leonard Chiacchia, SO-IS Judith Clapp, SO-HR Guy Mandigo, SO-MA Conrad Palermo, SO-MS Dean I. Bell, SO-MT David Perillo, SO-NS Linda Churchill, SO-OP George Papabeis, SO-PA Dorothy J. Riley, SO-PB James Fogle, SO-PE Darren Hart, SO-PV Heleyde Aponte, SO-SR Richard Smith, SO-VE John Simone

We’re on the web! h p://A07007.wow.uscgaux. info You can contact any of our officers on the Division 7 web page.

The Intercom is a publica on of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division 7, District 7. The cost of publica on is provided by dues-paying members of the Auxiliary, an organiza on of unpaid, civilian volunteers whose mission is to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in promo ng boa ng safety. Ar cles may be reprinted only with the express consent of the author or photographer, with proper credit given to same. For permissions or for more informa on, please contact the editor, Dorothy Joan Riley, SO-PB, Email address: do eriley1@verizon.net

Cover illustra on: Photos of our members from various flo llas engaged in our many missions from Public Educa on, Vessel Examinaons, Member Training, Communica ons and Opera ons. Illustraon by D. Riley

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Intercom

USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

From the Helm

Jeffrey Gines, Division Commander

A

s you’ve to come to know through some of our publica ons, past meetings, events, and discussions we’ve had over the last couple of years, there are very few opportuni es I won’t take to speak with you about our three R’s: doing the Right things, doing them the Right way, and ge ng the Right results. Then, to take the opportunity to speak about capitalizing on our strengths and overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. Today, I’m going to forego that opportunity, but make no mistake, what you all have accomplished throughout this year is nothing less than outstanding.

Please know that you have my greatest apprecia on and respect for all that you have done for your flo llas, this division, the Auxiliary, and the Coast Guard.

As I was thinking over the last couple of weeks about these past two years and my last message to you as your Division Commander, I kept coming back to something else that I wanted to leave you with today. It’s really only a ques on, but it’s an uncommon one and probably one you have never been asked as an Auxiliarist: “What’s a perfect day as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary?” What does that even mean and is there such a thing?

within the hour. The outcome is a good one – the missing boaters are found alive, and our members played an invaluable part in that. Perhaps that early morning phone call was a perfect day a er all.

Someone may say, “The perfect day for me would be catching up on Auxiliary emails late at night and NOT have my inbox full again that very next morning.” It would be nice to have some those days. But, would those be perfect days for us as members of the Auxiliary?

Think about this: Perhaps a perfect day IS waking up the next morning with another full inbox of Auxiliary emails. They’re all an overwhelming response to a last minute request by one of our partners to support them at one of their events. And all those members’ emails were ones of support – “Count me in”, “This is a great cause.”, “I’ll move my schedule around to help.” How does that stack up for a perfect day from our members?

Another may say, “The perfect day is having all 10 students who registered for one of our ‘About Boating Safety’ classes actually all show up.” That could be called a “good day”.

Think about this: Perhaps instead of having all 10 students who register for an ABS class one Saturday, you only have one student who actually shows up. You go Someone’s first thought on that may be, “The perfect ahead and teach the class; you don’t cancel it. You nevday for me would be my phone not blowing with calls er hear from or speak with that student again. Howlate at night or in the early hours of the morning before ever, soon a er that class, as a result of your instrucI go to work.” You know how that goes. on and guidance, that boater purchased and installed a marine radio on his boat. A few weeks later, he took Think about this: Perhaps a perfect day IS actually geta group of friends out fishing and one of them had ng that late night call from a member, a member who has had a family emergency and had to back out of a heart a ack. They couldn’t get a connec on on their commitment to teach a public educa on class the next cell phones to call for help, but he now had that radio morning. You listen and offer your comfort. You tell her on his boat and now knew how to use it. He got on family comes first and not to worry about that class be- the radio; emergency responders were able to get to cause you’ll take care of it. You will also tell her if there them in me to save his friends life and get him to the is anything else you can do to help to please let you hospital. A life was saved through a public educa on know. So, could that late night phone call make for a class. So, perhaps only one student a ending a boa ng safety class could end up being the perfect day you’ll perfect day? never know you even had.

Perhaps the perfect day IS ALSO ge ng that call in dark hours of the morning. It’s a call from Sta on on And perhaps someone else would say, “The perfect day a Search and Rescue mission. We have boaters who’ve for me would be going to the boat ramp on a Saturday gone missing out on the water. Boat facility owners, morning and having all 20 boaters I approached agree coxswains, and crewmembers are called and awak- to go through a Vessel Safety Check before going out ened. All of them volunteer and are out on the water on the water.” That’s not a bad day.

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Think about this: Perhaps that perfect day is having only one boat owner in 20, whom you approach on a long Saturday a ernoon, who is willing to go through a Vessel Safety Check before going out on the water.

But during that one vessel examina on you performed with an inexperienced boater owner and his 11-yearold daughter with him, you were able to convince that father to make sure his daughter wore her life jacket out there on the water. You even helped her make sure it was being worn properly. Li le did you know that a couple hours later you would see them returning. The daughter is drenched and looks a bit frightened. So, you approach the father only to learn that the daughter had fallen overboard while they were underway.

He was able to recover her on his own. It took what seemed like an eternity to get to her and get her on the boat safely, but she had her life-jacket on that day.

And you, and it could be any of you, you, in the fi een minutes you took on that one Vessel Safety Check that long Saturday a ernoon, you changed that family’s life forever. You tell me. What was that?

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So, the perfect day. What does that mean for a member of the Auxiliary? It could mean many things to each of us and come to us in many different ways. There may be many mes, you’ll never even know you had it. Our membership is made up of different talents, temperaments, and convic ons.

As volunteers, your me is your own, but you put yourself out there and give of it freely and willingly. Much of it is your own sweat, and much of it is even your own treasure. Perhaps the next me you think about your role as an Auxiliarist, your commitment and value as a member, and maybe this one ques on I’ve asked you here today, “What is the perfect day as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary?”, you’ll stand tall, look forward and say to yourself: “The perfect day is ge ng ready for that day - Always ready to do something in some way for someone, who will never, ever be able to repay you.

So where do we go from here? The Auxiliary is now 75 +1 years in the making. We have a deep and proud history built on the idea of SEMPER PARATUS…Always Ready. Remember, that is not just our mo o, it is our legacy. It defines what must live on within the Auxiliary and represents what must always exist to serve with excellence and a devo on to duty. You, we, carry that legacy forward.

I believe you all understand what I’m leading to on this. For all the days that there are or will be for us as members of the Auxiliary, there are just as many perfect days wai ng for us to take ahold of. As members, we have the opportunity before us to lead a perfect day, every day – when you pick up that phone late at night or early in the morning, when you receive or re- In closing, it’s been my great honor to serve you as spond to emails, when you go out on a patrol, when your Division Commander for the last two years. I want you teach a boa ng safety class, when you conduct a to thank you all for that privilege. vessel safety check…and I could go on….

Senior Chief Eamon C. McCormack, Officer in Charge, Station St Petersburg, congratulates Jeff Gines, DCDR for earning the Auxiliary Commendation Medal at the Division 7 Change of Watch, Dec. 5, 2015.

Beside Gines are COMO Robert Weskerna D7 and CDR V Victor F. Rivera, C Chief, Response Dep partment, Sector St. P Petersburg. Photo

by Dave Rockwell/ Jack Lee

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Intercom

USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

From the Helm

Gene Keller, Division Vice Commander Division 7 shipmates,

A

s we look ahead to 2016, let us first look back at how far we have come in the past several years. As an organiza on we have matured and developed a more formalized infrastructure, becoming a more professional, and disciplined member of the Coast Guard family.

Organized and regular board mee ngs and formalized budging are now rou ne. Our repor ng process has improved and is now a regular part of our daily jobs.

We owe a great deal to our past leadership to help us evolve into a be er division. As Isaac Newton famously said, “We stand on the shoulders of giants.” Due to the hard work of all of our Division 7 shipmates, our division has never been stronger.

We are about to add a seventh flo lla to our division.

With Polk County detachment realizing its long-term dream of becoming a flo lla, we will be witnessing an event rarely seen in the Auxiliary, a new flo lla chartering ceremony. I wish to thank all involved for the hard work and years of development that were necessary in crea ng a viable presence in this important part of our area of responsibility.

Our future is bright but we must always look forward to our next challenge. Our leadership has clearly stated that our next major challenge will be to develop, grow, and train a larger, commi ed, and more diversified workforce. Each flo lla, each sec on, and each department report the very same concerns regarding our future. “We need more dedicated members so that we can con nue to fill our ever growing mission.” I propose that one of the prime goals for 2016 must certainly be team building.

Team building requires three key elements. First, focused recrui ng, enhanced training and rapid integraon into interes ng and sa sfying jobs. To reach the next level we need to improve our “team public outreach” func on. By improving our communica on with the public we will drive more people into our public educa on classes, and therefore improve our recruitment goals. Next, we must further ins tu onalize our mentoring and new member training programs. Most importantly, to retain our new recruits, we must place them into rewarding jobs as soon as is prac cal.

Each of us must take full advantage of every opportunity to grow; we must all do our part as par cipants in Division 7’s “team public outreach” for only together can we all grow as one. 

Division 7 2015 National Awards Division 7 once again earned first place in the National Public Affairs contest for publications-division newsletter category presented at the Change of Watch ceremony Dec. 5, 2015. From left are COMO Robert Weskerna, D7; Linda Brandt, contributor; Dottie Riley, editor; CDR Victor F. Rivera, Chief, Response Department, Sector St Petersburg, USCG; Senior Chief Eamon C. McCormack, Officer in Charge, Station St Petersburg, USCG, and Jeff Gines DCDR 7. Photo by Jack Lee and Dave Rockwell

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Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

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Division 7 2015 National Awards Awards earned at NACON this year are presented at the Division 7 Change of Watch Ceremony. Dustin Buxton, FC 74 accepts the 2015 National Association of Commodores for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Award for Public Education sponsored by The National Boating Federation along with Flotilla 74 contributing members Galen Johnston and Carlos Velez. Left of Velez is COMO Robert Weskerna. Right of Buxton are Senior Chief Eamon C. McCormack, CDR Victor F. Rivera and Jeff Gines, DCDR. Photo by D. Riley, Terry Hershman, FC 7-16 accepts the 2015 National Association of Commodores Award recognizing performance in the fields of Vessel Safety Checks and Marine Dealer visits sponsored by the Marine Retailers Association along with Flotilla 7-16 contributing members Don Rimel, Bob McCormick and Gerald Hayward. COMO Robert Weskerna stands at far left with Senior Chief Eamon C. McCormack, CDR Victor F. Rivera and DCDR Jeff Gines to the right.

