Intercom Fall 2013 by Dorothy Riley

Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Volume XXXVI Issue 3 Fall 2013

In this issue: • • • •

The Summer of Storms: Helpful NOAA apps for boaters 60 Years Later: Remembering the Korean War Information for New Members Member Training Opportunities

In this Issue.... (Click on image or title to link to articles. Click on "Home" Symbol

to return to this page.)

2013 elected and division staff officers. Masthead. From the Helm: J. Michael Shea, DCDR 7

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James Newman, VCDR Jeffrey Gines, VCDR (e) Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg

Flotilla 74 Brandon

Flotilla 75 Ruskin

Flotilla 78 Pass-a-Grille

Change of Watch

Flotilla 79 Tampa

Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport

ABYC for Boaters

Summer of Storms: Helpful NOAA apps for boaters A collaboration between Dottie Riley, George Papabeis and George Bartuska

Remembering the Korean War: Forgotten No More. Article and photos by Dottie Riley

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Staff Officer Reports

Information for New Members

Member Training Opportunities

INTERCOM Newsletter for Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7, USCG Auxiliary Volume XXXVI Issue 3 Fall 2013

Division 7 Elected Officers 2013 Div 7 Division Commander

J. Michael Shea, DCDR Div 7 Division Vice Commander James Newman, VCDR Div 7 Immed. Past Division Commander Amos Johnson, IPDCDR FL-72 Flotilla Commander Gene Keller, FC Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the web! Flotilla Vice Commander Bryan Cook, VFC http://A07007.wow.uscgaux.info FL-74 Flotilla Commander Jeffrey Gines, FC Flotilla Vice Commander Leonard Chiacchia, Jr., You can contact any of VFC our officers on the DiviFL-75 Flotilla Commander Oscar Kramer, FC sion 7 web page! Flotilla Vice Commander Ray Stewart, VFC FL-78 Flotilla Commander Jim Armstrong, FC The Intercom is a publication Flotilla Vice Commander Karen Cohen, VFC of the United States Coast FL-79 Flotilla Commander Paul Cooke, FC Guard Auxiliary, Division Flotilla Vice Commander Linda Churchill, VFC Seven, District Seven. The cost of publication is provided FL-7-16 Flotilla Commander Donald Hershman, FC by dues-paying members of Flotilla Vice Commander Kelleigh Weeks, VFC the Auxiliary, an organization of unpaid, civilian volunteers Division 7 Appointed Staff 2013 whose mission is to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in promotCommunications Gene Keller, SO-CM ing boating safety. Articles may be reprinted only with Communication Systems Terry Hickox, SO-CS the express consent of the Diversity Donald T. Hershman, SO-DV author or photographer, with Finance Oscar Kramer, SO-FN proper credit given to same. Information Systems Theresa Johnson, SO-IS For permissions or for more information, please contact Human Resources Judith Clapp SO-HR the editor, Dorothy Joan RiMaterials Ronald G. Matz, SO-MA ley, SO-PB, Email address: Marine Safety Robert Starns, SO-MS dottieriley1@verizon.net Member Training David Langdon, Jr., SO-MT Navigation Systems Marvin Bayles, SO-NS Operations Clifford J. Martin, SO-O Cover photo: TAMPA BAY, OP Assistant Linda Churchill, ASO-OP Fla.- Linda Brandt and James Urbanawiz hunker down durPublic Affairs Timothy Teahan, SO-PA ing a bit of "snotty" weather Publications Dorothy J. Riley, SO-PB while on patrol on the AuxPB Assistant George Papabeis, ASO-PB iliary facility "Kamstar" on Public Education Steven B. Plass, SO-PE Aug. 24, 2013. Ken Morningstar, coxswain, George Program Visitor Donald E. Rimel, SO-PV Papabeis, Eric Gagnon, and Secretary Alexandra Kaan, SO-SR August Miller rounded out Vessel Examinations John Simone, SO-VE the crew. All are members VE Assistant Glenn Dobos, ASO-VE of Flotilla 74 Brandon. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo Division Liaison Richard Short by George Papabeis. Fellowship Open

