Tom Bamford, District Captain-West
I
FROM THE DISTRICT 7 BRIDGE
n the year 1492, a voyage into the unknown was a moment in me that has forever changed our world. When Christopher Columbus sent out on the voyage of a life me, he wrote in his journal, “By prevailing over all obstacles and distrac ons, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or des na on.” These were some of the most prophe c words wri en by a man about undertaking a journey into the unknown, into uncharted waters, where fear and trepida on were the distrac ons. Who is that masked man? Judi Bidwick (center) accepts the District 7 COMO
In 1993, 501 years a er that Daniel Maxim Award for Excellence in Education presented Oct. 5, 2020. She first voyage of Christopher Co- is flanked by Toni Borman, current Division 8 Commander and District Cap(e) and Tom Bamford, current District Captain-West. (United States lumbus got underway toward a tain-West Coast Guard Auxiliary photograph.) Note: Social distancing was prcticed new beginning- a new world as except for photos. it would become known, I too had all signed on to carry out. However, those misset off to find my new world by sions with which we have been entrusted will s ll be sailing solo from Manasquan, New Jersey to Sanibel there once we all get past the health calamity facing Island here in Florida. I grew up loving to sail. The wri ngs of Christopher Columbus were always an in- our na on. Our primary mission has always been to spira on to keep me moving forward on my journey, carry out the Auxiliary support to the Coast Guard. expressed especially by the quote men oned above. Ironically enough, if you think about it, the Coast Guard is suppor ng us by trying to ensure our safety Moreover, here we all are today facing another venand the safety of our families. They, too are dealing ture, another journey into the unchartered waters with the same struggles for all service members and of life. In these mes of our lives, it is undoubtedly their families. Safety is and will remain the number the most catastrophic life experience most of us one priority, no ma er one’s service affilia on. have ever encountered. Sure, there have been many The Auxiliary family is loaded with very highly skilled otherworldly events that have nearly brought our worlds to their knees. I would venture to say that not members. We need to work together and draw on one another for our common good to be crea ve, one of us in our wildest dreams, although Stephen yet remain within guidelines on ways to give back King might, could have believed the tragedies that to our shipmates and our communi es. I can say have unfolded during the past several months. with great certainty, the majority of members I have So fast-forward to our Coast Guard Auxiliary world of brought on board and pledged in affirmed their motoday, 2020. I can certainly say without a doubt that va on of becoming a member of the Coast Guard in my 29 plus years of Auxiliary service, I would nevAuxiliary was because of the desire to “give back.” er have expected there would ever be a me when our collec ve missions might not be executed, as we (Con nued on page 16) BREEZE
Issue 2 2020
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
15