Photo by D. Riley

Darren Hart, SO-PV accepts the District 7 National Safe Boating Week Award along with Flotilla Commanders Tony Novellino, FL 78; Dustin Buxton, FL 74; Jack Lee, FL 72; Gary Mull, FL 75; Michael Massimini, FL 79 and Tom Bodi, FL 7-16. To Hart's right are Senior Chief Eamon C. McCormack, CDR Victor F. Rivera and DCDR Jeff Gines. More awards received by flotillas and individual members are published throughout this issue. Photo by D. Riley

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Intercom

USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Division 7 Conducts Quarterly Mee ng and Elec ons.

And the winners Are...

By Do e Riley

Coordinator Sector St Petersburg; and Donald Hoge, past Auxiliary Sector Coordinator Sector St. Petersburg.

In addi on to door prizes and every meeting a endee receiving a 4" fixed-blade knife with sheath, Jeff Gines, Division Commander, assisted by Hudson and Parent presented a great number of awards to our flo llas and members. These well-deserved awards included the following Cer ficate of Award for Outstanding Contribu on to Membership Growth for 2014: Gilbert Thomas, Flo lla 74 Brandon, Flo lla 79 Tampa

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--Recipients of the National Vessel Examinations and Recreational Boating Safety-Program Visitor Century Club Award for 2014 pose beside Jeff Gines, Division 7 Commander (far left) at the division meeting Oct. 3, 2015 in St. Petersburg. Pictured from left are Gines, Rick Smith, Paulette Parent, District Captain West, D7; Jack Lee, Flotilla Commander 72; Judith Hudson, District Chief of Staff, D7; Mark Jaqua, Don Rimel; Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander 74, Terry Hershman; Michael Massimini, Flotilla Commander 79 and Tony Novellino, Flotilla Commander 78.

Photo by D. Riley

D

ivision 7 held its quarterly business mee ng and annual elec ons Oct. 3, 2015, at Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg. Dis nguished guests included Judith Hudson, District Chief of Staff, D7; Paule e Parent, District • Captain-West, D7; Ronald Howington, Auxiliary Sector

Na onal Vessel Examina ons and Recrea onal Boa ng Safety-Program Visitor Century Club Award for 2014: Kathy Clatworthy, Rick Smith, Mark Jaqua, Ken Morningstar, Jim Mulligan, Marty Seiden, Darren Hart, Warren Phirrman, Terry Hershman, James McCormick, Don Rimel, Kevin Yeaton • Commodore's Cer ficate of Excellence, Opera ons/Marine Safety 250 hours or more in 2014: John McLoughlin, John Simone

• Commodore's Cer ficate of Excellence, Recrea onal Boa ng Safety 250 hours or more in 2014: Darren Hart, Terry Hershman, Don Rimel

Commodore's Cer ficate of Excellence, Member Services 250 hours or more in 2014: Do e Riley

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--David Rockwell brings a little levity to the elections on Oct. 3, 2015, by wearing a green visor cap typically associated with accountants and other "bean counters." The flotilla commanders voting for division elected officers pictured are from right: Tony Novellino, 78, Michael Massimini, 79; Gary Mull, 75; and Brian Buxton 74.

Not shown is Tom Bodi, 7-16. Photo by D. Riley

Con nued on page 9

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Con nued from page 8 •

Commodore's Cer ficate of Excellence, Mul Directorate (Opera ons/Marine Safety/Recrea onal Boa ng Safety) 250 hours or more: Rick Smith, Galen Johnston, Ken Morningstar

•

Commodore's Cer ficate of Excellence, Radio Watchstanding 100 hours or more in 2014: Dave Rockwell, Judy Clapp, Heleyde Aponte

•

Commodore's Cer ficate of Excellence, Vessel Examina ons 40 exams or more in 2014: Rick Smith, Marty Seiden, Gil Thomas, Ted Cohen Garry Mull, Darren Hart, Terry Hershman, James McCormick, Don Rimel, Kevin Yeaton

•

7th District Cer ficate of Achievement, Paddle Cra Safety Check Program 30 exams or more in 2015: Rick Smith, Don Rimel, Terry Hershman

•

Meritorious Team Commenda on Award, 2014 Flolla 7-16 Program Visitor Team: Kathy Clatworthy, Don Hershman, Amos Johnson, Bunny Johnson, James McCormick, Don Rimel, Kevin Yeaton

•

Coast Guard Auxiliary Commenda on Medal: Terry Hershman

Gines writes, “I want to thank all who a ended this mee ng and joined in recognizing the great work and accomplishments of these flo llas and our fellow members. Thank you all for your service and tremendous dedica on to the missions of our Division, 7th District and the Auxiliary at large. Your outstanding efforts and accomplishments in 2014 and throughout this year have been invaluable and greatly appreciated.”

Oh, the elec ons… Gene Keller, our current Division Vice Commander was elected Division Commander

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--Judith Hudson, District Chief of Staff, D7 presents Terry Hershman the Coast Guard Achievement Medal at the division meeting Oct. 3, 2015 in St. Petersburg. Hershman was elected Division Vice Commander beginning 2015. Photo by D. Riley

while Terry Hershman, Immediate Past Flo lla Commander 7-16 will serve as Division Vice Commander next year. Congratula ons to both men!

We Have All of the Pieces In Place...

For a Great 2016!

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Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

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Division 7 Change of Watch signals readiness for another great year.

By Do e Riley

D

ivision 7 ended the year on a high note and is ready to take on new challenges with the elected and staff officers sworn in at the annual Change of Watch ceremony held Dec. 5, 2015, at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa.

Dis nguished guests included CDR Victor F. Rivera, Chief, Response Department, Sector St Petersburg, USCG, LT Larry J. Brant; Command Chaplain, Sector St Petersburg, Air Staon Clearwater, Sector Jacksonville, USN and spouse, Mrs. Tammy Brant; LTJG George K. Daws, Assistant Chief, Incident Management Division, Sector St Petersburg USCG; Senior Chief Eamon C. McCormack, Officer in Charge, Sta on St Petersburg, USCG and Pe y Officer Cory D. Palmer, Opera ons, Sta on St Petersburg, USCG.

Elected flotilla commanders are sworn in by Paulette Parent, DCPT-W (not shown) and LTJG George K. Daws at the Division 7 annual Change of Watch ceremony held Dec. 5, 2015 in Tampa. From right are David Rockwell, FC 72; Carlos Velez, FC 74; Mark Jaqua, VFC 74; Darren Hart, FC 79; Gary Mull, FC 75; Pat Costello, VFC 75; Bill Zinner, VFC 7-16; Tony Novellino, FC 78; Roger Gillmore, VFC 78; and Tom Bodi, FC 7-16. Photo Notable guests and members by Jack Lee, FL 72

of the Auxiliary present included Commodore Robert Weskerna, District 7, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and spouse, Mrs. Jackie Weskerna (also a member); Paule e Parent, District Captain-West and Don Hoge, Immediate past Auxiliary Sector Coordinator.

them in their pockets protec vely.They presented yet another reason to smile proudly.

Sworn in by CDR Rivera and COMO Weskerna as elected division officers for 2016 were Gene Keller, Division Commander (e) and Terry Hershman, Division Vice Everyone a ending the ceremony received one of Commander (e). the division's new challenge coins. The design and The elected flo lla commanders were sworn in by Parpurchase of the coins was approved by the Division ent and LTJG Daws. They are Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg: 7 board of elected officers earlier this year. The coins Dave Rockwell, Flo lla Commander and Tony Hooper were well received and the members quickly tucked Flo lla Vice Commander; Flo lla 74 Brandon: Carlos Velez, Flo lla Commander and Mark Jaqua, Flo lla Vice Commander; Flo lla 75 Apollo Beach: Gary Mull, Flo lla Facing page: (From right) Commander Victor Rive- Commander and Pat Costello, Flo lla Vice Commander; Flo lla 78 Pass-a-Grille: Tony Novellino, Flo lla Comra, Chief, Response department Sector St. Petersburg, USCG, swears in Terry Hershman, Division mander and Roger Gilmore, Flo lla Vice Commander; Vice Commander elect and Eugene Keller, DiviFlo lla 79 Tampa: Darren Hart, Flo lla Commander and sion Commander elect at the Division 7 Change of Emily Schmidt, Flo lla Vice Commander; Flo lla 7-16 Watch Ceremoy Dec. 5, 2015, in Tampa. CommoGulfport: Tom Bodi, Flo lla Commander and Bill Zinner, dore Robert Weskerna waits at left to congratulate Flo lla Vice Commander. the new division officers. Photo and photo illustration by D. Riley

Con nued on page 12

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Intercom

USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Con nued from page 11 Gines presented cer ficates of apprecia on to the division staff officers who served this year. Addi onally, Gines presented Auxiliary Commandant's Le ers of Commenda on to the 2014-2015 division staff and expressed his sincere apprecia on for the member’s outstanding achievements under his watch.

Gines led the division to earn the District 7 Na onal Safe Boating Week Award for the past two years as well as the 2015 Na onal Associa on of Commodores Award recognizing performance in the fields of Vessel Safety Checks and Marine Dealer visits (Flo lla 7-16) sponsored by the Marine Retailers Associa on. Members of the division also earned the 2015 Na onal Associa on of Commodores for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Award for Public Educaon (Flo lla 74) sponsored by The Na onal Boa ng Federa on. (A list of other na onal and district awards earned by flo llas and individual members appears in the ar cle tled “Division 7 Conducts Quarterly Mee ng and Elec ons" located on the preceding pages.)

While outstanding achievements like these require tremendous efforts by many members, only great leaders mo vate others to accomplish so much. For his inspira onal leadership, Gines was presented the Auxiliary Commenda on Medal by Parent, COMO Weskerna and CDR Ryan.

While Gines will be missed, we look forward to next year under the leadership of Keller and Hershman. The two have selected their staff consis ng of both familiar and new faces and are gearing up for 2016.

Are you ready? Take a deep breath Con nued on page 13

Above: the 2016 Division 7 Staff Officers pose after taking the oath to serve at the Change of Watch Ceremony Dec. 5, 2015 in Tampa.

Shown from left are Gene Keller, DCDR (e), CDR Victor F. Rivera, Chief, Response Department, Sector St Petersburg; Dottie Riley, SOPB; Bryan Cook, SO-CS; Don Rimel, SO-VE; Judith Clapp, SO-HR; Monica Cook, SO-MS; Michael Massimini, SO-PE; Ellie Zinner, ASODV; Dean Bell, SO-MT; John Simone, ASO-OP; Linda Churchill, SOOP; Darren Hart, SO-PV; David Rockwell, SO-CM; David Perillo, SONS; Linda Brandt, SO-FN; Zelda Troiano, SO-SR. Photo by Jack Lee Below: COMO Robert Weskerna, D7, pins the Auxiliary Commendation Medal on Jeff Gines with Senior Chief Eamon C. McCormack, Officer in Charge, Station St Petersburg, looking on. The medal acknowledges Gines achievements while serving as Division 7 Commander.