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

From the Helm James Newman,

J. Michael Shea,

Division 7 Vice Commander

Division 7 Commander “ “Thanks for your service” is how I have been closing my emails to you as your Commander for the past two years and it is the best way to say it. Thanks to each member for being a member, thanks to all the Flotilla Staff Ofﬁcers, and a bigger thanks to all the Division Staff Ofﬁcers. Together, we have made this a better division, and it was a great division before. Now, we are one of the most outstanding divisions in the Auxiliary, and it could not have been without all of us working together. The two major events that come to mind in the past two years are the Republican National Convention and the starting of the B-0 Standby patrols. These were large under takings and were done well by all who participated. But I am also reminded that we ran a lot of training courses – crew and coxswain training, radio watch standers, weather, and navigation just to mention a few. We increased membership, did more Recreational Boating Safety marine dealer (program visits) visits, inspected more vessels and conducted more public recreation vessel safety courses. Division 7 is a very valuable asset to the United States Coast Guard and it is all because we work together to get the missions assigned to us done. Once again, “thanks for your service.” We will be one of the best divisions in the Coast Guard Auxiliary next year too as I know you will still be there doing your duty. Thanks for your service, God Bless,

J. Michael Shea

I would like to give a special “Thank you” to everyone who stepped up and accepted staff positions at the division and ﬂotilla levels as well as ALL Division 7 members for the countless volunteer hours performed both on and off the books. Job well done to Flotilla 78 for the “Commodore’s Cup” --Best Flotilla in all of District 7 for 2012”. Cliff Martin and the Operations team get a much deserved special “Thank you” for plowing through the transition from Patrol Order Mnangement (POMS) to Auxiliary Order Management (AOM) and starting up and facilitating search and rescue standby B-0 program to help Station St Pete. Gene Keller and his Communications team have done a great job on the huge increase of certiﬁed Telecommunications Operators. I have appreciated the honor to serve with all of the 2013 staff. All the best in 2014. Thanks, Jim Newman, VCDR 7

Jeffrey Gines, Division 7 Vice Commander (e) It's hard to believe that 2014 is already upon us. As your new Division Vice Commander, the past few weeks have been both busy and productive as we take the steps necessary to help us ready for an outstanding next year. While we have much to do, Larry Neu and I are very pleased and encouraged by the energy and excitement that we hear from our members about their desire and need to take on the challenges and opportunities to serve not only the recreational boating public and the Coast Guard, but our own members as well. Continued on page 5

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Our goals for 2014 will offer us challenges in the weeks and months ahead. That is certain. While we welcome these challenges and are excited about the work ahead of us, our ability to rise to these challenges as a team rests in our planning, preparation, and in the coordinated participation of our membership. We have a significant and diverse amount of talent, expertise, and energy across our division. And the breadth and depth of experience we have throughout each flotilla is incredible. This is our greatest strength and our most valued asset. Without a doubt, we need from all of you the very most and the very best that you are able to give of your time to serve our communities, the Coast Guard, and this country. Let’s all challenge ourselves with As many of you have heard me say, there are no this purpose and commitment for the coming year. division members in the Auxiliary; we are all members of a flotilla and what we do is all about the Always keep in mind that your elected and appointflotillas. With that in mind, I want to take a moment ed officers are always ready, willing, and able to to sincerely thank all of you, the flotilla members, support and assist you all in achieving a fulfilling for the impact that you have in helping our district, and rewarding experience with the Auxiliary. I'm division, and each of our flotillas meet and exceed looking forward to serving you this coming year the objectives that we set out to accomplish each and welcome your suggestions on how we can today as a team. Your dedication and contributions to gether - make this division the best it can be.  our many and varied missions throughout 2013 are not only greatly appreciated by the Auxiliary and Coast Guard, but also by the citizens, and boating communities we serve. Continued from page 4 I do want to take a moment to sincerely thank Mike Shea, our outgoing Division Commander, Jim Newman, our outgoing Division Vice Commander, and our Division Staff Officers who served the members of this division last year. Going into 2014, we will have members from across the division who will be stepping into assistant and staff officer roles for the first time. We are very pleased and encouraged by this. We will also have staff officers from last year, who will again offer their time, energy, and expertise to serve our members in 2014. This will be a great team, and we are looking forward to what we will accomplish next year.

We have all of the right pieces... Let's put them all together and have a great year in 2014!

