FLOT Lines Special Edition
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7
USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Flotilla Meetings Matter! By Dottie Riley, Flotilla Vice Commander 74
Galen Johnston, Flotilla Commander presents an Auxiliary Sustained Service Award to James Nabach at the meeting of Flotilla 74 Brandon Nov. 11, 2018. This award is presented to an Auxiliarist contributing a documented total of 750 volunteer hours of Auxiliary service. Subsequent awards are presented for each additional 750 hours of service. Photo by D. Riley
Flotilla meetings are important to both the flotilla’s functioning and to our members. The flotilla must have a quorum present to vote on business- everything from approving budgets and minutes to planning future events and elections. Without a quorum, the flotilla “hangs in limbo.” We continue to plan and conduct activities, but without a vote, these are without formal member approval. Meetings is where our officers present member awards, swear in our new members, and present critical program updates and information about upcoming events and activities. Members benefit from meetings as much as the
flotilla. It is where members learn what is going on, what new opportunities arise in training and for participation, and contribute to planning. The relationship is symbiotic. A flotilla cannot exist without its members. Why did you join the Auxiliary? This question will appear several times throughout this special edition of FLOT Lines. Remember that line from the Prologue to the New Member Oath: “The satisfaction you derive from your Auxiliary membership will be in proportion to your level of participation in the organization‘s activities.” This special edition is meant to encourage and motivate both our newest and seasoned members.
FLOT Lines Newsletter Flotilla 74 Brandon Galen Johnston, Flotilla Commander Dorothy Riley, Flotilla Vice Commander Meeting: Second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. 3006 South Kings Ave., Brandon, Flotida Flotilla Staff Officers
From the Helm: Galen Johnston, FC
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Omayra Valez Diversity
From the Helm: Dottie Riley, VFC
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So, You Joined the Auxiliary. What’s Next?
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Elaine Nabach Finance
Navigating Auxiliary Websites.
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I’m a Member! What Should I Do Now?
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Recreational Boating Safety
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Operations
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Other Qualifications
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Wearing of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Uniform.
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William Sage Information Systems Ronald Matz Materials August Miller Navigation Systems Galen Johnston Public Education Human Resources George Ppabeis Public Affairs Dottie Riley Publications Steve Williams Program Visits Secretary Brenda Nanius James Nabach Vessel Examinations FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
COMO Gary P. Barth, D7
Four Cornerstones: Fellowship
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Guardian Ethos
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To navigate this document, click on the title in the content list above. To return to this page, click the ‘Home’ button at the bottom of each page.
We’re on the web!
www.cgaux74.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flotilla74/ FLOT Lines is a publication of Flotilla 74 Brandon, District 7 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, located at 3006 S. Kings Ave., Brandon. The cost of publication is provided by dues-paying members of the Auxiliary, an organization of unpaid, civilian volunteers whose mission is to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. Articles may be reprinted with the express consent of the author or photographer, with proper credit given to same. For permissions or for more information, please contact the editor, Dorothy Joan Riley, SO-PB, Email address: dottieriley@gmail.com District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
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From the Helm Galen Johnston, Flotilla Commander Great to have a newsletter going out to the Flotilla again. Communication is essential to life blood of each Flotilla. Communication also means I must tell it the way it is. I would like to say that everything is going fine, and they are- BUT that is not the complete story. A great Flotilla would be a Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Vice Commander with 18 Flotilla Staff Officers to lead this flotilla. For Flotilla 74, that is not the case. Yes, our Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Vice Commander are in place, but most of the Flotilla Staff Officer positions are not in place (filled). It falls on each member of Flotilla 74 to do what they can to fill the voids wherever they may be. Why am I so negative about this? Well, because for the last three meetings not enough of our 43 members have cared enough to show up to YOUR business meeting to conduct the business of the flotilla. IF WE CAN NOT CONDUCT BUSINESS THEN WE ARE NOT A FLOTILLA! Twenty-nine of 43, (67.4 percent) are not acting like members. That means they have not participated in any activities during a business meeting to vote on
on-going-issues to keep the door open. We need members that care about being a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and who will come to YOUR business meeting and take action for YOUR flotilla. The next meeting is the normal date that each member already knows (the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m.), and this means if you care, then you should take leadership and plan to be a working member of Flotilla 74 and participate!
Galen Johnston, Flotilla Commander 74 Note: While leaders should avoid negative sounding comments or criticism of volunteers, once in a while circumstances call for unvarnished honesty. We have reached that point where complete honesty is necessary for the survival of our flotilla.
Our next big event is the Brandon Independence Day Parade. While we need members to join us in walking the four-mile parade route, there are other things members can do such as assisting with preparations for the barbecue held after the parade at our flotilla facility. More details at the next meeting June 10.
FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Page 3
From the Helm Dottie Riley, Flotilla Vice Commander The shutdown is over, yet flotilla member participation is down, meeting attendance is at an all-time low, and morale is suffering. What do we do? We start by asking questions: Why did you join the Auxiliary? What are your goals? You had goals when you joined. How have your goals changed and what changed them? What can we do to meet your initial expectations and encourage your participation? A personal account: A few years ago, after suffering a tragic personal loss, I took a hiatus from the Auxiliary. I had always held 3-4 offices, and my life revolved around submission and publication deadlines and meetings. At that time, I felt as if my personal life took a back seat to my Auxiliary duties. The hiatus gave me the opportunity to visit friends and loved ones and take time out for my first love- painting.
Every area needs volunteers. Several of our ‘seasoned’ members have major health issues and can no longer participate as fully as they would like. Other members have misconceptions about the Auxiliary and think of it as a corporate ladder. Because we ascribe to a chain of leadership, they think once they have served the ‘lower ranks,’ they should climb to the next level. We are not about ranks! We are about service which begins at flotilla level. Look at all the Commodores who hold appointed and elected flotilla and division offices. They are not accepting a ‘lower’ position. They are serving the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
After six months of no Auxiliary involvement, the then Flotilla Commander called and asked me that first question. My (testy) response: I was, after all, a volunteer and I had the right to volunteer to do nothing! But, he persisted, if I am going to do nothing, why remain a member? That question clinched it for me, and I returned to attending meetings, accepting appointed offices and volunteering my service. While at the time I was offended by his questions, I soon realized that they were exactly the right questions to ask.
Many of our newer members are ‘lost’ or confused. They are eager to join but lose interest all too quickly because we are not mentoring and encouraging them. We answer their questions by directing them to websites and internet links. The web is a wonderful thing, and yes, we can learn most of what we need to know as Auxiliarists on the internet, but websites cannot replace a welcoming smile, a firm handshake and genuine human interest.
I pose these same questions to each of you today. Why did you join the Auxiliary, and if you do not wish to participate, why remain a member? I hope these questions have the same impact on you as they had on me
This issue of ‘FLOT Lines’ is dedicated to our prospective and newer members who need guidance and direction. While almost every area discussed will offer links for descriptions and information, we strongly encourage you to call the appropriate Flotilla Staff Officer, your Flotilla Commander or Flotilla Vice Commander (me.) We need you!
Our flotilla needs each one of you! We have much to do and too few members to complete our many missions. We need members to help us meet our Recreational Boating Safety missions. We need Recreational Boating Safety Program Visitors, Vessel Examiners, Public Education Instructors. FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
I also invite every member to attend our flotilla meetings. We miss you! Note: To avoid writing my name in repeated bylines, let me state that I wrote all material not attributed to another author.
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
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Articles of Interest So, You Joined the Auxiliary. What’s Next? Attend monthly meetings. That is the best way to ask questions or schedule time for one-on-one help. Once you complete the application, next comes the “required training.” These are what we call the CORE training courses found at http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=core-training. This opens another topic: How to navigate Auxiliary websites to find what you need.
(Photo by Storyblocks, license to use paid by D. Riley)
Whether you walked in for your first meeting or requested information about membership on the internet, chances are you were next flooded with a barrage of information and forms. This barrage likely included directives about the enrollment process, our personal security investigation process, uniforms, several handbooks and new member study guides; Federal Emergency Management Agency Incident Command System courses, and lastly, the enrollment application along with instructions about what forms of identity you will need to complete the enrollment process. It can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Youv’ve been shown a path, but you walk it one step at a time. First step- keep in touch with your Flotilla Commander or another member. Read the New Member Handbook and complete the Form 7001 Enrollment Application. Ask for help, if needed. Flotilla 74 Brandon is open for individual assistance and instruction nearly every Thursday night. You can complete most of the process with the assistance of the Flotilla Commander or other available staff. FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
Brenda Nanius receives her Auxiliary membership certificate from Galen Johnston, Flotilla Commander at the regular business meeting Nov. 13, 2018. By the first week of May 2019, Nanius was crew qualified in the Auxiliary Boat Crew program. (USCG Auxiliary photo by Dottie Riley)
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
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Articles of Interest Navigating Auxiliary Websites. 1.
2.
3.
Too often, seasoned members respond to every new member’s question with, “You can find it online.” That may be true, but that answer is not always helpful. Where does one look? What does one use for search criteria or keywords? We forget that this is a whole new world for newcomers. Let’s start with how to navigate Auxiliary pages. • Bookmark the Flotilla 74 webpage. From this page, one can easily navigate to other Auxiliary pages. Without a member number, it is difficult to access many Auxiliary pages. For instances, without signing in with a member number, one cannot access a link to the Auxiliary national pages from the District 7 website. For this reason, we suggest you bookmark either the Division 7 webpage (http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-07) or the Flotilla 74 webpage (http://wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=070-07-04). •
national Auxiliary homepage. (The national page is shown on the right-hand side.) • Arrow #2 on the flotilla page points to links to the division and district homepages. • Arrow #3 is where you will sign in to access other pages once you receive your member number. • For new member information, on the national page (top right) click on the ‘Directorates’ link at the top (large arrow). On the drop-down menu, select “Human Resources.” On the left-hand side of the Human Resources page, select “New to the Auxiliary?” Everything you need to know as a new member is found on this page. You are off to a great start! Remember to keep in touch with other members, to participate as much as possible in scheduled events, and to attend meetings!
Arrow #1 on the flotilla page (top left) points to the
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Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Page 6
Articles of Interest I’m a Member! What Should I Do Now? Hopefully, by the time you receive your member number you already have an inkling of what you would next like to do. Here is where we again ask, “Why did you join the Auxiliary?” What initially appealed to you enough so that you stuck with the demanding process of becoming a member? While the answer to that question is as varied as our members, your answer will point you in the direction of what you should next do. Many new members are lured by the excitement of our Boat Crew program and the opportunity to become coxswain or crew. Some are more interested in our Recreational Boating Safety programs while to others; the more sedentary computer-related skills appeal the most. Some prefer the opportunity to work directly alongside the Coast Guard by serving aboard a cutter as an Auxiliary Food Service specialist, becoming an Ombudsman, working in the Auxiliary Health Services or as an Interpreter.
The Auxiliary operates in • • • • • • • • •
Safety and Security Patrols Search and Rescue Mass Casualty or Disasters Pollution Response and Patrols Homeland Security Recreational Boating Safety Commercial Fishing and Vessel Exams Platforms for Boarding Parties Recruit for all service in the Coast Guard
With the advent of climate change and awareness about marine debris, our Marine Safety and Environmental Protection missions are growing in popularity as well. The best part is that we provide the training free for you to assume any qualification, and as a volunteer, you decide how much time you are willing to commit. On the following pages, we will introduce the jobs (qualifications) most commonly found at flotilla levels. We will begin with Recreational Boating Safety because that is our first/primary mission in support of the Coast Guard.
The ‘Four Cornerstones’ of the Auxiliary: Member Services, Fellowship, Operations and Recreational Boating Safety are critical in keeping us focused on our missions and in securing our commitment to the Coast Guard to the Auxiliary and each other.
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Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Page 7
Articles of Interest Recreational Boating Safety Recreational Boating Safety is the first of the many missions of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The three Recreational Boating Safety Directorates are Vessel Examinations, Public Education and Recreational Boating Safety Outreach. These directorates work in tandem to reduce the number of boating accidents and casualties that occur in the U.S. each year. Each offers positions or qualifications at flotilla level to help spread the boating safety message.
every Vessel Safety Check not performed is a missed opportunity to educate a boater and save a life! Wonder if you have the time? Like all our volunteer jobs/qualifications, you set your own schedule and you need only complete 5 Vessel Safety Check a year- pass or fail- to retain your qualification.
Vessel Examinations http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT The Vessel Examinations Directorate (Dir-V) includes two program areas: Vessel Examinations and Partner Visitations. New members are most often encouraged to first earn the Vessel Examiner qualification. As the name ‘Vessel Examiner’ implies, a Vessel Safety Check entails checking recreational vessels to ensure that they carry the necessary safety equipment recommended by the National Safe Boating Council and to meet both national and state laws. These include but are not limited to life jackets, emergency flares, etc. As a certified Vessel Examiner, you will have the unique opportunity to work with and educate the recreational boating public. This one-on-one interaction will provide a vital opportunity to enhance a boater’s knowledge, and help ensure they have a safe, fun filled day on the water. The key to becoming a great Vessel Examiner is all in the training. Becoming a Vessel Examiner can be done by classroom instruction along with hands-on training, or by self-study along with some handson training. We recommend, however that you first accompany one of the flotilla’s Vessel Examiners and watch. They will enjoy the company and you will have the opportunity to learn and ask questions.
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Vessel Examiner James Simpson of Flotilla 6-11 Miami D7 conducts a Vessel Safety Check at Rickenbacker Marina in February 2010. (United States Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Chris Todd)
Our flotilla needs more qualified Vessel Examiners. We often talk about our ‘low number’ of Vessel Safety Checks, but the impact on our statistics is not what is important. The importance lies in what is not said: FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Page 8
Articles of Interest Recreational Boating Safety-Partner Visitor
Partner Visitors are the Auxiliary’s “ambassadors” to the recreational boating market. Key to the Auxiliary’s dealer/partner outreach program are a cadre of trained Auxiliarists who visit our partners on a regular basis to drop off or restock boating safety literature displays, or to discuss upcoming special events. Partners may include bait shops, insurance agencies, marinas, or a branch of one of the world’s largest marine chandleries. In short, our partners are establishments frequented by boaters. Program Visitors distribute literature – always at no charge – including the latest federal and state boating safety brochures, booklets and handouts. Additionally, Partner Visitators provide distinctive literature easels to display this literature. After the initial visit, Partner Visitors may make visits in civilian clothing, and once you develop a relationship with these partners, they may call you to let you know what brochures they most need. This is one of the easiest qualifications to earn and maintain, and if you are already a Vessel Examiner, it only makes sense to also become a Recreational Boating Safety-Partner Visitor.
Left: Dottie Riley performs one of two Recriational Boating Safety Partner Visits required to earn the qualification under the guidance of Terry Hershman, Division Commmander Oct. 23, 2018. (United States Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Terry Hershman)
Talk to other members about becoming a Vessel Examiner or Recreational Boating Safety-Partner Visitor. You need not be a qualified Vessel Examiner to accompany other Vessel Examiners while they perform Vessel Safety Checks. “Going along for the ride” offers you the opportunity to learn and ask questions and helps build a sense of camaraderie. Ask to be trained as a Vessel Examiner or take the course online. http://wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=V-DEPT&category=job-aid-kits
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Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue I 1 2019
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Articles of Interest Completion of the Instructor training program makes you a productive member of the flotilla almost immediately.
Public Education The Auxiliary offers arguably the best boating safety courses in the nation. Our courses are tailored to boaters from paddleboards and personal watercraft to powerboats. Our goal is to promote and improve Recreational Boating Safety by providing exceptional boating safety education to the American public, to eliminate loss of life, personal injury and property damage.
Currently, qualified Instructors are one of our flotilla’s greatest needs.
The most popular boating courses are ‘Boating Skills and Seamanship,” “About Boating Safely,” “Weekend Navigator” and “A Paddlers Guide.” Flotilla 74 offers “Boating Skills and Seamanship” year-round and “About Boating Safely” 3-4 times a year. To teach our boating courses, a member must become an Instructor. The process of becoming an Instructor (IT) is not that difficult but requires commitment. The Auxiliary Instructor program qualifies members as Instructors for public education (PE) and member training (MT) courses. To qualify as an Instructor, the member must pass the current IT qualification examination (an open-book three-hour time limit examination with a score of 90% or better) and satisfactorily teach two classes under a qualified instructor’s supervision. The first presentation should be of 10-30 minutes in length and the second presentation should be of one to two hours in length.
You can find the Instructor training program on the Public Education Directorate website. http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=e-public-education If you prefer individual or classroom training, please ask our Flotilla Staff Officer-Member Training or Flotilla Commander. Currently, the same personGalen Johnston- holds both positions which makes it easier to know whom to call! FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
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Articles of Interest Operations Boat Crew Program The Auxiliary Seamanship or Auxiliary Boat Crew program is likely one of the leading interests of new members. New members have either seen us on the water or at Public Affairs events or read about our members in action. Yes, participating in our varied onthe-water missions can be fun and exciting! It is also demanding and requires more time and commitment than our other programs. While theoretically it may be possible to take the course online, it is not practical or recommended. In addition to completing the course, one must also complete the performance qualification standards and pass the qualifying examination. These require handson training and practice. The program relies heavily upon instructors and mentors to produce crewmembers who are seaworthy, knowledgeable and assets to the Auxiliary Boat Crew program. Because the course places such a high demand on instructors, mentors and Auxiliary facilities (it takes a minimum of two boats to practice towing evolutions), our division offers this course once a year for all members wishing to become crew qualified. Also, there are several prerequisites for taking the course. You must be a member in good standing and have completed the required CORE courses including Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 700 and Team Coordination Training. While the Auxiliary Boat Crew program requires great commitment and effort to complete, the rewards are just as great! Interested members should talk to Galen Johnston, Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Staff Officer-Member Training.
Members of Division 7 conduct on-the-water Boat Crew training Feb. 27, 2019. (Auxiliary photos by Valerie Fernandes, Flotilla 78 St. Pete Beach.)
Note: As a matter of convenience, Flotilla 74 groups Operations, Communications, Navigation Systems and Member Training under the ‘Response’ Directorate.’ These do not align with the district or national directorate groupings. Thought we would mention this because the links provided will lead to different directorates on the national sites! FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
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Articles of Interest Communications Telecommunications Operators stand radio watches for Auxiliary on-the-water missions. Experienced Telecommunications Operators may also stand watches at Coast Guard stations to augment station personnel. Learning which frequencies to use, the language specific to radio communications and whom to notify in the event of an emergency is critical. To become involved in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Telecommunications program, applicants must become certified as Telecommunications Operators (TCO). Additional details of the qualification requireDavid Rockwell, a member of Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg, a qualified ments for TCO can be found at this link: Telecommunications Operator stands radio watch April 4, 2017, http://rdept.cgaux.org/documents/BeQualified/BecomingQualifiedAuxiliaryTelecommunicationsProgram.pdf
in the Flotilla 72 Communications room. Rockwell often presents the Telecommunications Operator course open to all members of Division 7. (USCG Auxiliary photograph)
Flotilla 74 does not have a radio facility or Communications room. Our Telecommunications Operators stand watches at flotilla locations that have radio facilities. This is a boon for new members as this gives them the opportunity to meet members from other flotillas within our division.
When the need arises, members of fotillas with radio facilities often present the Telecommunication Operator course to all members of the division who wish to become qualified.
Telecommunications Operators stand radio watches for both the Auxiliary and at Coast Guard stations. FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
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Articles of Interest Navigation Systems If you are interested in our Navigation Systems programs for Federal Aids to Navigation (ATONs), Private Aids to Navigation (PATONs), Chart Updating (CU) and Bridge Administration Program (BAP), welcome aboard! Each Auxiliary or Coast Guard District or Coast Guard Sector may establish their own procedures for Aids Verifier qualification. Members should check on the process in their area by contacting their Navigation Systems (NS) chain of leadership and management beginning in Flotilla 74 with August Miller, Flotilla Staff Officer-Aids to Navigation or Galen Johnston, Flotilla Commander. More information may be found at: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=P-DEPT&category=aids-verifier-pqs Members need not be qualified Boatcrew to earn the Aids Verifier qualification. Any Auxiliarist who holds an Aids Verifier qualification is authorized assignment to duty to support and augment the Coast Guard’s Aids to Navigation program. This includes verifying the location and characteristics of private aids to navigation (PATONs), after qualifying as an AV – Aid Verifier. Auxliarists may assist and support Coast Guard units in servicing Federal aids after Aids to Navigation are varied and include but are not limited to receiving proper Coast Guard training. Auxbuoys- cans and nuns- range markers, channel markers, and liarists may also help the National Oceanic lighting on bridges. (Top photo by Pixabay, RF image. Bottom and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and photo- bridge beside Tampa Convention Center showing the the US Army Corps of Engineers in updating bridge lights by Dottie Riley) nautical charts and publications. Training is available in all four Auxiliary Navigation Systems Programs – ATONs, PATONs, Bridges, and Chart Updating.
Remember: If you read about something that interests you, do not hesitate to ask how to become qualified. We will train you, and all of our training is free to our members! FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
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Articles of Interest Information Technology If Operations and Response missions are a bit too physical tor you, the Auxiliary has more sedentary, computer-based qualifications to offer as well. The vast majority of the Auxiliary information technology community serves their shipmates directly at the flotilla level. These Flotilla Staff Officers of Communication Services (FSO-CS) and Information Services (FSO-IS) play a vital role in making each Auxiliarist effective.
Communication Services Communication Services officers maintain Auxiliary webpages, and many administer the flotilla’s social media pages as well. The web platform is easy to learn and requires no previous knowledge of building webpages or computer coding. The required skills are taught in online classes, through on-on-one mentoring, by attending a Coast Guard C-School (no cost to the member) or through a combination of these learning methods.
Information Services Flotilla Staff Officer-Information Services provide a wide range of member services – including information on opportunities to serve, recording mission accomplishment, counseling on training requirements, and much more. They make sure the hours reported by our members and training completed are entered into the Auxiliary Data System. At the dvision, dstrict, and national levels, our Information Technology (IT) community transitions from direct member support to envisioning, developing, and supporting the systems that support our membership. From Flotilla Staff Officer to the National IT leadership, our mission is the same. We support our members so they can efficiently, effectively, and safely accomplish their missions. For more information about Information Technology training and C-Schools visit http://wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=it-group Get to know our members already doing these jobs or talk to our Flotilla Staff Officer-Member Training to inquire about training.
(Royalty-free image by Unsplash) FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
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Articles of Interest Public Affairs and Publications iary (internal) newsletters.
Public Affairs “Public Affairs is every member’s business!” Public Affairs promotes the Auxiliary and its missions through marketing and public relations. Public Affairs offers three qualification levels mirroring those awarded to members of the Coast Guard, but even members not interested in completing one of the three qualifications should be aware of Auxiliary Public Affairs policies. The easiest way to do this is to take the online course, “Introduction to Public Affairs (AUX-20).” You can find this course at the Public Affairs e-learning portal: http://wow.uscgaux. info/content.php?unit=A-DEPT&category=online-training
One more difference- Publications officers need a bit more computer savvy to compile a newsletter. I would like to convince you that it is as difficult as learning magic (that would make what I do more impressive), but it is not! Every office productivity suite has templates for newsletters built in, and spell and grammar checkers. You only need to be brave enough to give it a try and determined enough to stay with it. Like any other skill, improvement comes with experience. The best part about newsletters is that they acknowledge our members’ efforts and help boost morale. Like everything else in the Auxiliary, if you are willing to try, someone (likely me) is willing to mentor you.
Why do we say, “Public Affairs is every member’s business?” Every member should know how to answer questions posed by member of the public at events or by news media, know how to write articles for either external publication or internal Auxiliary newsletters, and know what to post- and what not to post to social media. Without basic knowledge, it can be a quagmire! A member can serve as Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs without earning a Public Affairs qualification but a Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs should at least complete the introductory course! Public Affairs has its own rewards. You learn more about the Auxiliary, its missions and its history and learn it faster than in any other field within the Auxiliary.
Publications Everything already stated about Public Affairs applies equally to Publications. At national level, they are both in the same directorate and members earn the same qualifications. There is, however, a distinct difference below national level: Public Affairs officers are our public face and release to external news sources while Publications officers write and publish for AuxilFLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
George Papabeis, Flotilla 74 Staff Officer-Public Affairs, has quite a resume. Papabeis has written countless news releases and filmed several Auxiliary Public Service Announcements and videos of interviews. He also shot training films for a Coast Guard Port Security Unit, the source for this cover photo for “Intercom” Division 7 newsletter, Summer 2014 edition; Dottie Riley, editor. So, there you have it- Public Affairs and Publications in a single image! Issue 1 2019
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Articles of Interest Marine Safety There are four Divisions in the Prevention Department devoted to the Marine Safety program: Commercial Vessel Activities, Port and Facility Activities, Prevention Outreach and Communication and Education. Earning one of the many qualifications in either Commercial Vessel Activities and Port and Facilities Activities are largely controlled by each Coast Guard Sector based upon their local needs. These Auxiliarists are trained to work for the Coast Guard to perform activities regulated by the Coast Guard like inspecting commercial and fishing vessels and container inspections in our ports. At flotilla level, we most commonly promote Marine Safety and Environmental Protection programs like America’s Waterway Watch, Sea Partners, Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Resources, Living Marine Mammals Resources, and the Good Mate Program. With the increased awareness about marine debris and its impact on our marine environment, for many members, this is a good fit. Auxiliarists most often spread our environmental protections messages at Public Affairs events and at schools. Several programs are geared toward children. Are you interested in protecting our marine environment? Let us know! Visit http://wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=P-DEPT&category=marine-safety to explore these areas of opportunity.
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Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Page 16
Articles of Interest Human Resources and Auxiliary Food Service php?unit=H-DEPT&category=auxiliary-manuals Human Resources lists several areas of interest which include job descriptions for working directly for or on behalf of the Coast Guard. One that should be mentioned here is Auxiliary Food Service (AUXFS). This is a qualification that members can earn to work as chefs in Coast Guard facilities including sector and station galleys and aboard Coast Guard cutters. All AUXFS members have been trained using the Coast Guard Approved Auxiliary Food Services Guides and instructors. Training includes both classroom lectures, and culinary skills work followed by a standardized performance qualification completion within one year of the initial class. Medical screenings and Hepatitis A vaccines along with yearly sanitation and team coordination training are also required. Due to strict guidance from the Coast Guard, no waivers will be granted under any circumstances.
Image taken from the Auxiliary Food Service Team Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/USCGAuxFoodServiceTeam/photos/ Human Resources Officers help to recruit and enroll new members, and as the first contact with the Auxiliary most new candidates have, are critical to getting new members off on the right foot. This is where that barrage of emails enters in- the ones discussed in the first article this issue, “So, You Joined the Auxiliary. What’s Next?”
Several members of our division have earned this qualification and gone on tours aboard cutters for up to three months as far south as Puerto Rico and as far north as Alaska! The training is definitely worth the experience!
As a new member, you have probably visited the national Human Resources Directorate several times looking for specific links on the left-hand side of their webpage. These likely included: New to the Auxiliary?: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=H-DEPT&category=new-members Coast Guard Auxiliary Uniforms: https://drive.google. com/file/d/0B_HGNf7VOTblWW5mdy1sbjRIcXpzOG1IZHcyZ3BDVkQ0Tk9V/view
Individuals expressing interest in joining the Auxiliary can take advantage of a Webinar designed specifically for their needs. The “Tuesday Night Live” program will be offered the first Tuesday night of every month at 7 p.m. to provide items of interest to potential applicants, and to offer them a dedicated opportunity to have their individual questions answered. Put this on your calendar and on the appointed date and time, link to https://register.gotowebinar.com/webinar
(The link to uniforms is one some of our not-so-new members should periodically revisit as well! See article next page.) Auxiliary Manuals: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content. FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Page 17
Articles of Interest Wearing of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Uniform. COMO Gary P. Barth, D7 In my travels in District 7, it is apparent that we need to do a self-assessment of how we look in our uniforms. Many of our members are not wearing the uniform properly. It is our responsibility, as well as our leader’s responsibility, to ensure that we are in the correct uniform, wear it properly, and our personal appearance standards are as prescribed in the Auxiliary Manual.
public and the active duty would be proud of the way you look and wear the uniform? If the answer to any of these questions is NO, then you need to reevaluate your uniform and the wearing of it. What about your personal appearance?
Members of the USCG Auxiliary wear the uniform of a Coast Guard Officer. Often the public cannot differentiate between the active duty Coast Guard and an Auxiliarist. Therefore, it is our duty to wear the uniform correctly and proudly. If you have not done so recently, check out Chapter 10 of the Auxiliary Manual on uniforms. You’ll be surprised at what is listed in the Auxiliary Manual. We have many various uniforms which we wear. Some depend on the specific mission and/or occasion. Others are for social functions and depend on how we might otherwise look in the “traditional’ uniform.
Image from “United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Uniforms,” revised December 2018; “Most Likely First Uniforms,” page 8.
We should all be proud and wear our uniforms. Think back to when you were sworn into the Auxiliary as a member. During the pledge for new members, you were told “As an Auxiliarist, you enjoy certain honors and privileges, among them, wearing the Auxiliary uniform and flying the Auxiliary ensign. Wear the uniform neatly and correctly.” Neatly and correctly are very important. Have pride in yourself and your uniform. Look at yourself in the mirror prior to leaving your house when in any uniform. Are you wearing the official uniform trousers with your Tropical Blue uniform, or are you wearing trousers with white pockets (Dickie’s type of trousers)? Do you look well groomed? Is your uniform being worn neatly and correctly? Are you proud of the way you look? Do you think the FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Page 18
Articles of Interest Four Cornerstones: Fellowship The ‘Four Cornerstones’ of the Auxiliary are Member Services, Fellowship, Operations and Recreational Boating Safety. These areas are critical in keeping us focused on our missions and in securing our commitment to the Coast Guard, to the Auxiliary and to each other. Human Resources and Member Training represent Member Services. We discussed the various duties and qualifications under ‘Operations’ and ‘Recreational Boating Safety.’ What we have not yet discussed is Fellowship. Miriam Webster Dictionary defines fellowship as “a community of interest, activity, feeling; a company of equals or friends; or the quality or state of being comradely meaningful communication for building trust and fellowship.” That describes the Auxiliary. We are bound together by our interests in serving the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary, and we are equals. It matters not what we do for a living, our level of education or how much we earn in our personal lives. Within
the Auxiliary we serve equally. We are comrades and friends and enjoy each others company. Fellowship occurs at flotilla meetings as well as events specifically designated for that purpose. It behooves us to attend meetings and participate in activities and events. Your level of satisfaction with the Auxiliary is intrinsically tied to your level of participation. It is specifically cited in the Prologue to the New Member Pledge: “The satisfaction you derive from your Auxiliary membership will be in proportion to your level of participation in the organization‘s activities. The success of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will depend upon the extent of your participation and upon the quality of the Auxiliary leaders that you, the member, select.” Now is the time to review the pledge you took as a new member. It is time to renew your pledge and commit to participating in the Auxiliary.
Top left: Galen Johnston, Commander of the Brandon Flotilla (right) and Tony Novellino, Vice Commander, Division 7 during the fellowship cookout after the 2018 Brandon Independence Day parade. Top right: (From righ) Member Carl Bryant, wife Sheila and friends during the July 10, 2018 fellowship dinner. Left: Flotilla 74 Brandon historically skips the regular business meeting in December to hold a special holiday dinner event that includes great food, camaraderie and a “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. Photos by D. Riley FLOT Lines
Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 USCG Auxiliary
Issue 1 2019
Page 19
FLOT is a military acronym meaning “forward line of own troops.” FLOT line or “forward edge of battle area” (FEBA) are technical terms used by all branches of the U.S. armed services to designate the forward most friendly maritime or land forces on the battlefield at a given point in time during an armed conflict. We are not a military force engaged in armed conflict. We are, however, the frontline of the struggle to save the lives of recreational boaters, and we face this great endeavor armed with Vessel Safety Checks, Public Education classes and all the other Recreational Boating Safety programs in our arsenal. Our newsletter banner serves as a reminder of this mission.
The Privacy Act of 1974 protects the names, addresses, telephone/fax numbers and email addresses of Flotilla 74 members which may appear in this or other Auxiliary publications. As a matter of policy, information described above is not made available to the general public or outside groups without that members expressed and or written consent. When such information appears, its privacy shall be safeguarded, and the information will be clearly labeled. Publication of this information by the general public and/or outside groups is prohibited by the Privacy Act.