Photo by Dave Rockwell

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Con nued from page 12 over the holidays and then prepare to dive in. Division 7 needs everyone’s contribu ons in order to keep pace.

Happy holidays, and congratula ons to all of the newly elected and appointed officers.

“What’s a perfect day as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary?”

--Jeff Gines, final address

Jeff Gines, DCDR, delivers a warm farewell to all present at the Division 7 Change of Watch ceremony Dec. 5, 2015. Gines delivered a portion of the farewell address published in this issue's "From the Helm" message on page 4. Photo by David Rockwell and Jack Lee.

2016 Appointed Officers David Rockwell, SO-CM Bryan Cook, SO-CS Stanley Clark, SO-DV Linda Brandt, SO-FN Judy Clapp, SO-HR John Robbins, SO-IS Tony Hooper, SO-MA Monica Cook, SO-MS Dean Bell, SO-MT David Perillo, SO-NS Linda Churchill, SO-OP Patricia Prado, SO-PA Dorothy Riley, SO-PB Michael Massimini, SO-PE Darren Hart, SO-PV Zelda Troiano, SO-SR Donald Rimel, SO-VE John Simone, ASO-OP Dean Hoskin ASO-PA Pat Stone ASO-DV Ellie Zinner, ASO-DV Jack Satterfield, ASO-CM

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Intercom

USCG Auxiliary

Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg

Jack Lee, Flotilla Commander

Top: Members of Flotilla 72 staed an information table at the Open House for the newly renovated Tierra Verde Resort Marina. Rick Smith, FSO-VE, arranged the event and set up the table. First watch was staed with Rick and Marla Short and Jan Frazer-Smith.

Dave Rockwell and Jim Desanto joined the team for the second watch.

From left are Marla Short, Jim Desanto, Jan Frazer-Smith, and Dave Rockwell. Photo by Rick Short Bottom: Vessels from Flotilla 72 conduct training and marine observation missions on Oct. 22, 2015. David Langdon is coxswain aboard SANDI CAY with David Perillo following LADY E owned by Gene Keller.

Photo by Dick Risk

Sector St. Petersburg South Moorings, USCGC Venturous by D. Riley

Division 7, District 7

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Flotilla 74 Brandon

Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander

O

n January 23, 2016, our detachment in Polk County is set to receive its charter to form a new flo lla: Flo lla 77 Polk County. While giving birth is ever a happy occasion, it is also painful as friends and long- me co-workers separate and either join the new flo lla or remain behind. We are immensely proud of this accomplishment and wish our comrades well.

Flo lla 74 earned the Na onal Boa ng Federa on - Outstanding Public Educa on Award for 2014. This award recognizes the number of Public Educa on classes offered to the boa ng community by a flo lla. The award is presented annually to only one flo lla in the en re Auxiliary and represents an outstanding achievement.

We recognize that this was possible only with the con-

tribu ons of our detachment and we hope they share in our pride. Herea er, their accomplishments belong to them alone and we an cipate that they will become a force to be reckoned with and make great contribu ons to our Recrea onal Boating Safety missions.

Carlos Velez, Flo lla Commander (e) and Mark Jaqua, Flo lla Vice Commander (e), are hard at work building a new cadre of Flo lla Staff Officers for 2016. Besides the efforts of our staff officers, we need the contribuons of every member to succeed next year. If you joined the Auxiliary to contribute, then now is the me to step forward. 

Omayra Velez, a member of Flotilla 74, frocks her brother, Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander (e) at the Division 7 Change of Watch Ceremony held Dec. 5, 2015 in Tampa.

Below: Mark Jaqua, Flotilla Vice Commander (e) and his wife, Linda, at the Division 7 Change of Watch.

The two officers are planning a great year in 2016 and are busy developing a new cadre of Flotilla Staff Officers who will remain with Flotilla 74 after the chartering of the new flotilla. Photos by D. Riley

Williams Park, Riverview, Fla. by D. Riley

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Intercom

USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Flotilla 75 Apollo Beach

Gary Mull, Flotilla Commander

F

lo lla 75 member, Bob Be nger was privileged by the “Observer News” in November 2015 when they ran a full length feature ar cle about “Micks Light” named in honor of his late son Mickey.

The private aids to navigaon’s official designa on in the U.S. Coast Guard Light List 24610 is “R2, FL, 4S” on Tampa Bay nau cal charts and known to most of us as Apollo Beach Light Marker #2. In 2002, the light was affec onately renamed “Mick’s Light” by the Tampa Bay Sailing Squadron in Apollo Beach.

Why the light was named a er Be nger’s son, Mickey, is detailed in this touching story and well worth the read. Be nger is re red from the Coast Guard and a member of the Tampa Sailing Squadron in Apollo Beach as well as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flo Flo lla lla 75 75 Apollo Apol Ap ollo lo Beach.

Bea each ch. While Whilile the story Wh took place years before and focuses on his membership with the Tampa Sailing Squadron, the ar cle ends with this endorsement of the Auxiliary: “… Florida leads the na on in boa ng accidents and deaths, most of which can be prevented by proper training. Call the Coast Guard Auxiliaryy at 813-600-3640 813 81 3-600-3640 or go to www.flo lla75. org to register for a Boa Boa ng ng Safely Safe Sa fely ly class. cllass.

You’ll be pleased to learn that one of the instructors instru inst r ct c ors is Coast Guard Auxiliarist Guar Gu ard d Auxi Au xililiar aris ar istt is Bob who Bob Be nger, nger, r, w ho proudly p ou pr oudl dlyy con con nues nue uess to serve the residents seerv r e off Tampa Tam ampa p Bay pa Bayy for for these th thes hes ese se ma manyy yyears.” many e rs ea rs.” Photos of Mick's Light as published in the

"Osprey Observer." The severely deteriorated light above was restored as shown at far right.

Read the complete story about Mick’s Light: h p://www.observernews.net/2015/11/16/the-tale-of-micks-light/ E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin, Fla., boat ramp by D. Riley

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Flotilla 78 Pass-a-Grille

Tony Novellino, Flotilla Commander

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lec ons for Commander and Vice Commander were held on November 9th. Tony Novellino and Roger Gilmore were elected Flo lla Commander and Flo lla Vice Commander consecu vely. We are proud to welcome Roger as the new Flo lla Vice Commander and want to give special thanks to Eric Davis for his service and contribu on through 2015 in this posi on.

The month of November had 2 on the water patrols yielding two rescues. On each of the patrols we had on board a trainee crew member in one of two required pre-crew training qualifica on runs. Tom Perry was on the first patrol and David Cusick was on the second patrol. They both did an excellent job.

The first rescue occurred at the entrance to Gulfport Marina on November 6. We saw two people in the water trying to climb back up the seawall covered in barnacles and oyster shells. We were able to bring them aboard before they received more cuts and transported them to the dock outside Flo lla 7-16 Gulfport to reunite one of them with their wife along with a large black grouper. The two had jumped into the water to retrieve the fish when the grouper tried to make a break for freedom at the fish cleaning sta on along the seawall.

The second rescue occurred on November 13 right after we finished a towing evolu on with Dave Perillo’s crew from Flo lla 72. We were transi ng the Sunshine Skyway Channel and saw two boaters trying to paddle an 18-foot skiff with a piece of wood. They ed off to the #18 day board as we approached so it was obvious they didn’t have an anchor, nor did they have a VHF

Top: Judy Abruzzo helps a pupil adjust a life jacket in a Pinellas Elementary School classroom while husband Tally selects a second participant from the raised hands. The two presented boating and water safety to 210 Elementary school children November 18. Photo courtesy of unnamed teacher.

Bottom: Roger Gilmore pulls a subject towards the vessel with a line attached to a flotation device. This rescue occurred on November 6 at Gulfport Marina. USCG Auxiliary photograph provided

by Val Fernandes

radio. Neither is a federal requirement but both are necessary for safe boa ng.

Tally and Judy Abruzzo presented water safety to 210 Pinellas Elementary school children November 18.

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Flotilla 79 Tampa Michael Massimini, Flotilla Commander Message from Darren Hart, Flo lla Vice Commander and Flo lla Commander(e) 79 Tampa.

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would like to thank everyone in our flo lla and division who helped us to win another District 7 Na onal Safe Boa ng Week award. Whoever named it safe boa ng week should really have named it safe boa ng month because it was in fact a month long effort. I would also like to thank Mike Massimini, outgoing Flo lla Commander 79 and Jeff Gines, outgoing Division 7 Commander, for mentoring me over the past two years.

I am also very proud of the fact that our flo lla was awarded the Division 7 Captains Jug, a Three Star NACO Award for Diversity Excellence and the Na onal Membership Growth Award.

speed is essen al. Early on in 2016 we will hold an all day Saturday workshop to cer fy new instructors, program visitors and vessel examiners. We feel that this is the fastest way for newer members to make an impact.

Emily and I have also developed a member survey and we will be calling each and every flo lla member in the next month to determine what is working and what is not. Since we have probably 50 members that show li le or no ac vity we feel that we need to reengage these inac ve members to find out what they would like to do in 2016. We will also put an emphasis on building maintenance as our building does need a makeover. We already started with our polished concrete painted floors as well as a landscaping and signage makeover. We also made a list of 5 goals per quarter that we hope to achieve.

In closing, I am asking that any member who wants to par cipate more or be mentored to please simply ask.

On December 16 we will hold a staff officers mee ng. I would like any member that is interested in becoming a staff officer in 2016 or beyond to a end this mee ng.

On December 19 from 10:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. we will hold a workshop for Auxiliary mandated training and how to complete Auxiliary Na onal Supply Center forms 7029, 7030, 7038 and 7046. As most of you should know by now, if you have not completed your Thanks for all that you do and we are looking forward mandated training then you might not be able to par- to a great 2016. cipate in many auxiliary missions especially those that include the ac ve duty side or with other marine Semper Paratus! Always Ready! safety or law enforcement agencies.

2016 will be very challenging as we are on-boarding almost 15 new and newer members. Emily Schmidt, our new Flo lla Vice Commander and I have had several mee ngs and we have determined that recrui ng new members and ge ng these newer members up to

NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS: On December 19 Flotilla 79 will hold a workshop from 10:30 am to 5:45 pm for Auxiliary Mandated training and how to complete Auxiliary National Supply Center forms 7029, 7030, 7038 and 7046 (activity reports). New members and those who may need refresher training are encouraged to attend.

Gandy Boat Ramp, Tampa, Fla. by D. Riley

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 19

Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport

Tom Bodi, Flotilla Commander

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embers of Flo lla 7-16 par cipated in a mass casualty training exercise on Aug. 19, 2015 at Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg. The training was for fire and rescue units from Pinellas County Fire Department, Largo Fire Rescue, Seminole Fire Rescue, and Sunstar Paramedics Ambulance Service.

Terry Hershman helped coordinate the par cipa on of the members as ‘vic ms’ for the exercise. Par cipants included Hershman, Don Rimel, Orrie Baffi, Bill and Ellie Zinner, Tom Bodi, Bob McCormick from Flo lla 7-16 Gulfport, Tony Novellino from Flo lla 78 Passa-Grille, Marla Short from Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg, and Do e Riley from Flo lla 74 Brandon. (See story this issue)

Flo lla 7-16 is the proud recipient of the Na onal Associa on of Commodore's Award for the Best Flo lla in Vessel Safety Checks and Marine Dealer Visits in 2014. This award recognizes one flo lla in the en re Auxiliary for its achievements in Vessel Safety Checks and Marine Dealer. This award was presented to Flo lla 7-16 at our Division Change of Watch, Dec. 5, 2015.

Above: From left-Bill Zinner, Bob McCormick, Tom Bodi, Terry Heshman and Don Rimel finsh their boxed lunches before participating in the mass casualty training exercise on Aug. 19, 2015 at Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Right: Terry Hershman reads his patient card to learn what his medical condition and injuries are as a mock victim during the excercise. Photos by D. Riley

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Staff Reports vary Chris an High School in Clearwater to represent the USCGA at a student and parent college prep seminar en tled, “Special Admissions Programs: Athle cs, Len Chiacchia-Informa on Services the Arts, the Military, and the Ivys.” They collaborated The use of the Windows 10 upgrade to access Auxiliary with other local service academy representa ves from systems is unsupported at this me. Computer system West Point, the United States Naval Academy in Anproblems are o en very difficult to troubleshoot be- napolis, and USAF Academy at break-out sessions for cause there are so many issues that can cause prob- prospec ve cadets, midshipmen and their parents. lems such as type of computer, system and version used, internet service, version of IE, Firefox, JAVA, com- Another recrui ng event for the USCG Academy took place at Service Academy informa on program hosted pa bility mode on and popups, etc....

by Congresswoman Kathy Castor at MacDill AFB-Davis It will take some me for systems tes ng to be com- Conference Center. Auxiliary members hosted a USGA pleted. Na onal and D7 help desks will not respond to info table and par cipated in briefing of some 165 ckets for Windows 8 or Windows 10. If you use these prospec ve cadets and midshipmen (and parents), in opera ng systems, you do so at your own risk. collabora on with LTJG Jeff Mistrick from Air Sta on Clearwater Judith Clapp-Human Resources George Papabeis-Public Affairs Prospec ve Members Brochure Division 7 has had a busy year. Recent ac vi es inThe Human Resources Direcclude at least two boat torate has published a new shows, one at the Tampa Prospec ve Members BroConven on Center and chure for distribu on. The the other at the State Fairtwo sided brochure can be logrounds in addi on to nucated and downloaded at the merous other Public Affairs Human Resource Directorate outreach events.

New Member Packet page and choosing Prospec ve Member Brochure.

Completed a video for United States Coast Guard Port http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=HSecurity Unit (PSU) 307 of a live fire exercise and forDEPT&category=bulle ns warded it to PADET and PSU officers.

AIM Recrui ng An ar cle was published in the Osprey Observer in NoAIM recruiters hosted an informa on table at the Bay vember 2015 about Flo lla 75 Apollo Beach member, Area Independent Schools College Fair at the Coliseum Bob Be nger and his late son, Mickey, a member of in St. Petersburg, September 27 in collabora on with the Coast Guard who unfortunately lost his life a year the Coast Guard Academy Admissions Officer, LT Wil- before re rement. (See ar cle with links to ‘Osprey Obliam Filgueiras. The target audience was students and server’ this issue). parents from some 15 Bay Area private high schools.

Pat Prado from Flo lla 79 Tampa will serve as Staff OfRecrui ng for the United States Coast Guard Academy ficer-Public Affairs in 2016. Gene Keller, Division Com(USCGA) was conducted 4 evenings, Sep.28-Oct. 1, at mander (e) also appointed Dean Hoskins, Flo lla 72 four Hillsborough County district-wide college fairs, St. Petersburg as Assistant Staff Officer-Public Affairs. each with an a endance of several hundred students Welcome! and their parents. The loca ons included Sickles High Do e Riley-Publica ons School in Citrus Park with LT Filgueiras; HB Plant High School in South Tampa, also with LT Filgueiras; Cham- The ‘Intercom’ earned first place in the Public Affairs berlain High School in North Tampa; and Brandon High contest-division newsle er category at the Na onal School in Brandon, Florida.

Conference. The award was presented to the editor Con nued on page 21 Auxiliary AIM recruiters were present Oct. 12 at Cal-

Logistics

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 21

Staff Reports Con nued from page 20 and contributors at the Change of Watch Ceremony in December. Many thanks to all of our contributors.

Without your assistance, we could not have earned this pres gious award.

Jerry Hayward, FL 7-16 Gulfport was recently cer fied as a Telecommunica ons Operator.

Dean Bell-Member Training

Opera ons and Member Training reports that the division has completed the B-0 training class with lots of Do e Riley will con nue to serve as Staff Officer-Pub- lessons learned. Training included dewatering pumps lica ons in 2016. Newsle ers help pique members’ in- and Oscar drills. This was excellent training. terest and encourage par cipa on. Na onwide, they Division and Flo lla Staff Officers-Member Training have also proven to be effec ve recrui ng tools. con nue pushing the mandatory training requirements We encourage every flo lla to appoint a Publica ons in LMS. Staff Officers con nue to hold classroom sesofficer in 2016. Riley will offer assistance to anyone sions for the mandatory training. willing to take up the challenge. She is also looking for Linda Churchill–Opera ons an assistant. On the job training will be provided. ConOctober 10, Division 7 Auxiliary facility CHASIN' TAIL tact Riley if interested. provided transport for MST1 (Marine Science TechniResponse cian) Michael Walker, U.S Coast Guard, Sector St. Petersburg, Incident Management Division to Egmont Key. CHASIN TAIL took the officer from Sta on to the David Rockwell-Communica ons island where they met Assistant Park Manager Tom Dave Rockwell con nues standing watches each week Watson. at the Sector St Petersburg Command Center.

Members con nue to provide B-0 SAR stand-by on the GULFPORT RADIO provided radio guard for FL 78 ves- weekends. John Ryan, Flo lla 72 and John Simone, Flolla 79 stand watches at Sta on St Petersburg nearly sels on November 13. The team did an excellent job every weekend. handling a come-upon event in Gulfport channel.

BOCA CIEGA RADIO HF and COQUINA KEY HF con nue Auxiliary vessels have experienced a number of comeupon assistance events recently checking into the weekly D7 HF that were handled well. Crews net. are reminded to re-assess their Thanks go out to Len Chiacchia, GAR (green, amber, red) score Flo lla 74 Brandon for his serduring such events. The Auxvice in the Telecommunica ons iliary Sector Coordinator reOperator program. minds everyone in Opera ons that the Auxiliary Sector Coordinator wants to include a er ac on reports for SAR and assists in the report submi ed at Chief Warrant Officer O'Hara, the Sector level.

USCG, explains the new crew member safety gear requirements to the coxswains and crewmembers July 18, 2015, at one of the classes in the series of Operations workshops for Auxiliarists performing on- the-water activities, especially B-0 standby duty. Photo by George Papabeis

Opera ons is hoping for a large crew class this coming year so we can con nue to meet the increasing need in the division.

A qualifying examina on was scheduled for Nov. 22, 2015 for one crew recer fica on and one new coxswain cer fica on.

Con nued on page 22

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Staff Reports Con nued from page 21 Division Standard Opera ng Procedures and Naviga on Standards have been signed by the Sta on officer in charge and distributed to all coxswains, crew members, and telecommunica ons operators.

Staff Officer-Opera ons is reques ng that Flo lla Staff Officers-Opera ons get Auxiliary Order Management (AOM) requests in early and accurately. We have experienced a number of patrol cancella ons because of inaccurate data or lack of mely submission. All AOM fixes are complete.

David Perillo-Naviga on Systems Naviga on Systems (NS) reports the following year-to-date private aids to naviga on (PATON) verifica on sta s cs (SC-R BZ to all with 100%) • • • • • •

Flo lla 72 – 63% (100% of PATONs accessible by vessel) (S. Hooper, FSO-NS) Flo lla 74 – 100% (A. Miller, FSO-NS) Flo lla 75 – 100% (K. Westbrook, FSO-NS) Flo lla 78 – 100% (R. Shuler, FSO-NS) Flo lla 79 – 100% (P. Morrell, FSO-NS) Flo lla 7-16 – 100% (C. McCormick, FSONS)

Photos at right: Tuesday, October 10, Division 7 Auxiliary facility CHASIN' TAIL provided transport for MST1 (Marine Science Technician) Michael Walker, U.S Coast Guard, Incident Management Division, Sector St. Petersburg, to Egmont Key. John Simone served as coxswain; Linda Churchill from Flotilla 79 and George Papabeis from Flotilla 74 crewed.

They took the officer from Station to the island where they met Assistant Park Manager Tom Watson who gave them a tour and answered their questions about the wild life refuge and state park. Photos

by George Papabeis

Con nued on page 23

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 23

Staff Reports Con nued from page 22

Prevention James Fogle-Public Educa on Jim Fogle, Staff Officer-Public Educa on and Len Chiacchia conducted a GPS for Mariners course on Saturday, November 14 with 7 graduates.

Special thanks to Gary Mull, Pat Stone, George Wightman and Frank Goyco who assisted Public Educa on for the great American teach in.

Flo lla 78 reports their Boa ng Skills and Seamanship class now has 16 students.

Flo lla 75 reports that its upcoming About Boa ng Safely class at Simmons Park will be held Jan. 9, 2016.

We have over 1500 graduates from our various boating safely classes this year.

National Boating Federation - Outstanding Public Education Award for 2014: 7th District, Division 7, Flotilla 74 Brandon This award's objec ve and aim is to recognize the number of Public Educa on classes offered to the boa ng community by a flo lla, and thereby increasing the compe ve landscape between the flo llas across the Auxiliary. This award is presented annually to only one flo lla in the en re Auxiliary. This is an outstanding achievement.

This award was presented to Flo lla 74 at our Division Change of Watch, Dec. 5, 2015.

Darren Hart-RBS Program Visitor Rick Smith, Staff Officer Vessel Examina ons and his wife set up and coordinated a table at the grand opening of the Tierra Verde Resort and Marina. Thanks to Rick and Marla Short, Jim DeSanto, David Rockwell and Jan Frazier-Smith for their par cipa on.

We par cipated in Robinson High School Salute to the Military on Nov. 14, 2015. Turnout was low despite the great weather. We worked on planning the event with ENS Nathan Borders, LT Stefan Lewis, OSC LT Fred Clay and LCDR David Negron to staff the tables and arrange for the 26' aids to naviga on boat.

Our Staff Officer-Program Visitor submi ed a business

plan to the General Manager and Special Events Coordinator at BassPro Shop for collabora on with ongoing ac vi es and events at their store. The plan was accepted and will be implemented in 2016.

District 7 National Safe Boating Week Activities- First Place Award For the second consecu ve year you, the members across all of our flo llas, were recognized for this division's Na onal Safe Boa ng Week program and campaign by being awarded the 7th District's, Best Division Na onal Safe Boa ng Program Award for 2015. Your efforts here are truly a remarkable achievement of which there were so many ini aves, events, and ac vi es throughout the campaign that it would be difficult to give each and every one of them due credit here.

This award was presented to Darren Hart, Na onal Safe Boa ng Week coordinator and to the commanders of each par cipa ng flo lla at our Division Change of Watch, Dec. 5, 2015.

Richard Smith-Vessel Examina ons Flo lla 78 reports a total of 107 Vessel Examina ons in 2015 vs. 68 for 2014. Future events are scheduled February at Harbourside Marina.

Flo lla 75 reports Vessel Examina ons con nue at a good pace. We are on target to exceed our annual goals. National Association of Commodore's Award for the Best Flotilla in Vessel Safety Checks and Marine Dealer Visits in 2014: 7th District, Division 7, Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport This award recognizes one flo lla in the en re Auxiliary for its achievements in Vessel Safety Checks and Marine Dealer Visits, factoring in the numbers performed in the current and previous year, the number of vessel examiners and program visitors, the number of examiners performing over 35 exams during the year, and the number of program visitors performing over 20 visits during the year.

This is another significant and outstanding achievement. This award was presented to Flotilla 7-16 at our Division Change of Watch, Dec. 5, 2015.

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Fatality Reminds Members of the Importance of the Boa ng Safely Message. Submi ed by Gene Keller, VCDR 7 D7

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ome days you wish you could have arrived on scene 15 minutes sooner, delivered that boa ng safely massage to just one more boater, or go en across the importance of wearing a life jacket to one more person. A senseless death evokes many thoughts like this.

Gene Keller, coxswain, with crewmembers Anthony Hooper and Stanley Clark, all from Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg, were on a private aids to naviga on verifica on patrol aboard LADY E June 30, 2015, when at around 7:56 p.m. they heard a call about a person in the water. The call came across on channel 16, so they called Gulfport Radio, their radio guard and asked them to contact sta on and inform them of the LADY E’s current posi on.

They further wanted Sta on St. Petersburg to know their proximity to the bridge and that EGMONT KEY, Fla. – Gene Keller, coxswain, with crew Tony they were inbound to the bridge center span. Hooper and Stanley Clark, all from Flotilla 72, located a person in the water June 30 and notified Station St. Petersburg

The LADY E arrived at the bridge at 10:02 of their find. Keller is pictured above during a July 4 tow p.m. and made contact with two recrea onal of a disabled boater. (Article next page) Photo by George fishermen, asked about possible sigh ngs, Papabeis Flotilla 74 then contacted sta on. They then moved toward the bridge riprap on the north side of the channel and came upon the vic m face down in and Rescue then reported that they too were in route. the water. Due to depth restric ons, they were unable The crew of LADY E used hand signals to direct the resto approach closer than approximately 15 feet. The vic- cue and recovery team to the vic m. They then backed off to allow clear access to the area. By 20:25 p.m., the m was clearly deceased. recovery was complete and St. Petersburg Fire and ResKeller contacted sta on by phone to tell them that they cue departed the scene, as did the hovering aircra s. had located the vic m and that he was deceased. A few minutes later, a sheriff ’s department helicopter arrived The crew of LADY E resumed inspec ng bridge lights on seen and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from and related private aids to naviga on. No doubt, the Sta on St. Petersburg arrived soon a er. St. Pete Fire event changed the mission’s mood and reminded the members how cri cal is our primary mission of delivering the boa ng safely message. 

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium like the one pictured at left responded to a call of a peron in the water June 30, 2015 under the Skyway Bridge. The Auxiliary vessel LADY E was the first on scene and reported the fatality to Station St. Petersburg; a call which initiated the recovery of the body. USCG Photograph

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 25

Auxiliary Searches for Boater in Distress Can you See Me Now? There's an App for That!

Submi ed by Gene Keller, VCDR 7, D7 Auxiliary facility, LADY E, soon realized that they might not be right. When they plo ed the coordinates provided, they realized that loca on was in a foot of water with no vessel in sight.

The boaters in distress then told them that they were off Shell Key. S ll unable to match the descrip ons of their locaon with what they saw, they could not verify the vessels loca on, but the boaters s ll needed help!

FORT DESOTO BOAT RAMP, Fla. - Crewmember Tony Hooper, Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg, explains how the new Coast Guard app could have assisted the operator of a disabled vessel towed to safe harbor by Hooper, David Perillo, Gene Keller, all from Flotilla 72, and George Papabeis, Flotilla 74. The four members conducted a safety patrol July 4, 2015, and had difficulty locating the distressed vessel. USCGAUX photo by George Papabeis.

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hile most people celebrated Independence Day with friends and family at cookouts or watching fireworks, some of our more dedicated Auxiliarists conducted safety patrols during fireworks demonstra ons or kept a watchful eye over recrea onal boaters who might run into trouble.

Papabeis then took over as communicator with the vessel and with great skill and pa ence, was able to figure out their approximate loca on. LADY E headed further west out the pass toward a large group of boats at anchor off the Shell Key beach. Papabeis asked them to wave when they saw our flashing lights, and at that point, they made visual contact.

The vessel in distress had two anchors down, one at the bow one at the stern.

The current was running swi ly out the pass. The Auxiliary crew ran through the standard procedures, i.e., ques ons and a visual inspec on. They saw three adults and two young children aboard not wearing life jackets and noted that the boat had but three cleats. Under the circumstances, they asked the boaters to don life jackets and decided to pass a long towing line, move LADY E south toward open water, and then have them pull up anchor. The crew of LADY E got them into a long tow and headed east back toward the ramps.

Gene Keller, coxswain from Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg was one Auxiliarist who spent that a ernoon and early evening on the water along with crewmembers, Da- When they approached the ramps, they stopped and vid Perillo and Tony Hooper, also from Flo lla 72, and had a ‘team coordina on’ mee ng to determine their next move. The coxswain and crew agreed that moving George Papabeis, Flo lla 74, Brandon. to a side tow would not be a workable solu on since At around 6:30 p.m., they received a call from sta on the vessel had limited cleats. telling them about a boat in distress off De Soto ramps.

The call from sta on lacked specific loca on informa- Hooper suggested that they stay in long tow and maon but they headed for the ramps. They arrived with- neuver to the end of a clear dock at the ramp. This is in 20 minutes and began searching the area for the ves- what they did, and then discharged Hooper onto the dock while Perillo released the towline and handed it sel but could not immediately locate it. to him. Once Hooper was on the dock with line in hand, Keller called sta on and they gave him the vessel’s cell- they moved LADY E out of the way so that Hooper phone number. Next, he called the vessel to determine could safely maneuvered the towed vessel to the dock. their loca on. Someone on the vessel in distress tried They then docked the Auxiliary vessel and met with the to give them their GPS coordinates, but the crew of the Con nued on page 26

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USCG Auxiliary

Con nued from page 25

Division 7, District 7

operator of the towed boat.

proper use. Hooper explained some basic boa ng skills and equipment requirements and encouraged the operator to take a boater safety class.

They soon realized that these recrea onal boaters needed some basic boa ng safety educa on and equipment. They did not even have a boat registra on!

Hooper installed the new Coast Guard Boa ng Safety app onto the boat owner’s phone and explained its

We can only hope that these boaters follow up and take a boa ng safety course, but at least with the Coast Guard Boa ng Safety app installed, they will be able to offer correct loca on coordinates should they run into trouble again!

Bad Weather Makes for Busy Evening.

Submi ed by John Simone

A

rou ne B-0 mission July 11, 2015, turned out be a busy evening for John Simone and the crew of CHASIN’ TAIL. Crewmembers were Mike Massimini of Flo lla 79, James Urbanawiz of Flolla 74 and Tony Novellino of Flo lla 78.

At approximately 4:42 p.m., a disabled boater waved them down. On board were three adults. While the weather was diminishing, there was at yet no rain but the winds were at approximately 10 knots. Sta on asked them to standby while they requested a marine assit radio broadcast (MARB) from Sector. Within minutes, a storm was overhead and they requested permission from Sta on St. Petersburg not to wait the allo ed TAMPA BAY--Tony Novellino keeps a careful lookout for a vessel me as by then, the rain was heavy and taken in tow during bad weather July 11, 2015. Photo by John the wind had picked up.

Simone The storm came in quite fast. They elevated their GAR (green-amber-red) from 14 to 18. Sector granted them permission to take the vessel in tow to the Gandy boat ramp, the nearest safe haven. They moored the vessel at the Gandy boat ramp at 5:17p.m.

CHASIN' TAIL received numerous requests for help over the VHF radio during their transit to Gandy due to the diminishing weather.

During the tow evolu on, sta on contacted Simone and his crew and requested that once they complete their tow, they search for a vessel north of Gandy approximately 200 yards east of the center span. Sta on had no other informa on about the vessel. Once they released their tow, they transited to the designated area. The rains were heavy and visibility was diminishing. No vessel was in sight. They started a creeping search pa ern toward land as they didn't see anything near the center span but the pa ern was limited due to shallow water depth in places. They traversed the local channel and s ll no vessel was sighted. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva on Commission (FWC) ar-

rived at their original point so they went to the FWC vessel to inform them of the areas they had already searched. When they arrived, FWC informed them that Tampa Police Department had already resolved the SAR. They no fied sta on, terminated the search and went to seek shelter at Gandy boat ramp un l the weather cleared.

As they passed under the center span, they saw a good Samaritan towing a disabled vessel. The towed vessel was not tracking well so they approached the tow.

The towed vessel had their engine turned hard to port, hence the tracking issue. They talked to both vessels and recommended that they straighten the engines to steer with the tow. They did and that resolved the issue. Simone and his crew decided to follow the tow back to the dock. All were secured at the Gandy boat ramp by 6 p.m.

Moral of the story: bad weather and boa ng are not a good marriage- and the weather can change in an instant! 

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 27

https://www.facebook.com/RecreationalBoatingSafety/

•

Share our newsletter with boaters and public education students to increase awareness of the many recreational boating safety resources the Auxiliary has to offer.

•

Newsletters are a great recruiting tool too!

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=V-DEPT&category=job-aid-kits Questions about Boating Issues? We have the answers. The Coast Guard Auxiliary National Directorate of Vessel Examinations has a division staffed with a team of knowledgeable professionals explicitly for the purpose of answering your boating questions. Use the Member Q&A link in the menu on the left side of this page.

This forum is open to ALL, be it Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiners or recreational boaters, we will do our best to dispel the myths and get the facts, from “anchor buoy” to “yawl”. Get the real answer to the toughest questions with a timely and accurate reply.

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Articles of Interest

New Member Course Available We encourage prospective members take the New Member Course to complete their membership application. To access the course, click here and if necessary, click on the Login as a guest option.

Additional information may be found the on the Human Resources website. http://wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=HDEPT&category=new-member-packet

For New Staff Officers If you are a new FSO, we recommend that you view this new multimedia presentation or if you are an experienced FSO, SO, or DSO and want to mentor a new staff officer, please sit down with your mentee and view this content together.

In this presentation you will learn the purpose and function of a staff officer and identify the qualities of an effective staff officer, with the expectation that you (or your mentee) will apply these "best practices" in the staff officer role.

A Message from COMO Robert Weskerna, D7

Holiday Greetings and year-end update from our District Commodore.

Time is running out...

Complete The

AUXILIARY MANDATED TRAINING

https://youtu.be/AHAi7upg4tQ

Go to: http://tinyurl.com/pqylcfq

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 29

Articles of Interest

New Members in Approval Pending (AP) Status

W

hile Auxiliarists are in approval pending (AP) status, the following privileges and provisions apply dealing with training, qualifica ons, courses and test administra on.

•

May fly the Auxiliary ensign on any currently approved facility or vessel that has passed an Auxiliary vessel safety check and displays the current decal.

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May earn and wear appropriate Auxiliary and Coast Guard awards if award criteria are met.

Auxiliarists in AP status: •

Count as a member of the flo lla membership.

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May par cipate in Auxiliary ceremonial events.

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May submit training, hours, and courses through the appropriate process to be entered in Auxiliary Data System (AUXDATA) and show in Auxiliary Informa on System (AUXINFO).

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May be an ac ve member of Auxiliary commi ees.

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May be provided with essen al course materials, and take any and all Auxiliary courses

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Are authorized to take any and all end-of-course exams.

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May be presented with the corresponding course comple on cer ficates.

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Will have test results entered into AUXDATA.

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May train in any program, including workshops and “C” school courses; however, may not displace an ini ally qualified (IQ), basically qualified (BQ) or opera onal Auxiliarist (AX) member who desires to par cipate.

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Must successfully complete BQ status requirements in order to qualify in any Auxiliary program.

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May be qualified by the Director or other qualifying authority in any program except Coxswain, Personal Watercra Operator, all avia on program competencies, and Fingerprint Technician.

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Will have certain restric ons to ac ng as Lead Instructor, Marine Environmental Educa on Specialist, and as Lead at Public Affairs events.

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May offer surface and air facili es for use, but cannot operate them as coxswain or pilot un l cer fied and have an Opera onal Support (OS) Favorable Determina on.

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Will have a base enrollment date that is the issue date of their employee iden fica on # (EMPLID).

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May be placed on the distribu on list for Auxiliary publica ons, mailings and magazines.

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Shall be recognized as employees of the Coast Guard for purposes of liability and worker’s compensa on coverage when mee ng all of the following criteria:

• •

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Assigned to duty by the appropriate order issuing authority

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Act within the scope of employment during such assignment

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Abide by the governing policies and procedures

May a end na onal, district, division and flo lla mee ngs, training sessions, and social events.

With the concurrence of the unit command, may provide direct administra ve support to Coast Guard units. The Director and unit command must be advised in advance.

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Must pay dues.

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May vote on any flo lla ma er.

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May obtain and wear the Auxiliary uniforms.

•

•

Note: Please refer to the Auxiliary Manual COMDTINST M16790.G Series Chapter 3 for complete details. For Must present a copy of the memo on Coast Guard any discrepancy or omission between this paper and le erhead from the Director sta ng that they are the AUXMAN, the latest updates of the AUXMAN will a member in AP status plus a government-issued prevail. photo iden fica on card (typically a state-issued Background image: Dus n Buxton, Flo lla Commanddriver’s license) to Coast Guard security personnel, er 74, swears in new members Lucille Ei and Charles and at any Coast Guard Exchange.

Mills at the mee ng on August 11, 2015. Photo by Gill May take the Pledge for New Members and be pre- Thomas sented with a membership cer ficate.

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Flotilla Celebrates Independence Day Members Par cipate in Brandon Fourth of July Parade

By D. Riley

I

ndependence Day is a day for summer fun, family, barbeques, parades and fireworks to celebrate our na on’s birthday. For members of Flo lla 74, ‘parades’ did not mean standing on curbs watching a parade go by, but rising early to prepare for the Brandon Annual Fourth of July Parade and walking its en re length in the soaring July late morning heat.

Par cipa on in this annual parade, billed as the largest Independence Day parade in Florida, started months in advance. Len Chiacchia served as primary coordinator and planner and worked with the Brandon Community Roundtable to file applica ons ahead of the June deadline and encourage par cipa on by Auxiliary members. Invita ons went out not just to flo lla members but also to all members of Division 7 and to Sta on St. Petersburg, United States Coast Guard.

Par cipants arrived early at the flo lla while the two vessels exhibited in the parade, Ken Morningstar’s KAMSTAR and a 25-foot Response Boat-Small from Staon St. Petersburg took their posi on at the start of the parade route. Dus n Buxton and Len Chiacchia briefed the par cipants at the flo lla who then took their posions with the vessels at the start of the parade route.

Members of Flotilla 74 and Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg pose in front of the 25-foot Response BoatSmall before the start of Brandon Independence Day Parade, July 4, 2015. From left, Cabell Vildibill, Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander 74; Carlos Velez, Flotilla Vice Commander 74; FN Karen De Jesus, USCG; Mark Jaqua; James David Fowler, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan M. Hemmingway, USCG. Photo by Zach Lessin, Flotilla 79

Terry Hershman and Gerald Hayward from Flo lla 7-16 made the drive from Gulfport to assist, Robert L Martelucci from Flo lla 75, as well as Zach Lessin from Flo lla 79 Tampa.

While the parade route is only 2 miles long, par cipants spent hours in the sun not just walking its length, but also taking their place in line, wai ng for their turn to start, and some mes halted along the route to allow those in front to move ahead. There was even one delay for an emergency vehicle to assist a person in distress- all in 90-plus degree heat with li le or no shade!

The flo lla was well prepared for the weather and condi ons. One of the vehicles in the parade was a pickup truck that carried not only brochures to hand out to parade a endees but was also water to keep our members hydrated. No one complained. In fact, everyone was smiling at the disbanding area and most members returned to the flo lla for hot dogs and hamburgers. In short, they had fun! 

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

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TAMPA, FLA. - Channelside celebrated July Fourth a day early with a fireworks display July 3. The city’s skyline is behind John Simone, coxswain from Flotilla 79 on board CHASIN’ TAIL. USCGAUX photo by George Papabeis (crew).

EGMONT KEY, FLA – Gene Keller, coxswain with David Perillo and Anthony Hooper, crew, smile at a quip during a safety patrol July 4, 2015. Photo by third crewmember, George Papabeis from Flotilla 74

BRANDON, Fla.- Ken Morningstar, Flotilla 74 aboard the KAMSTAR waits at the startline for the beginning of the July Fourth Independence Day Parade. Photo by Zach Lessin

Background photo: Fourth of July fireworks at Channelside, Tampa by George Papabeis

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Coast to Coast Navigation: Airmail Route Beacons.

By Dottie Riley

S

ca ered across the United States are a network of mysterious concrete arrows. Located in the middle of the desert and other out-of-the-way loca ons and o en hundreds of miles from the nearest signs of civiliza on, what are these arrows and how did they come to be?

Many are in good condi on while others have succumbed to nature. The shape and direc on of the arrows vary, but it is clear they all served the same purpose. Long before radar, they helped early pilots navigate transcon nental flights by day and by night. These early pilots were the forerunners of today’s U.S. Postal Service airmail delivery system.

In the mid-19th century, the Wild West was largely unexplored. There was no infrastructure and very li le law gov- ST. GEORGE, UTAH--These are the remnants of Transcontinental Airmail Route Beacon 37A, which was located atop a bluff in St. erning the land. A coast-to-coast mes- George, Utah, U.S.A. With concrete arrows indicating the direction sage delivery system was nonexistent. to the next beacon, a rotating light tower, and a shed that usually It was not un l the discovery of gold in held a generator and fuel tanks, these beacons were once situated 1848 that California became the des - every 10 miles on air routes across the United States beginning na on for tens of thousands from the around 1923. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. This file is licensed uneast. The trip across the country was der the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International arduous, dangerous, and could take license. anywhere from three to six weeks. In order to deliver le ers and messages Aircra of the era lacked the advanced electronics for to these early se lers, knowledgeable fron ersmen naviga on during night flights or through inclement raced across the country on horseback, covering vast weather. Long before the advent of radio guidance or distances in shorter mes. By 1860, the Pony Express Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), pilots were limited to virevolu onized transcon nental mail by offering deliv- sual guidance, using landmarks to chart the route. By ery in about 10 days. The comple on of the transcon - 1924, the Postal Service developed a solu on. A sysnental telegraph line in 1861 immediately rendered the tem of ground-based naviga on beacons extending Pony Express obsolete. Le ers and packages crossed from New York to San Francisco helped pilots fly across the con nent by stagecoach. the country at night and ul mately be the world’s first such system.

It was not un l the inven on of the airplane that intercon nental mail delivery witnessed its next ma- The early system used approximately 1,500 airmail jor breakthrough. The Wright brothers made the first beacons, each constructed roughly between 3 and 5 flight in 1903, and it was not long before pilots adopted miles apart. The beacons featured a 50-foot tower with air transport for mail delivery. By 1918, the East Coast rota ng lights placed on top of concrete founda ons in of the United States had limited airmail service. Two the shape of giant arrows measuring between 50 and years later, a North American transcon nental airmail 70 feet long. To increase visibility of the concrete arroute was finally established. On Aug. 20, 1920 – 60 rows, they were painted bright yellow. The first towyears a er the Pony Express – rapid delivery made a ers contained acetylene-gas powered lights, fed by fuel return to the U.S. Con nued on page 33

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

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sion finally rendered it obsolete. After the program was de-funded, various beacons con nued to operate in limited capaci es into the 1940s. At that me, the Department of Commerce decommissioned and disassembled the towers for their steel, a resource in short supply and desperately needed to support the war effort.

U.S. Post Office Department map of the First Transcontinental Airmail Route involving both day and night flying over the entire route opened July 1, 1924. Source: The Cooper Collection of Aero Postal History.

Source: Some mes Interes ng, "Concrete Arrows and the U.S. Airmail Beacon System" h p://somemes-interes ng.com/2013/12/04/ concrete-arrows-and-the-u-s-airmail-beacon-system/

Below right: The Aviation Heritage Museum of the Grants-Milan Airport in New Mexico has restored this airway beacon (picture courtesy cibolahistory.org)

Con nued from page 32 stored in a shed at the base. At the top of the towers, a rota ng beacon with 5,000 candlepower flashed every 10 seconds. In clear weather, the beacon lights could be seen for 10 miles (16 km). Below the main white beacon, a secondary set of red and green lights flashed a Morse Code le er to iden fy the beacon to pilots.

The program was an immediate success and con nued to expand throughout its opera onal life. By the end of the first year, the airmail service had 18 terminal airfields, 89 emergency airfields, and more than 500 beacon lights in opera on.

As technology improved, so did the towers. Later versions on were built 10 miles apart and equipped with stronger beacon lights – up to 1 million candlepower – making them reportedly visible up to 40 miles in clear weather, but by the 1930s, naviga on and radio technology had improved to allow flight without landbased visual guidance. The Low Frequency Radio Range (LFRR) system began to replace older visual-based systems.

The airmail beacon program con nued to operate fullscale un l 1933, when technology advancements and the higher cost of opera on during the Great Depres-

The last airway beacon was officially shut down in 1973, although the Montana Department of Transportaon Aeronau cs Division reportedly con nues to operate around 19 updated beacons in the mountains of Western Montana. S ll, hundreds of the arrows remain. Today, they lack the bright yellow paint and the cracks in the concrete worsen with each winter freeze. Arrows on top of mountains are safe for now, but several along the highways have already been lost to redevelopment.

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Member Spotlight: Division 7 Members Make Great Contributions Both to the Auxiliary and to our Local Communities.

By Dottie Riley

V

olunteers are a rare breed and our division has some of the best. Our members are not just ac ve within our flo llas, but across the Auxiliary and within our communi es as well. If their names and faces are familiar to you, that is because these volunteers contribute many hours across a broad range of missions and ac vi es. Here are some of the most ac ve- but there are more.

volunteer basis.

In addi on to the many hours that he volunteers at the legal center, Shea broadcasts a weekly radio show on Spirit FM 90.5 every Saturday from 7:30-8 a.m. where he discusses family and immigra on law and frequently interviews guest stars, again, as a volunteer.

Shea has not abandoned mari me law. He teaches mari me law at Western Michigan University (WMU) Cooley Law School, Tampa Bay Campus. His class is J. Michael Shea, a member of Flo lla 79 Tampa broadcast to four campuses throughout the country joined in the Auxiliary in 2001. As a orney specializing simultaneously. Shea also assists District 7 in a legal cain mari me law, he first made a name for himself with- pacity when called upon to do so. Shea es mates that in the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard by volunteering to all of his volunteer hours exceed 30 hours a week. li gate cases for the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Preven on Office. Eight years ago, he took up a new legal calling by crea ng St. Michael’s Legal Center for Kathleen Heide, also a member of Flo lla 79 Tampa, Families and Children within the Archdiocese of St. Pe- is a familiar face on the waters of Tampa Bay on her tersburg. Star ng out with just himself and a desire to Auxiliary facility, ALL BOOKED UP. Watching the tall, serve, he has grown that organiza on to several offices lanky and so -voiced woman interact and laugh with across as many coun es. He and his staff of law stu- her crew, one would never guess that Heide, a profesdents and paralegals currently handle up to 5,000 cases sor at University of South Florida (USF) Department of a year specializing in family law, immigra on and bankruptcy, and all of his work is pro bono- another word for Con nued on page 35

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 35

“In an a empt to further civilian employer and community understanding of the wing's mission and the sacrifices our ci zen airmen make every day, par cipants were given the opportunity to take flight and witness our Airmen in ac on.

"It was an amazing experience," said Dr. Kathleen Heide, the 927th Security Forces Squadron Honorary Commander and criminology professor at the University of South Florida . "You really have to experience it to appreciate everything these Airmen do when they leave their civilian lives to put on the Air Force uniform."

We appreciate Heide and sincerely hope those ‘fly boys’ do not tempt her away from us!

J. Michael Shea, a member of Flotilla 79 Tampa and cox- While Heide and Shea serve as examples of swain aboard LUCKY DOG, assists with safety patrols members who offer their me and services to during the 2013 Gasparilla Boat Parade. Photo by Richother community agencies, we have several ard Rioles members who serve on the staff of the United

States Coast Guard Auxiliary at na onal levels.

Con nued from page 34 Criminology, is a leading expert in the harrowing field of children who kill.

Craig Aldredge, a local a orney, described Heide in a CBS interview this way: "I don't think there's anyone be er," says Alldredge, a public defender in the Tampa Bay area who has frequently turned to Heide to evaluate his juvenile clients during the past 25 years. "In my world, you deal with experts who have egos the size of Montana. She, to her undying credit, is very self-effacing and incredibly understated for the work that she does."

While one might guess that the Auxiliary offers Heide a respite from the darkness of her daily work, she too volunteers me in other areas. Recently, 927 Air Force Refueling Wing and Security Forces Reserve Unit operating out of MacDill Air Force Base named Heide Honorary Commander.

From an ar cle by Staff Sgt. Kyle McIntyre, 45th Aeromedical Evacua on Squadron published Sept. 23, 2015, in Air Force Print News Today:

Dick Risk, a member of Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg, serves on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Na onal Staff as chief of the Liaison Division (DVC-BL) of the Recrea onal Boa ng Safety Outreach B-Directorate (Recrea onal Boa ng Safety). The du es of the DVC-BL include overseeing and encouraging the efforts of 10 Branch Chiefs, each of whom provides direct liaison contact with a partner organiza on. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Radio-Television from Oklahoma State University and a juris doctorate from the College of Law, University of Tulsa.

As a community volunteer, he has served in leadership posi ons of several charitable organiza ons.

Most notably, he formed a founda on to provide financial and mentoring support to Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The founda on has donated nearly $100,000 since its formaon in 2010.

Kathleen Heide, a member of Flotilla 79 Tampa, earns the coxswain qualification and receives the coxswain pin from Betty Hagan, also a Flotilla 79 member, at a meeting on August 16, 2013. Photo by D. Riley

Risk’s vitae is replete with years of experience in the Public Affairs field for the Air Force and government agencies. At age 60, he Con nued on page 36

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Con nued from page 35 became an a orney and then ini ated a class ac on against a major insurance company, alleging fraud and racketeering on behalf of nearly 22,000 claimants. The class li gaon team that eventually included four law firms successfully nego ated a se lement of $72.5 million.

What may be less known about Risk are his accomplishments as a singer and performer. Dick has sung in the chorus of 29 operas with Tulsa Opera, a professional company, as well as some musical comedy roles, and has performed with the Kingston Trio. He also wrote for and performed for 25 years in the Tulsa Dick Risk, Flotilla 72 St. Peterburg, Press Club’s annual poli cal roast, wearing his new division chief shoulthe Gridiron. derboards. U.S.C.G. Auxiliary photo-

Do e Riley, a member of Flo-

graph

Visits). As BC-VCM she manages the Facebook page for the three directorates, and soon, their Twi er feed. She is the former editor of For Safety’s Sake, the newsle er of the V-Directorate replaced by Job #1, a newsle er that encompasses three Recrea onal Boa ng Safety Directorates, V (Vessel Examina ons), B (Recrea onal Boa ng Safety) and P (Public Educa on).

As Branch Chief-Special Projects (BC-POT) for the P Directorate (Preven on) Riley edits their newsle er, Safety Lines. She edits and designs documents for other directorates as well. Her most recent accomplishment is the design of a flyer promoting the Coast Guard mobile app printed by the Coast Guard Boating Safety Office and distributed through the Auxiliary Na onal Supply Center.

In 1980, Riley earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of South Florida and for two decades, worked for Champions for Children in Tampa providing mental health services to the poor in Hillsborough County. She also worked for the Seminole Tribe of Florida as a family therapist under the Indian Child Welfare Act. A er 9-11, she resigned and took up pain ng. Riley is an accomplished ar st and a member of the Coast Guard Fine Art Program. Her pain ngs hang in government offices and in several museum collec ons. Like many of our members, 9-11 mo vated her to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

NEW YORK CITY--Rear Adm. Chuck Michael, now Vice Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, and Claudia Seymour, President of Salmagundi Art Club present Dottie Riley a Public Service Award for her contributions to the 2009 Coast Guard Fine Art Program.

Official U.S.C.G. photograph

While this ar cle highlights the contribu ons of just a few members, there are likely many others within our division who contribute significantly to the Auxiliary and to our communi es. We lla 74 Brandon, is best known for the award winning are proud to call them our own and applaud their many newsle ers she has created at all levels of the Auxil- contribu ons. Our volunteers are part of a rare breed! iary, especially this publica on, Intercom. Currently,  she holds a branch chief posi on in two na onal directorates. The first is Branch Chief-Media (BC-VCM) in the V-Directorate (Vessel Safety Checks and Program

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 37

Auxiliary Food Service Specialists Join Crew of Coast Guard Cutter TAMPA

By Brian A Garry Two members of District 7, Brian Garry from Flo lla 79 Tampa and Bruce Ris ch from Flo lla 15-8 Hernando Beach served as Auxiliary Food Service Specialists aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cu er TAMPA for a twomonth rou ne Caribbean patrol. Here, Auxiliarist Garry provides a first-person account of his experience. A professional boxing referee, Brian’s speech and wri ng style is punctuated with colorful phrases that reflect his career and gragarious personality.

B

ruce Ris ch and I were honored to be selected Auxiliary Food Service Specialists (AUXFS) to crew aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cu er TAMPA on a twomonth rou ne Caribbean patrol. The TAMPA departed Portsmouth, Virginia, May 2, 2015.

Our tour met with some 'Rockin’ Roll' Seas during our weeks underway, but we finally got a port call in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fortunately for me, Phyllis, my bride of 49 years, flew down for an Anniversary celebra on.

In San Juan, fantas c Old World history greets you with the forts, Spanish music, ar facts and history. We visited two forts plus the Bacardi Rum factory, as well as cathedrals and churches. The cuisine of San Juan teases your appe te, especially while traversing the many up and down hilly streets of the city with the mellow- Brian Garry, AUXFS, Florilla 79 Tampa, aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter TAMPA two months into ing sounds of the 12 string guitars in the background. his Caribbean adventure, July 2015. Photo proOur third and final night in port was a challenge. We a empted to re-enter Coast Guard Sta on San Juan.

The guard at the gate asked me for my Auxiliary idenfica on card. He carefully examined it and noted that it had expired so I was not allowed to enter the Sta on.

Fortunately, the Yeoman Pe y Officer 1st Class aboard the TAMPA was able to script a verifica on le er the next morning, which allowed me to enter Sta on San Juan and rejoin the crew of the TAMPA. (Editor’s note: Check your ID for expira on date!)

vided by Brian Garry

velop and they get well under you. You become like a pendulum, slowly embracing the rolls and pitches as the Cu er glides, rides, bucks, and broncos through the water.

Our first 'swim call' was in 4,400 meters of water.

Jumping off the helo deck was exci ng with an armed swim safety gunner using his 38-foot vantage point to ID any in mida ng sharks that may pass too close for The food-stores, reefers and freezers aboard the TAM- comfort. The captain also launched a Response Boat PA are located two decks below. For about the first 20 Small as a safety boat and had Coast Guard swimmers days, the elevator li /dumb-waiter was inoperable, so standing by in case any of our crew of daredevils got going up and down the ladders with full hands was a into trouble. challenging task for all of the food service personnel.

Also, the galley space was ght, but in heavy seas it The hardest part of the experience was handling the was a blessing. In fact, we learned to Caribbean Mam- Jacob’s ladder exercise; as in pulling your body up the bo while heaving to and fro across the deep blue CaCon nued on page 38 ribbean. A er two weeks underway, your sea legs de-

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USCG Auxiliary

Con nued from page 37 side of the cu er’s hull to the quarter deck, but I made it. Of course, the young mates got a kick out of “Grandpa” doing his aerial entry from approximately 28-feet above the water in the first place.

Meals were deligh ully prepped, cooked and served to our 115 member crew plus occasional guests: Cuban and Hai an migrants fleeing to freedom in the USA or the Bahamas. At one juncture, we had as many as 57 aboard for about 13 days while they were being processed and then transferred back to their nave lands. We prepared three meals a day for them, usually oatmeal for breakfast, red beans and rice at lunch and black beans and rice for supper. In addi on, we provided unlimited amounts of drinkable water for them. The migrants were housed on the helo deck. It was not cruise-line food or service, but it was wholesome. Most of the migrants were just discouraged and lonely awai ng transfer back to their homelands. I often reflected upon how many must have perished in their zeal to reach the U.S.A. and gain the freedom that some of us take for granted. We treated them with respect and ensured that no harm came to them while they were under our custody and protec on.

Food stores rou nely became depleted the closer we came to the next port of call. Items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and bread were the scarce commodi es. It cost approximately $100,000 for food to cover the 60 day tour and it took three weeks, at Portsmouth, to plan, purchase and stow the frozen/cold/ fresh/dry food stores. Just imagine the logis cs of such an opera on!

The Cu er Tampa operated perfectly during the en re patrol with only one electrical mishap, which the crew quickly resolved. Otherwise it was a perfect cruise.

Division 7, District 7

PA’s enlisted Food Service Specialists (FS1, FS2 and FS3), were enjoying themselves at a public hotel and forgot to leave the necessary tomato soup items out for us. That is when I got the bright idea to improvise.

The unofficial D7 AUXFS mo o: “Semper Gumby” (Always Flexible) prevailed.

We had 8 tomatoes, some red-hot sauce, salsa, red peppers, ketchup, seasonings that were red, an assortment of spices, and even French dressing, plus anything else we could grind up that was red. In addi on, I opened a No. 10 can of sliced black olives and, viola, my new specialty: Tomato-Black Olive Bisque! (I even added a li le beef base for added flavor: YUM!) As we brewed the mixture in our big soup ke le adding a li le of this and a li le of that, Bruce and I, using our taster/tester spoons, soon concluded that this was a masterpiece of culinary imagina on and inven on!

We tested it on the execu ve officer, the galley supervisor and some other crewmembers. We did not record any frowns and got only thumbs-up from the crew! What a roar and last laugh both Bruce and I had.

We chuckled all the way into Monday.

Another major ac vity underway is always the Saturday night dinner mess where individual departments take on the duty assignment of food prepara on and serving. This gives the food service crew a break. Pizza and wings are the usual fare, but occasionally something else creeps into the mix. I mean that literally, like the ‘Gastric Bombas c Burgers’ created by 'Doc', our Coast Guard corpsman! Even an ea ng contest evolved. These burgers were designs of magnitude and volume, but li le else. Details about their contents were hard to define and never shared. Suffice it to say both the cuisine and our me at sea were memorable experiences.

Your Auxiliary Food Service Specialists at Sea While at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, be er known as ‘GITMO’, Bruce and I pulled galley duty together. Bruce Brian Garry, Flo lla 79 Tampa was usually on duty Friday for all three meals, and I Bruce Ris ch, Flo lla 18-8 Hernando Beach performed the same du es on Sunday. That Sunday, a er we returned from services at Guantanamo Bay's Semper Paratus! Navy and USMC Base Chapel, I no ced the menu called for tomato soup for the lunch mess. A er searching around the breakouts for lunch in our galley, I realized that someone had forgo en to unlock our freezer/ reefer lockers located two decks below. That is where items like canned and dry goods were stored and we did not have keys to the locker. Apparently, the TAM-

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

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Illustra on by D. Riley

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USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

Members Participate as Mock Victims in Mass Casualty Training Excercise Article and photos by Dottie Riley

V

ic ms on stretchers, casual es with serious burns, pa ents suffering from smoke inhala on and other grave injuries- rescue workers in fire gear clearing rooms and hallways and rushing in to assist vic ms- sounds horrifying and thank goodness it was just a training exercise!

Members of Division 7 par cipated in a mass casualty training exercise on Aug. 19, 2015 at Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg. The training was for fire and rescue units from Pinellas County Fire Department, Largo Fire Rescue, Seminole Fire Rescue, and Sunstar Paramedics Ambulance Service.

Terry Hershman helped coordinate the par cipa on of members of Division 7 Tampa Bay as ‘vic ms’ for the exercise.

Par cipants included Hershman, Don Rimel, Orrie Baffi, Bill and Ellie Zinner, Tom Bodi, Bob McCormick from Flo lla 7-16 Gulfport, Tony Novellino from Flolla 78 Pass-a-Grille, Marla Short from Flo lla 72 St. Petersburg, and Do e Riley from Flo lla 74 Brandon.

Megan Hollern, Operations Supervisor for Pinellas Fire and Rescue, goes over the patient cards with Bill Zinner and Orrie Baffi, Flotilla 7-16. The cards described the symptoms and conditions of each 'patient' in the mass casualty training excercise conducted Aug. 19, 2015 at Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg.

Volunteers arrived at 11:00 a.m. and were treated to a boxed lunch which included a sandwich, a snack and a drink.

From there, they were directed to the wing of the hospital dedicated to the exercise and closed to all other traffic.

They were assigned beds in the rooms and given pa ent cards describing their age, medical condi ons and injuries so that rescue workers could determine which ac ons to take to assist or save the mock vic ms.

Flo lla 7-16 conducts regular community service visits to Bay Pines VA Medical Center. They visit pa ents and are o en the only visitors some of the older veterans receive. It was through this outreach that they were invited to par cipate in the mass casualty training exercise. For the volunteers, it was different and fun. 

Marla Short, Flotilla 72, poses as a seriously burned victim.

Rescue workers wheeled Short out of the room, outside the hospital and into a waiting ambulance where paremedics 'performed' life-saving emergency medical treatment.

Volume XXXVIII

Issue 3

Fall/Winter 2015

Page 41

High School Students Contribute to Oceanographic Scientific Research

By George Bartuska, Flotilla 79 Tampa onal Marine Educators Associa on (Bartuska is a member of the la er two) and the Polk Educa on Founda on. Bartuska noted that students will be able to: • Use real electronic instrumenta on, • Assemble an authen c dri ing data acquisi on devices known as “dri ers”, • Conduct measurment science in actual ocean currents, and • Interact with real Marine Scien sts, Oceanographers, and Numerical Modelers.

Students from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama deploy a surface drifter into the Gulf of Mexico. Photo source: (http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/tools/drifters/ drifters.html)

Originally introduced by the Gulf of Maine Lobster Founda on, Woods Hole Oceanographic Ins tute, and NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center, the program has now reached approximately 100 schools around the na on.

Ms. Shannan Combee, Program Director/ Grants Manager for the Polk Educa on Founda on has announced that KHS has been approved to receive a $3,360 STEAM (Science, an you imagine being able to add the experience Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematof having conducted oceanographic scien fic re- ics) grant to assist with funding the project.  search to your resume before you are even old enough to have a driver’s license? That is exactly what Kathleen High School students in Lakeland enrolled in Mr. George Bartuska’s ninth-grade Earth Space Sciences classes will be able to do!

C

"Student Built Dri ers" is a project-based-learning experience that provides hands-on learning, technology interface to computer modeling, and a chance to interact with Marine Science and Oceanography professionals from the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science (USF-CMS). The studies and exploraon of Ocean and Gulf of Mexico currents cons tute a major lesson unit comprising the Earth-Space Science curriculum.

Bartuska, a member of Flo lla 79 Tampa is best known in the Auxiliary for teaching the Auxiliary Weather courses.

In his private life, he is a teacher and member of two of the organiza ons that par cipate in this program.

The program is a collabora ve effort between the University of South Florida-College of Marine Science, the Florida Marine Science Educators Associa on, the Na-

NOAA logs the movements each drifter in the Gulf of Mexico over time, providing continuous readings of surface water current patterns. http://www.noaa.gov/features/02_monitoring/currentdrifter.html

Page 42

Intercom

USCG Auxiliary

Division 7, District 7

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

The Privacy Act of 1974 protects names, addresses, telephone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses of Auxiliary members which may appear in this or other USCGAUX publica ons. As a ma er of policy, informa on described above is not made available to the general public or outside groups without that member’s express and/or wri en consent. When such informa on appears, its privacy shall be safeguarded and the informa on will be clearly labeled. Publica on of this informa on by the general public and/or outside groups is prohibited by the Privacy Act.