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg Gene Keller, Flotilla Commander Flotilla 72 is actively planning and scheduling Public Education activities for 2014 as well as actively engaging in developing goals and objectives for all of the Recreational Boating Safety - Prevention programs for next year. We provided pre-qualifying examination (QE) training for two members of Flotilla 7-16 on Nov. 9, 2013, and conducted a successful QE mission on Nov. 16. All aboard the Auxiliary facility Sandy Cay passed and proved proﬁcient. We supported day/night training for towing evolutions involving three facilities on Nov. 23, the last scheduled division required on the water training. This will conclude and complete day/night training requirements.

literature for distribution. The Coast Guard also reports a need for additional educational material suitable for younger children. We are taking steps to let SSP personnel know that Flotilla 72 may be utilized as resource in providing materials to parents, for child days, or any other school event. Flotilla 72 participated in Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 9, 2013, with one Auxiliary facility, Sandy Cay. Several members of the press took photos of the Auxiliary vessels during this public outreach event.

"We see an increase in the need for The installation of our primary Auxiliary radio fa- children’s cility is underway. Our plans to refurbish the high literature and (50 foot) radio tower is currently in-progress, and collateral we continue to seek USCG assistance in restoring material such the high tower. Capt. Case, Commander Sector St. as coloring Petersburg, is aware that the tower is the highest at books and other educaStation St. Petersburg (SSP) and a valuable asset tional materials in the event it is needed for emergencies. aimed at elemenOur boating safety “blast team” is working on tary school ages." adding videos by January 2014. We see an increase in the need for children’s literature and collateral material such as coloring books and other educational materials aimed at elementary school ages. The reorganization of our Materials room has increased efﬁciency of access to provide

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

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Auxiliary Patrol Rescues Tiny Aircraft Jet and pilot saved from certain doom. By Gene Scott Keller, Flotilla 72

TAMPA BAY, Fla.--Thanks to the sharp eye of the forward watch, on Aug. 24, 2013, Brian Garry and Pat Stone, crew on Luv@1st Site, spotted a small (very small) jet aircraft in the water off the P.G. cut. With extremely good boat hook recovery techniques, the crew, which also included Judith Clapp, successfully brought the aircraft on board and performed lifesaving CPR (CARTOON PICTURE RESTART) TAMPA BAY, Fla.-- The tiny pilot of this aircraft was rescued on a very tiny but brave pilot. Said pilot was granted political from Tampa Bay by the coxswain and crew of "Luv@1st Site" and is now safe in Gene Keller's pool. asylum in the U.S.A. and has agreed to live in the coxswain’s pool. while Judith Clapp and Pat Stone belong to Flotilla 75 Gene Keller is Flotilla ComRuskin. The pilot is from parts mander 72. Brian Garry is a unknown. ☺ member of Flotilla 79 Tampa,

bu, South Korea during the Korean War. The series, which depicted the three-year military conﬂict, spanned 256 episodes and lasted eleven seasons. The series premiered in the U.S. on September 17, 1972, and ended February 28, 1983, with the ﬁnale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen", becoming the most watched television episode in U.S. television history at the time, with a record-breaking 125 million viewers. Remember this CBS television series? “MASH” follows a team of doctors and support staff stationed at the "4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital" in Uijeong-

Sixty years after the armistice, one chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association together with Hilsborough County Parks dedicated a memorial to this “forgotten” war. Read about it on page 17 of this issue.

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Flotilla 74 Brandon Jeffrey Gines, Flotilla Commander Our Prevention programs Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Vice Commander are going strong. While all in late November. Our newly elected officers are activities were cancelled now busy developing 2014 goals, objectives and during the government schedules.  shut down, we are “back in business.” Flotilla 74 canceled Vessel Safety Checks scheduled for Nov. 16 due to inclement weather but Vessel Safety Checks are scheduled for Nov. 23. We presented the Boating Skills and Seamanship public education course module on Nov. 11, 18 and 25, 2013. Additionally, the About Boating Safely public education course was presented on Nov. 16, in Brandon. Our Logistics officers have some interesting activities to report. George Papabeis, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs, is currently working with the "V" National Directorate preparing scripts for a series of Public Service Announcements TAMPA BAY, Fla.- Linda Brandt and James Urbanawiz (PSAs) to be shot with professional bass hunker down during a bit of "snotty" weather while on sport fisherman Shaw Grigsby. This is in patrol on the US Coast Guard facility Kamstar. Coxswain collaboration with Dottie Riley, a branch Ken Morningstar, George Papabeis, Eric Gagnon, and officer within the V-Directorate, and with August Miller rounded out the crew on this Aug. 24, 2013 Charles Truthan, a Public Affairs officer patrol. from Division 15 who is the Auxiliary’s direct contact with the bass sport fisher- Another photo from this patrol graces our cover and man. The PSAs should be completed by serves as the lead-in to the article on page 17 about the NOAA weather app. Photo by George Papabeis. early 2014. With flotilla elections behind us and the new year ahead, we conducted a fourhour transition session for our incoming

Williams Park, Riverview, Fla. by D. Riley

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Flotilla 75 Ruskin Oscar Kramer, Flotilla Commander

Some people have way too much fun! ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-- Flotilla 75 member Judith Clapp takes an oath of office to serve as Staff Officer-Human Resources for the division, turning over her previous division office (Secretary of Record) to Alexandra Kaan from Flotilla 72. Something tickled Clapp's funny bone while Mike Shea administered the oaths of office at a Division 7 meeting on Jul. 13, at Flotilla 72 in St. Petersburg. Clapp works hard and enjoys her work. BRANDON, Fla.--Member Guy Mandigo (right) demonstrates to Heleyde Aponte and Jeffrey Gines the proper maneuver to 'order arms' during a practice session of the Division 7 Color Guard/ Honor Guard. Mandigo tried to revive the division's Color Guard, and while many members expressed an interest in participating, they did not come to the practice session. Hopefully, it was just a matter of timing and our guard will be revived next year. (Persons interested should contact Guy Mandigo.) Photos by D. Riley

E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin, Fla., boat ramp by D. Riley

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Flotilla 78 Pass-a-Grille JJim Armstrong, Flotilla Commander Members of Flotilla 78 M aare the proud recipients oof the Flotilla Meritorioous Achievement Medal, bbetter known as the Comm modore’s Cup Award, presented annually at the District 7 conference to the ﬂotilla showing the greatest performance improvement in several core areas in 2012 as recorded in AUXDATA. The six core areas are, Public Education, Vessel Examinations, Recreational Boating Safety-Program Visitor, Member Training, Operations, and Membership Growth. The Commodore’s Cup is one of the most prestigious and most coveted awards in the district. Bravo Zulu!

In addition to our flotilla receiving the very prestigious Flotilla Meritorious Achievement Medal for 2012, numerous members received additional certificates and awards. Judy and Tally Abruzzo- new member certificates; Bob Schuler- Flotilla Information Services Award; Val Fernandes, Warren Pfirrman and Jim Troiano- Prevention and Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents Training Certificates; Warren Pfirrman: Auxiliary Vessel Examinations/ Program Visitor Service Award; Val FernandesAuxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation; and Jim Armstrong- Human Resources Challenge Coin. Bravo Zulu!

Pass-a-Grille, Fla.-- The members of Flotilla 78 were presented the Flotilla Meritorious Achievement Medal, better known as the Commodore’s Cup Award, at the ﬂotilla meeting on Nov. 11, 2013. Seen with them are recent members who are not recipients of the award, as well as several prospective members who have received ID numbers but are not yet sworn in. It was a day for all of them to feel proud! USCG Auxiliary photograph.

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Change of Watch

"I, (state your name), do solemnly and sincerely pledge myself to support the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and its purposes, to promote its authorized activities, to properly discharge the duties of my office, and to abide by the governing policies established by the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard."

ivision 7 conducted its elections at the meeting held on Oct. 26, 2013, at Flotilla 7-16 in Gulfport. Larry Neu from Flotilla 79 Tampa was elected Division Commander and Jeffrey Gines from Flotilla 74 Brandon was elected the incoming Division Vice Commander. They, along with the flotilla elected officers and division appointed staff officers will take their oaths of office at the upcoming Change of Watch Ceremony scheduled on Dec. 7, 2013, at the SeaScapes Beach House Restaurant at MacDill AFB.

ofﬁce during the change of watch ceremony.

While military officers attain positions of leadership through promotion, Auxiliary officers are elected by their peers. The Flotilla Commanders and Flotilla Vice Commanders are elected by the members of each flotilla. The Division Vice Commander and Division Commanders are elected by the Flotilla Commanders within the division. Auxiliary officers are civilian volunteer members who pledge themselves to the duties of their new office by giving an oath. These oaths are a statement of A change of watch or change of command is a loyalty to the Auxiliary and to the Coast Guard. military tradition that represents a formal transfer The terms of office for flotilla and division comof authority and responsibility for a unit from one manders begin in January of each calendar year. commanding officer to another. The ceremony often incorporates rituals such as administering oaths of office, an inspection of its members or the pass- The above image, used for illustrative purposes, are ing of colors, a flag or ensign to signify the transi- the 2012 elected officers taking their oath of office at tion. The ceremony also signifies the transfer of the the Change of Watch on Dec. 1, 2012. They are (from member’s allegiance from one officer to another left) Terry Hershman, Kelleigh Weeks, Jeffery Gines, Linda Churchill, Mike Shea, LCDR Gino Sciortino, and their trust in the new leader. The Coast Guard Auxiliary does not inspect the ‘troops’ or adhere to any other military rituals, however; the newly elected officers take oaths of

Paul Cooke, Karen Cohen, Leonard Chiacchia,Brian Cook, James Armstrong and James Newman. Offcamera on left are Oscar Kramer and Ray Stewart. Photo by D. Riley

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 7

Change of Watch Saturday, December 7, 2013 11:30 AM (1130 hours) SeaScapes Beach House Restaurant, MacDill AFB Bldg 682, 99511 Marina Bay Dr, Tampa, FL 33621 Show your support for our newly elected oﬃcers. Guests are welcome. Uniform: Tropical Blue or ‘Dinner dress casual’ Cost : $25.00 per person Dinner choices include roasted chicken, roasted beef and baked cod. Salad bar. Please RSVP to your Flo lla Commander by Dec. 1, 2013. (All persons a ending must be cleared in advance through MacDill gate security.) Make checks payable to your flo lla.

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Flotilla 79 Tampa Paul Cooke, Flotilla Commander So far this year, we have sworn twenty-ﬁve new members into the Auxiliary and Flotilla 79. This should help us accomplish our mission. Tim Teahan has done yeoman work as Human Resources Ofﬁcer in keeping track of the many tasks required to enroll a member. Now, the task is to get the new members trained and working. We provided numerous Member Training opportunities this year including Boat Crew, on-the-water training to meet division requirements, qualifying examinations, Auxiliary Weather, Navigation, Team Coordination Training, Vessel Examina-

tions, and the Search and Rescue Course, among others. Thanks go to Division 7 (Cliff Martin) for doing the coordination necessary to run these programs. Also, Flotilla 79 members Linda Churchill, Tim Teahan, John Simone, and George Bartuska, all assisted in this. The Coast Guard provided us with the opportunity to assist in their mission accomplishment by asking us to provide search and rescue (SAR) standby for them as they adjust to the ﬁscal restraints imposed from above. Cliff Martin, Dave Parillo (from Flotilla 72), and Linda Churchill have done a great job in working through the many logistical details required, and we should be proud of the way our surface operations section (coxswains, boat owners, and boat crew) have stepped up to accomplish the standbys. Several SAR m missions have been completed to date--Bravo Zulu! M Members of the ﬂotilla participated iin the 2013 Tampa Boat Show, Sept. 66-8. Eleven Flotilla 79 members stood w watches including six new members. S Show attendance this year was more tthan 18,300 and well over 500 show atttendees visited the booth. Twelve visittors expressed an interest in joining the A Auxiliary.

W We participated in four interviews on F FOX 13 TV’s Good Day Tampa Bay sshow on Labor Day which presented sseveral boating safety topics including 2013 Tampa Boat Show, Sept. 6-8, eleven Flotilla 79 memsafety equipment demos and pitches for bers stood watches including T.D. Parrish and Brian Garry. USCG Auxiliary photograph Continued on page 14

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

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Vessel Examinations and Flotilla 79’s Boating Skills and Seamanship class. We participated with Coast Guard Public Affairs officers for media interviews on two Tampa TV outlets in late August. Interviews focused on use of flares as part of a District-wide effort to cut down on illegal flare use. Another great opportunity was the Home Depot’s Kid’s Day on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. Member Paul Anderson built an Officer Snook Trash game, the perfect vehicle with which to engage children and teach them about polution and our marine environment. Anderson and fellow member, John Larkin, used this game to ‘talk trash’ with the children attending the Kid’s day event, which included a local scout troop. By the way- adults like the game as well as children! 

Top: Paul Anderson poses with the Officer Snook Trash game at a Flotilla 79 meeting earlier this year. Photo by Kathy Curry Mid-page: John Larkin with children at the Home Depot Kid's Day on Nov. 2, 2013. The children loved guessing how long it takes for some common trash to disintegrate, a great way to deliver the message to curb pollution of America's coastal regions and waterways. (Children's faces are deliberatly obscured.) Photo by Paul Anderson Below: Flotilla 79 members like to have fun and enjoy each other's company. On Sep. 27, 2013, the flotilla enjoyed a pic-nic luau at Gandy Park, near the flotilla. Shown here are members Mike Shea (standing) Jean Lorenz (left) and Heleyde Aponte. Aponte was in uniform because she and two other flotilla members were on SAR B-O stand by. Photo by D. Riley

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport Donald Hershman, Flotilla Commander In 2013 we met our goal to increase Recreational Boating Safety-Program Visits and Vessel Safety Checks. Our Vessel Safety Check and Partner Visits continue to increase through the contributions of key members supporting those programs. No additional “blitzes” are scheduled.

examiner as a member of the District 7 QE team; the Century Club Award 2012 for conducting over 100 Vessel Examinations and Program Visitor to Terry Hershman and Don Rimel, the Membership Continued on page 16

Flotilla 7-16 commends the twelve members who participated and represented the Auxiliary in the Gulfport Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 10, 2013. A public outreach event on Gulfport Beach followed the parade. Support and reception by the public during these events was very well received. We are planning for the Flotilla 7-16 Open House to be held on Dec. 14, 2013. Invitations to attend have been extended to all members of Division 7 and the general public. The Division 7 meeting and elections were held at Flotilla 7-16 on Oct. 26, 2013. Seventy-four (74) awards were presented including a Meritorious Team Commendation to Amos Johnson for all of his work as a qualifying

GULFPORT, Fla.-- At the Division 7 meeting held on Oct. 26, 2013, at Flotilla 7-16, Jim Newman was presented the Commodore’s Certiﬁcate of Excellence 2012 for Operations/Marine Safety by Mike Shea, Division Commander. Photo provided by Terry Hershman, FC 7-16

Vessel Examinations and Program Visits by the Numbers Source: Don Rimel, FSO-PV 7-16 as published in the Beacon, David Main, Editor (FSO-PB) Numbers from AUXDATA Nov. 15, 2013

Program Visits 2013 Kathy Clatworthy 18 Donald Hershman 319 James Newman 7 Don Rimel 403 James McCormick 37 Kevin Yeaton 6

623 VSCs 790 PVs

Vessel Safety Checks 2013 Mary Bailey 51 Martin Basye 60 Kathy Clatworthy 17 David Ditto 24 Donald Hershman 89 Peter Lore 3 James McCormick 17 Casey McCormick 8 James Newman 12 Don Rimel 222 Kevin Yeaton 120

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

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Continued from page 15 Growth Award to Terry Hershman, who also received an Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation (ACLOC). Leonard Dolney received the Human Resources Challenge Coin Award 2012 for Member Growth & Retention, Jim Newman was presented the Commodore’s Certiﬁcate of Excellence 2012 for Operations/Marine Safety; and Rebecca McCoy received an Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation. We appreciate all of the efforts of our members and these awards demonstrate just how much they contribute to the Auxiliary and to Recreational Boating Safety!

GULFPORT, Fla.-- Amos Johnson received a Meritorious Team Commendation for all of his work as a qualifying examiner as a member of the District 7 QE team. The award was presented by Mike Shea, Division Commander at the Division 7 meeting on Oct. 26 in Gulfport. Photo provided by Terry Hershman, FC 7-16.

ABYC Releases New Free APP for Boaters The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) created a new iPhone application that is available to download for free from iTunes. The application, called Boat Essentials-USCG Safety Gear, is a simple checklist to help you identify the safety items you are required to have onboard your boat and make suggestions of other items that will make your boat safer and more comfortable. The app can be used for all powered and non-powered boats operated in the United States and territories waters. This app also contains features to help you maintain your boat, buy supplies for your boat, and to notify you of important dates. Information required to ﬁll in the app include the boat’s length, girth, and capacity. More information can be found at the link below, including links to download the paper checklist and the iPhone app. http://www.abycinc.org/mobileapps/

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

The Summer of Storms:

NOAA apps for boaters. Contributors: Dottie Riley, George Bartuska (Flotilla 79), and George Papabeis, Flotilla 74

nclement weather was certainly a factor when conducting patrols this summer. Between June and August, the Tampa Bay area received over 33 inches of rain, and August was the ninth warmest and fourteenth wettest on record since 1890 when the weather service began compiling records. Considering this covers a 123 year period, this really says something about how hot and wet this summer was! Rain gear was necessary for every patrol which added to the discomfort levels of boat crews. The long-sleeved, vinyl jackets surely accentuated the recordbreaking heat. Bet we have a lot of, “Was the weather ever nasty!” patrol stories.

TAMPA BAY, Fla.- Linda Brandt braves bad weather while on patrol on the Coast Guard Auxiliary facility "Kamstar" on Aug. 24, 2013. Ken Morningstar, coxswain, George Papabeis, Eric Gagnon, and August Miller rounded out the crew. All are members of Flotilla 74 Brandon. Photo by George Papabeis.

Anticipating the weather is not a complete shot in the dark for boaters. Several web pages provide weather updates, sometimes as accurate as to within three hours. Additionally, NOAA offers free weather apps. The National Weather Service (NWS), a division of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides weather, hydrologic, and

climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community. NOAA weather apps are available FREE from Google Play™, iTune™s apps, and the Amazon store for nearly every type of tablet and phone. NOAA has come out with a new app for marine ccharts that is in the Beta stages, and like iits weather apps, is free (for now). MyNOA AACharts, which can be used on land and on tthe water, has GPS built-in capabilities that aallow users find their positions on a NOAA nnautical chart. They can zoom in any speccific location with a touch of the finger, or zzoom out for the big picture to plan their day oof sailing. The Coast Pilot has “geotagged” ssome of the major locations -- embedding ggeographical information, such as latitude aand longitude, directly into the chart so it is rreadable in the app -- and provides links to aappropriate federal regulations. The app can bbe downloaded from the Google Play™ app sstore. 

The Forgotten War: Florida Veterans Gather to Commemorate the Korean War. Article and Photos by D. Riley

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USCG US U SCG CG Auxiliary Aux u il iliia iary Di iary Division viisi sion io 7 7,, Di Dist District stri rictt 7

The Forgotten War Dubbed "The Forgotten War" or "The Unknown War" because of the scant public attention it received both during and after the conflict, the Korean War (1950-1953) halted the Communist invasion of South Korea and marked the beginning of the Cold War Era. Only in more recent years have Americans remembered and memorialized those who gave their lives in defense of the democratic nation south of the 38th parallel that became the Republic of Korea. With the hind-sight of history, Americans remember the Korean War. It is forgotten no more. Memorials are springing up all over the country to commemorating the lives lost during that war. On Saturday, July 27, 2013, the Korean War Veterans Association and Hillsborough County government commemorated the sixtieth anniversary of the armistice agree-ment which ended that conﬂict by dedicating the Korean War Memorial at Veteran’s Park in Hillsborough County, Florida. Speakers and honored guests included Ralph Hawkins, President of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA), Ken Hagan, Hillsborough County Commissioner, Young Chan Ha, Capt., U.S. Navy (Ret.), and musical performances by the Tampa Bay Korean Women’s Chorus.

Members of Division 7 also attended and included Flotilla 79 members T.D. Parrish who is also a member of the KWVA, Jennifer Marie Logan-Porter, Dottie Riley, and Flotilla 74 member, George Papabeis. Until 1910 when it was annexed by the Empire of Japan, the entire Korean peninsula was a thriving, independent nation. The Japanese invaders suppressed Korean culture and language in an attempt to control its peoples, and cruelly killed and punished those who resisted their domination. During the Second World War, Korean men were conscripted to ﬁght for the Japanese Army, and thousands of Korean women were forced to serve as “Comfort Women” (involuntary prostitution) to service Japa-

Below: DEMILITARIZED ZONE, KOREA (abt. 1953)--Paul W. Young (left) and a fellow unnamed service member ﬂank the sign that marks the location where North invaded South Korea. Permission to reprint granted by daughter, Lianne Young, from Arizona.

(Continued on page 21) Photographs previous page. Top: Members of the Tampa Bay Korean Women’s Chorus wearing traditional garb prepare to perform at the dedication of Korean War Memorial at Veteran’s Park in Hillsborough County, Fla., on July 27, 2013. Bottom: USCG Auxiliary members Jennifer Marie Logan-Porter and T.D. Parrish pose beside the picture of a Coast Guardsmen who died during the Korean War. Background: Both American and South Korean Flags border the new Korean War Memorial. Photos by D. Riley

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Continued from page 20 nese soldiers. The end of World War II brought Korea no peace. After the surrender of Japan, Korea was divided into Soviet and U.S. zones of occupation at the 38th parallel. An election was held in the U.S. zone in 1948 which led to the creation of the Republic of Korea. Although the United Nations passed a resolution declaring the Republic to be the only lawful government in Korea, the Soviets set up a rival government in the North. The two rival governments not only divided the nation, but also broke apart families and clans. The Koreans resisted this division of their country even more ﬁercely than its former occupation. Over the next two years, more than ten thousand North and South Korean soldiers died as each country’s armies crossed over the 38th parallel in an attempt to reunify families, if not their entire nation. Then, in 1950, 75,000 soldiers from the North Korean People’s Army poured across the 38th parallel. Resistance culminated in a full-scale civil war. The northern invaders were backed by the Soviet Union while the south was defended by the United Nations spearheaded by American forces.

Above: MacDill Air Force Base Central Command provided the joint services Honor Guard for the dedication of the Korean War Memorial held Jul. 27, 2013, at Veterans Memorial Park in Hillsborough County. Below: Members of the Marine Corps League Honor Guard wait in the background until called upon to deliver the riﬂe salute and play Taps.

After what was likely the most famous civilian-military confrontation in the history of the United States, President Truman stunned the nation by relieving Gen. Douglas McArthur, a hero of the Second World War who had led the forces against the northern invasion. The American public otherwise took little notice of the on-going war in Asia. It was not "our" war. It was, after all, a United Nations peace keeping effort and Americans did not want to be involved.

forty million dead world wide and untold devasta world-wide devastation on several continents. The American government was committed to economic restoration efforts both home and abroad, and tired of war, the American public focused on healing survivors and World War II had ended just ﬁve years before the Continued on page 22 invasion of South Korea. That war had left over

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Continued from page 21 repairing their economy. The “border scuffle” in Korea held little interest for them, even though that conflict nearly triggered a Third World War. It was, however, much more than a territorial “scuffle.” The Korean War ended in five million deaths including about ten percent of Korea’s population. Losses to American forces were also significant. The Department of Defense reports 36,574 killed, 103,284 wounded, 8,176 missing in action, and over 7,000 prisoners of war. (Over 50 percent of those prisoners died in captivity.) These figures do not include losses sustained by the other allied forces who participated or losses of Korean soldiers. While a formal truce was never signed, after more than two years of negotiations, the adversaries signed an armistice on July 27, 1953. The agreement drew a new boundary near the 38th parallel that gave South Korea an extra 1,500 square miles of territory and created a two-mile-wide “demilitarized zone” that still exists today. Neither side relinquished their arms. Relations never improved. As recently as 2010, a South Korean warship was sunk with 46 South Korean Sailors aboard, presumably by a North Korean torpedo. In February 2013, North Korea conducted an under-ground nuclear test, and in May of 2013, fired six missiles into the Sea of Japan. Sixty years later, Koreans grudgingly accept the division of their country but continue to long for the day when they are once again unified. Until then, we will stand beside our South Korean allies. 

Top: Survivors Surviivors off the the Korean Korean War, War some to to old olld Top: to stand unaided, rise to be acknowledged for their service. Mid-page: A number of Viet Nam Era veterans, ever mindful of the sacriﬁces of war, attended the memorial service. Below: The Tampa Bay Korean Women's Chorus sings a variety of Korean and American songs at the dedication of the Korean War Memorial on July 27, 2013. Photos by D. Riley

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Staff Reports Prevention

observation/training missions during B-0 watch periods, to then transition them to Station St. Petersburg when returning to B-0 status. ObjecSteve Plass, Public Education tive will be to increase on air hours while reducing Don Rimel, Program Visitor Station’s work load. John Simone, Vessel Examinations • Plans for next Telecommunications OperaCraig Starns, