FLOT LINES USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
Honoring Those Who Gave Their Lives Protec ng Our Shores WWII Bri sh and Canadian sailors find final res ng place on American soil.
Photos and ar cle submi ed by James Mulligan
BUXTON, N.C., May 7, 2015--The United States Coast Guard Pipe Band followed by the United States Coast Guard Honor Guard from Station Hatteras, North Carolina, and members of the Auxiliary make the solemn procession toward the graves of the British and Canadian sailors interred at the British cemetery. Flotilla 74 member, Jim Mulligan, not visible in this photograph, participated as a member of the pipe band. Left: Interred in Buxton, North Carolina, are two British subjects who died in 1942. Fourth Engineer OfďŹ cer Michael Cairns of the Royal Merchant Navy served on the British merchant vessel SAN DELFINO destroyed by a torpedo from U-203. His remains were discovered along the beach nearly a month after the attack. The other sailor at rest is an unknown sailor of the Royal Navy whose remains were found two weeks after Cairns. Photos provided by Jim Mulligan
W
hile Memorial Day honoring an sailors who sacrificed their lives Americans who gave their defending our na on during World lives in service to our country falls at War II at two Bri sh cemeteries in the end of May, in early May of each North Carolina. year we honor Bri sh and CanadiCon nued on page 4
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FLOT LINES Newsletter of Flotilla 74 Brandon Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander -- Carlos Velez, Flotilla Vice Commander
Flo lla 74 Staff Officers Communica on Services Christopher Alexander Diversity William Vildibill Finance Linda Brandt Human Resources Gilbert Thomas Informa on Systems Leonard Chiacchia Materials Ron Matz
In this Issue.... From the Helm
3
Mee ng News
6
Staff Reports
7-9
Division 7 News Division 7 Annual Awards Breakfast
9
Sector St. Petersburg Open House
10
District 7 Training Conference
11
A message from COMO Robert Weskerna, DCO D7 (video)
11
Auxiliary Mandated Training Update
12
Marine Safety Conrad Palermo
Become a Vessel Examiner or RBS Program Visitor!
13
Member Training Dus n Buxton
All Hands- Join us for the Annual 4th of July Parade
14
Memorial Day Tribute
15
Flo lla 74 Celebrates Na onal Safe Boa ng Week
16
Na onal Conference-Training and Fellowhip Opportunity
17
Naviga on Systems August Miller Opera ons Kenneth Morningstar Public Affairs Lawrence McKinnon Publica ons Do e Riley Public Educa on Galen Johnston Program Visitor Steven Hunnicu Secretary of Records Elaine Nabach Vessel Examina ons Mark Jaqua USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Note: Each title links to the article. Just click on the title to read. At the bottom of each page is a ‘Home’ icon like the one at right. Click on the icon to return to this contents page. We’re on the web! www.cgaux74.org
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FLOT LINES is a publica on of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flo lla 74, located at 3006 S. Kings Ave., Brandon, FL. 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 promoting 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 permission or for more informa on, please contact the editor: Do e Riley, FSO-PB, FL 74 at: do eriley1@verizon.net Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
3
From the Helm
W
ith 2015 halfway over, we have an opportunity to take some me to reflect upon the accomplishments that Flo lla 74 has to date. On the surface, Flolla 74, as well as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, has experienced a very challenging year. These challenges include difficulty in obtaining ID cards and status upgrades for our newly recruited members, dwindling member parcipa on and reduced performance in some aspects of our work due to the grim reality that our personnel are stretched rather thin. Likewise, new standards for mandated training require comple on in a rather short period of me.
new priori es take center stage. First among these is membership renewals, which will begin at the beginning of July. Be prepared to address these renewals as they come in the mail, preferably as promptly as possible. Likewise, members who are interested in a greater degree of service may consider either a Flo lla It is very easy to allow these major issues to erode the Staff Officer posi on or even run for elected office. morale of Flo lla 74 and, to be fair, morale has indeed suffered due to these challenges. The inability to in- Again, we have had a very challenging year and it is tegrate new members is exaspera ng the load on our very easy to become disheartened by the frustra ons current members, and un l the personal security in- these challenges generated. However, our successful ves ga on (PSI) issue is resolved, this will unfortunate- public educa on program and our member growth ly con nue. However, this does not prevent us from expanding to the point of giving birth to a new flo lincluding new members in our missions. New mem- la should serve to encourage all of us and remind all bers may always perform as trainees under a cer fied members that even in the face of adversity, we are s ll auxiliarist and gain valuable experience in any number accomplishing our mission. of job func ons. Semper Paratus To be fair to Flo lla 74, not everything has been negaDustin H. Buxton ve. Our Public Educa on program is not only running strong, but is already exceeding all predic ons and Flo lla Commander 74 expecta ons this year. As it stands, we have as many graduates right now as we did for the en rety of 2014! This is an excellent and impressive accomplishment. The Public Educa on staff has done an excellent job in coordina ng with Public Affairs to adver se and get the word to the public about our courses.
Likewise, the Polk County Detachment is currently preparing its request for flo lla charter. Very few things in the Coast Guard Auxiliary state that a flo lla is successful more than growing to the point that a new flo lla forms from its membership. Projec ng a charter date of January 2016 and se ling in Winter Haven, the Polk County Detachment is ready to become an independent member of District 7 and con nue the Auxiliary’s mission. This will be an impressive accomplishment for both Flo lla 74 and the detachment. Both sides of the Flo lla should be proud of the fact that our own reach has grown to such a degree. With the bo om half of the year approaching quickly, USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Background photo by Gil Thomas Issue #1
2015
4
Cover Story ... Con nued from cover The United States Coast Guard held memorial ceremonies at the Bri sh cemeteries May 7 in Buxton, North Carolina, and May 8 in Ocracoke. This year, remarks were delivered by Master Chief Brent Zado, United States Coast Guard, Officer in Charge of Sta on Ha eras Inlet at Buxton and by CAPT Sean Murtagh, United States Coast Guard, Commander, Sector North Carolina, in Ocracoke. Other members of the United States Coast Guard a ending included LTJG Clark Sanford, logis cs manager, Sector North Carolina (Buxton); CDR Karrie Trebbe, Sector North Carolina Logis cs Department Head, (Ocracoke); LT John Mabus, chaplain; CDR David Trudeau, Canadian Naval a aché; Commodore Richard Allen, Bri sh Naval a aché; and Daniel C. Couch, President of Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlan c Museum.
Commodore Richard Allen, Canadian Naval attaché delivers honors to the British and Canadian sailors who died along North Carolina’s Outer Banks during WWII and expresses appreciation that we continue to honor their sacrifice. Photo by Jim Mulligan
The ceremony included reading the history and honor roll and the placing of wreaths followed by the delivery of a Twenty-one Gun Salute by the U. S. Coast Guard Honor Guard from Sta on Ha eras.
coastal patrol. During the first six months of 1942, crude oil, twisted metal, and corpses marked the beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The grisly flotsam was evidence of War's toll imposed by Unterseeboote Kalman Gancsos, Flo lla 16-4, Coast Guard Auxilia- ("U-boats"). Paukenschlag, (drumbeat) was the first of ry played taps at the conclusion of the ceremony in the campaigns undertaken by Germany to strike a devBuxton and Howard Bennink at Ocracoke. The United asta ng blow against the United States. These a acks States Coast Guard Pipe Band lea d by BMCS Steve Co- choked the delivery of badly needed food and war machran, USCG (ret) delivered honors at both loca ons. terial to England. One of the band’s par cipa ng members was Jim Mul- U-boats hunted along the world's busiest sea-lanes ligan from Flo lla 74 Brandon. hard by New York, Cape Ha eras and Florida, and effi-
How is it that BriƟsh and Canadian sailors came ciently sunk nearly 400 largely unarmed and unescorted merchant vessels. HMT BEDFORDSHIRE was one of to be interred on American soil? Just before 8 a.m. Dec. 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes a acked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor. Five days later, Dec. 11, 1941, Hitler declared war against the United States. Our na on was not prepared to enter war let alone on two fronts at opposite ends of the globe and accepted the services of the Bri sh Royal Navy to patrol against German submarines along its Eastern Seaboard. The Royal Navy provided a flo lla of 24 trawlers for USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
the vessels assigned to patrol the North Carolina coast. Built in 1935 as a commercial fishing vessel and converted for an -submarine duty, at 162 feet in length it was a small vessel by warship standards. The ship's complement consisted of a joint Canadian and Bri sh crew of four officers and 33 enlisted men. On May 11, 1942, the German submarine U-558 torpedoed and sank the HMT BEDFORDSHIRE approximately 40 miles south-southeast of Cape Lookout with the Con nued on page 5 Issue #1
2015
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Ar cles of Interest... Con nued from page 4 loss of all hands. The bodies of Sub-Lieutenant Cunningham and Ordinary Telegraphist Second Class Craig were found in the surf off Ocracoke Island May 14. Once iden fied as HMT BEDFORDSHIRE sailors, they were buried with the appropriate military honors in a plot donated by the Williams and Teeter families of Ocracoke. One week later, they found two more bodies in the ocean north of Ocracoke. Although never iden fied, they assumed Above: The British merchant vessel SAN DELFIthese men to have also come from the BEDFORDSHIRE NO was destroyed by a torpedo from U-203. and interned them alongside their shipmates. Interred in Buxton, North Carolina, are two other British subjects who died in war. Fourth Engineer Officer Michael Cairns of the Royal Merchant Navy served on the Bri sh merchant vessel SAN DELFINO destroyed by a torpedo from U-203. His remains were discovered along the beach nearly a month a er the a ack. The other sailor at rest is an unknown sailor of the Royal Navy, whose remains were found two weeks a er Cairns.
Below: On May 11, 1942, the German submarine U-558 torpedoed and sank the HMT BEDFORDSHIRE approximately 40 miles south-southeast of Cape Lookout with the loss of all hands.
In keeping with naval military tradi on, the United States Coast Guard has maintained the cemetery at Ocracoke. They ensure that the plot is clean, a Bri sh ensign is always flying, and that appropriate honors are rendered annually. As of May 2000, the Graveyard of the Atlan c Museum assumed responsibility for coordina on of the annual honors event and for securing funds to maintain the property. The Coast Guard retains responsibility for the military por on of the event and for providing manual labor for the upkeep of the gravesite. The Graveyard of the Atlan c Museum and the United States Coast Guard maintain the Buxton cemetery. The Na onal Park Service is responsible for the integrity of this site. The British War Memorial and cemetery in Buxton, North Carolina, flies both the British and Canadian ensigns. The America flag flies outside its boundaries, offering constant tribute to thje British and Canadian sailors who died protecting the shores of the United States. Photo by Jim Mulligan
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
6
Mee ng News June 9, 2015 Mee ng of Flo lla 74 Brandon Where are you?
Manipulated photo for illustrative purposes Members of Flotilla 74 Brandon in attendance at the meeting June 9, 2015, could not bring motions to the oor for a vote because a quorum was not present. While a number of our members belong to the Polk County detachment and attend those meetings instead, local members are encouraged to attend in order for the otilla to conduct regular business. The meetings are well organized and usually take less than 90 minutes. We need you! (...and besides, we like you and like seeing and talking to you!) Meetings are conducted on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled Tuesday, July 14, 2015. See you there!
Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander 74 (far right) presents Maurice Diaz and John Robbins certificates at the meeting June 9, 2015. Photo by D. Riley
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
August Miller, Ken Morningstar and Carlos Velez accept a Meritorious Team Commendation from Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander 74. Photo by D. Riley
Issue #1
2015
7
Staff Reports Finance-Linda Brandt
Logistics
No report read or voted upon at the mee ng on June 9, 2015 due to a lack of quorum present.
Logis cs Sec on-Ron Matz-Chief Human Resources-Gilbert Thomas Publica ons-Do e Riley
•
FLOTLINE will publish bimonthly beginning in June. What I need from officers and members: • Staff officer reports: Every Flo lla Staff Officer and sec on chief should copy their report to me. • Flo lla Staff Officers are encouraged to forward details of all past and future events including scheduled Public Educa on classes, Vessel Examina ons, Public Affairs, and Program Visitor events. What days/dates do you rou nely conduct Vessel Examina ons and Public Affairs classes, etc.? What events have you scheduled that are not on the “rou ne” calendar? Where are these events? • Photographs! Smart phones take great photos and most members have them. All members are encouraged to take and submit photographs. • NOTE: Do not embed (insert) photographs in a document or email as this makes them too small to publish. Please send full resolu on photos as separate a achments. If sending more than two or three high-resolu on photographs, you may need to send them in several emails. • Descrip ons of scheduled events and ac vi es. If you do not like to write, sending a copy of a flyer or program of an event will usually give me all of the info that I need- except the names of par cipants! Tell me who was there/who is in the photos you send. Submi ers always receive the byline. • Ar cles of interest are always welcome. What you find curious or interes ng will likely appeal to others as well. Preferred topics include anything mari me related.
• • • •
A total of 8 new members received their A/P number. Total number of E-responder applicants you have worked with this year: 21 Total number of ‘Other’ applicants you have worked with this year: 18 Total number of 7001s submi ed this year: 8 Total number of members awai ng their photo id: 16
Informa on Systems-Leonard Chiacchia Data Input Sta s cs: Data Input Statistics: Form ICS certificates 7028 7029 7030 7038 7039 7046 # of Active Members % for 7029*
Jan 1 1 15 12 9 1 5 78 18
* Unique member reports for the current month • •
Prepared management reports for leadership. Members are reminded to resubmit their ac vity reports if they do not receive confirma on from me by email within 3 days no fying them that their report has been entered into AUXDATA.
Materials-Ron Matz • • •
Ordered materials for the July 4 parade and they arrived Placed new order for Boa ng Skills and Seamanship books Requested pamphlets re: State of Florida boa ng safety ligature Con nued on page 8
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
8
Staff Reports Public Affairs -Lawrence McKinnon •
•
Worked with Division 7 officers and Na onal Safe Boa ng Week coordinator to organize and promote campaign for Na onal Safe Boa ng Week. Supported division social media efforts during Naonal Safe Boa ng Week.
A summary of Public Educa on efforts is graphed at the bo om of this page. Note: “PCD” denotes Polk County Detachment.
Prevention Public Educa on-Galen Johnston The Flo lla Open House on Monday, May 26 to conclude Na onal Safe Boa ng Week was a flop. We did not have a single member of the public a end despite radio adver sement and flyers disseminated by Public Educa on, Vessel Examina ons, and Program Visitor officers and members. The day was not a total loss as members a ending enjoyed good fellowship and most of the refreshments will keep for the fellowship/Open House at the conclusion of the July 4th parade. An inial analysis of the May 26 Open House concluded that Monday was the wrong day to host this type of event. Public Educa on challenge has concluded and the outcome is pending…
While the Flotilla 74 Open House on Monday, May 26 did not draw the public as hoped, the members made the most of the day and enjoyed good food and each other’s company. Rochelle and Marty Seiden serve themselves a piece of apple pie. Photo by Frank Goyco
Con nued on page 9 Course Title Boa ng Skills and Seamanship Sailing Skills and Seamanship About Boa ng Safely About Boa ng Safely (PCD)* How to Read a Nau cal Chart GPS for Mariners GPS for Mariners (PCD) Weekend Navigator Paddlecra
No. of new students No. of graduates 1 0
No. of Students 7
Graduates YTD 0
0
0
6
0
14
13
44
43
8
7
22
21
0
0
3
3
0 0
0 0
11 3
11 3
0 0
0 0
13 2
13 2
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
9
Staff Reports Division 7 News
Program Visitor-Steven Hunnicu Flo lla 74 members completed 18 partner visits in May with 158 year to date. • Brandon flo lla completed 10 partner visits this month and 64 year to date. • PCD* completed 8 partner visits in May and 94 year to date. Number of Cer fied PVs (less REYRs) Number of PV Cer fica ons in REYR Number of Ac ve PVs Number of Program Partners
12 4 4 61
Number of Program Partners Lost/Gained this Repor ng Period Number of Visits this Repor ng Period Number of Visits Year to Date Yearly Goal - Visits
0 35 140 375
Vessel Examina ons-Mark Jaqua Flo lla 74 completed 43 examina ons in May and 149 year to date. Here is the breakdown: • Brandon flo lla: 31 examina ons completed this month and 75 year to date. • PCD*: 12 examina ons completed this month and 74 year to date. *PCD denotes Polk County Detachment
Division 7 Annual Awards Breakfast D. Riley Division 7 held its annual awards ceremony Saturday, April 18, 2015, at the Columbia House Restaurant Centennial Museum Room in Tampa. Flo lla 74 members a ending filled more than one table at this annual event. CDR Sean Ryan, Deputy Commander Sector St. Petersburg; BMCS Eamon McCormack, Officer in Charge, Sta on St Petersburg; and COMO Robert Weskerna, District Commodore, 7th District presented Dus n Buxton, Flo lla Commander 74, the Krough Award for Excellence in Public Educa on. Complemen ng this award, member Galen Johnson earned the Division 7 Award for Most Public Educa on Instructor Hours. Dis nguished guests not named above included ENS Nate Borders, USCG, Auxiliary Order Management Administrator and spouse, Emily COMO Robert Weskerna’s wife and Auxiliary member Jackie Weskerna; Paule e Parent, District Captain-West, 7th District; Donald Hoge, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, Sector St Petersburg; and Ronald Howington, his replacement. We are proud of our member’s efforts and applaud them for the awards received acknowledging their achievements.
Response Opera ons-Kenneth Morningstar Flo lla 74 conducted no missions in May due to required maintenance on its facility and vaca on. Currently, we have 12 qualified crew, 1 coxswain and, 2 facili es consis ng of 1 vessel and 1 mobile radio. Our crewmembers con nue to assist with patrols on other vessels within the division.
Member Training-Dus n Buxton See ar cle in this issue re: Auxiliary Mandated Training. •.
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander 74 accepts the “Most Public Education Instructor Hours” earned by Galen Johnson from CDR Sean Ryan, Deputy Commander Sector St. Petersburg; and BMCS Eamon McCormack, Officer in Charge, Station St Petersburg at the Division 7 Annual Awards Breakfast in Tampa April 18, 2015. Photo by Linda Brandt Issue #1
2015
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Ar cles of Interest CDR Sean Ryan, Deputy Commander Sector St. Petersburg; BMCS Eamon McCormack, Officer in Charge, Station St Petersburg; and COMO Robert Weskerna, District Commodore, 7th District presented Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander 74 the Krough Award for Excelling in Public Education at the Division 7 Annual Awards Breakfast held April 18, 2015, at the Columbia House restaurant in Tampa. Flotilla 74 also earned the “Captains Jug,” the oldest award in the division which recognizes the four cornerstones of the Auxiliary. Photo by Linda Brandt
Sector St. Petersburg Open House Kicks Off Na onal Safe Boa ng Week D. Riley
S
ector St. Petersburg conducted its fourth Annual Open House Saturday, May 16, 2015, at their North Moorings address at 600 8th Avenue SE, St. Petersburg, Florida. The event kicked off Na onal Safe Boa ng Week 2015. The public rela ons event was open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to bring a en on to the Coast Guard’s contribu ons to our communi es, and to promote life jacket wear and boa ng safety. Featured ac vi es included tours of Coast Guard vessels, search and rescue flight demonstra ons, Coast Guard small boat demonstra ons, narrated search and rescue demonstra ons, public boa ng safety educa on booths Auxiliary members staff a booth at the Sector St. Petersburg Open House May 16 at North Moorings. The booth depicted feaand ac vi es for children. tured the new Coast Guard Boating Safety mobile app released
Auxiliary members from Divisions 7, 8 on May 16 to coincide with the start of National Safe Boating and 11 provided Sector valuable sup- Week. Photo by Martha Rodriguez, Flotilla 11-10 port with this important and exci ng public outreach event. Landside, this Con nued on page 11 included staffing various Recrea onal Boa ng SafeUSCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
11
Ar cles of Interest Con nued from page 10 ty booths and demonstra on tables; assis ng in children’s areas with face pain ng, affixing “ta oos” and coloring sta ons, and assis ng in security details for public direc on and safety. Auxiliary vessels from the three divisions named also assisted waterside by offering Auxiliary facili es complete with crews for the on the water demonstra ons. One of the booths staffed by Auxiliary members featured the new Coast Guard Boa ng Safety mobile app released May 16, 2015. The app was created by the family of a young Auxiliarist from Puerto Rico who died prematurely and donated to the Coast Guard. For more informa on on the app, please visit h p://www.uscg. mil/mobile
An H-65 Dolphin from Coast Guard Air Station Miami visits Sector St. Petersburg during the 2015 Open House. Visitors got an “up close and personal” view of the aircraft as well as the on the water vessels. Photo by George Papabeis.
Mark your calendars!
District 7 Annual Training Conference Sept. 17-20, 2015
A word from
Florida Mall Hotel
COMO Robert Weskerna
Orlando
District 7 Commodore
For more information visit the D7 website: http://www.uscga-district-7.org/index.html 2015 D-Train Information USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=UNz3qWMBl5s Issue #1
2015
12
Ar cles of Interest Auxiliary Mandated Training AUX LMS offers mul ple op ons to complete mandated training. In October 2014, ALAUX 022/14 announced an extension for members to complete their Auxiliary Mandated Training (AUXMT) requirements and announced a series of policy changes designed to achieve AUXMT comple on throughout the Auxiliary.
Management Agency Student Iden fica on Number (SID) in order to take the associated end-of-course exam): 1. Intro to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 course IS-100.b
Auxiliary Mandated Training Course Requirements All members must complete the following courses. New members must successfully complete these by the end of the first full year of enrollment and then once every five years therea er: 1. Building Resilience and Preven ng Suicide in the CG - course 502379 2. Security Fundamentals - course code 810030 3. Privacy at DHS: Protec ng Personal Informa on – course 810015 4. Sexual Harassment Preven on - course 81000
2. Intro to Na onal Incident Management System course IS-700.a The Auxiliary Training Directorate Mandated Training portal provides all Auxiliarists convenient opportuni es and mul ple op ons to complete their AUXMT requirements. Auxiliary Learning Management System (AUXLMS) online courses with automa c AUXDATA recording (direct link to AUXLMS website) is the fastest and easiest op on for an individual to complete the training. (h p://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=mandated-training)
5. Sexual Assault Preven on / Response - course Incen ves and consequences for not completing the Auxiliary Mandated Training Courses: 810045 All members are encouraged to complete the mandated training as soon as possible. The Auxiliary offers All members must complete the following courses only both incen ves and consequences for not comple ng once (new enrollees must complete them by the end the training before Jan. 1, 2016. of the first full year of enrollment): • All Auxiliarists who have a Base Enrollment 1. Ethics 1 / Personal Gi s - course 502306 Date (BED) before Jan. 1, 2016 must complete AUXMT by Dec. 31, 2016 to qualify, re-cer fy and avoid REYR 2. Influenza Training - course 502290 status, as applicable, in any competency. All members must complete the following courses only All Auxiliarists who have a BED a er Dec. 31, once (new enrollees must complete them by the end • 2015 must complete AUXMT by the end of the first full of the first full year of enrollment - they can only be taken on the Federal Emergency Management Agency calendar year a er their BED to qualify in any compewebsite, h ps://training.fema.gov/is/nims.aspx . They tency. require registra on on the site for a Federal Emergency Con nued on page 13 6. Civil Rights Awareness - course 502319
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
13
Ar cles of Interest Con nued from page 12
al will be amended accordingly.
• For all Auxiliarists, events occurring a er Jan. 1, 2016 such as eligibility for certain awards, elec ons, Auxiliary ID cards, C-Schools, and augmen ng the Coast Guard will require AUXMT to be completed before those events regardless of their BED.
Other consequences may include inability to a end Coast Guard funded C-Schools and travel, limited parcipa on in Coast Guard Augmenta on and Coast Guard Public Affairs Events and more. Go to:
h p://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&• Elected or Appointed Office: Ini al AUXMT category=auxlms and complete the mandated training comple on and currency maintenance will be required now! as eligibility criteria for any elected or appointed office. More op ons to complete the mandated training are This requirement may not be waived for Auxiliarists in offered and described on the web page AP status. Sec ons 4.F. and 4.G. of the Auxiliary Manu-
Become a Vessel Examiner or Program Visitor Source: h p://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=job-aid-kits
A
s a cer fied Vessel Examiner you will have the unique opportunity to work with and educate the recrea onal boa ng public. This one-on-one interac on will provide a vital opportunity to enhance a boater’s knowledge, and help ensure they have a safe, fun filled day on the water.
with a qualified Program Visitor. Download the RBS-PV manual from here: h p://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/RBSVP_ManualWeb.pdf
Once you complete the test, contact Steven Hunnicu , Flo lla Staff Officer-Program Visitor to get sed your two supervised rovisits scheduled. Prond gram Visita on and ns Vessel Examina ons are both programss h tt p : / / w o w. u s c ga u x . i n fo /c o n t e n t . in the V-Director-php?unit=V-DEPT&category=become-a-ve ate and naturallyy Once you successfully pass the online Vessel Exam- complement each iner Exam, you should contact Mark Jaqua, Flo lla other. Consider Staff Officer-Vessel Examina ons to schedule the earning both qualfive supervised Vessel Safety Checks required to ifica ons! complete your qualifica on. The process of qualifying as a Vessel Examiner is quite simple. Links to the Vessel Safety Check Manual, forms used to conduct Vessel Safety Checks and the link to the Auxiliary Na onal Tes ng Center are located at:
R
ecrea onal Boa ng Safety Program Visits, also known as marine dealer visits, are not only a great way to pass on boa ng safety informa on to boaters, but can be fun way to get to familiarize yourself with the marine dealers and spor ng goods outlets in your local area. Becoming Recrea onal Boa ng Safety-Program Visitor qualified involves a li le study, taking an online test and performing two supervised Program Visits
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
14
Ar cles of Interest...
ď‚ś Memorial Day ď‚ś
WHERE WILL YOU BE
JULY 4 Flotilla 74 held an Open House on Memorial Day. The members and their spouses made the most of their time together with fellowship. Top row from left: Elaine Nabach, Jim Mulligan, Lucy Chiacchia, James and Lori Urbanawiz. Bottom row from left: Rochelle and Marty Seiden, Jim Nabach, Herb Wittnebert, Jeff Jones, Len Chiacchia and Gil Tomas. Kneeling: Frank Goyco. Photo by Claire Wittnebert. (Submitted by Len Chiacchia)
?
Join your fellow members and participate in the largest Fourth of July parade in the state of Florida! Contact Len Chiacchia
(Photos of the 2014 parade)
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
15
Ar cles of Interest... Memorial Day 2015 “These sons and daughters, these brothers and sisters who lay down their lives for us - they belong to us all. They are our children, too. We benefit from their light, their positive influence on the world.” ---President Barrack Obama, 2015
Sarasota National Cemetery. Photo by Gil Thomas
T
he observance of Memorial Day was born of compassion and empathy in 1863. As the Civil War raged, grieving mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and other loved ones were cleaning confederate soldiers’ graves in Columbus, Mississippi, placing flowers on them. They no ced nearby the union soldiers’ graves, dusty, overgrown with weeds. Grieving for their own fallen soldiers, the confederate women understood that the dead union soldiers buried nearby were the cherished loved ones of families and communi es far away. They cleared the tangled brush and mud from those graves as well as their own soldiers’ graves and laid flowers on them too.
ripped apart by conflict.
Soon the tradi on of a “Decora on Day” for the graves of fallen soldiers spread. On May 5,1866, when the Civil War was over, Henry Welles of Waterloo, New York, closed his drugstore and suggested that all other shops in town also close up for a day to honor all soldiers killed in the Civil War, union and confederate alike. It was a gesture of healing and reconcilia on in a land
In some places, these ceremonies con nue. On Memorial Day we honor the ideals and values those soldiers stood for and died defending.
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Sixteen years later, in 1882, the na on observed its first official Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who died in all our na on’s wars. For decades, Memorial Day was a day in our na on when stores closed and communi es gathered together for a day of parades and other celebra ons with a patrio c theme. Memorial Day meant ceremonies at cemeteries around the country, speeches honoring those who gave their lives, the laying of wreaths, the playing of Taps.
Source: h p://www.usmemorialday.org/?p=353
Issue #1
2015
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Left: Lori Urbanawiz models an inflatable life jacket at the Flotilla 74 Open Hose while Claire Wittnebert (below) models the full jacket. Photos by Frank Goyco
Above: The National Safe Boating Week and recruiting display at Winter Haven Library. Below: Gil Thomas at the Hurricane Expo in Auburndale, Florida. Photos provided by Gil Thomas
F
lo lla 74 and its Polk County Detachment par cipated in Na onal Safe Boa ng Week by organizing and taking part in several events and ac vi es.
Throughout May, the Polk County Detachment displayed a Na onal Safe Boa ng Week and recrui ng exhibi on at Winter Haven Library. The Mayors of the ci es of Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Haines City and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners read the Na onal Safe Boating Week Proclama ons between May 16-23, 2015. USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Members of the Polk County Detachment followed up by presen ng each of the municipali es named Cer ficates of Apprecia on for outstanding coopera on and assistance in furthering the purposes and principles of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Polk County Detachment staffed a boa ng safety and recrui ng table May 16, 2015, at the Hurricane Expo in Auburndale, Florida. Other members supported the Open House May 16, 2015, at Sector St. Petersburg. Issue #1
2015
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A Great Opportunity for Training and Fellowship! United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
National Conference Aug. 27- 30, 2015 Hyatt Regency San Antonio on the Riverwalk, 123 Losoya St., San Antonio, TX 78205
The convention provides a great venue to enjoy fellowship, get the latest information on Auxiliary programs, and attend informative workshops. Online Registration is now open to attend NACON 2015 in San Antonio and enjoy the events. Friday night’s Fourth Cornerstone Fellowship - Deep in the Heart of Texas – along with the National Commodore’s Banquet Saturday evening are always enjoyable. Those preferring to mail in their registration may print and complete this Mail-in-Registration and mail it to the Registrar at the address indicated on the form.
For more information including schedule of planned activities visit: http://cgauxa.org/nacon-2015.php
FLOT line is a military acronym meaning “Forward Line of Own Troops” (FLOT). FLOT line, or Forward Edge of Ba le Area (FEBA) are technical terms used by all branches of the U.S. armed services to designate the forward-most friendly mari me or land forces on the ba lefield at a given point in me during an armed conflict. We are not a military force engaged in armed conflict. We are, however, the front line of the struggle to save the lives of recrea onal boaters, and we face this great endeavor armed with vessel safety checks, public educa on classes and all of the all other Recrea onal Boa ng Safety programs in our arsenal. Our newsle er banner serves as a reminder of this mission.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT The Privacy Act of 1974 protects names, addresses, telephone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses of Flo lla 74 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 expressed and/or wri en consent. When such informa on appears, its privacy shall be safeguarded and the informa on will be clearly labeled. Publicaon of this informa on by the general public and/or outside groups is prohibited by the Privacy Act. USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015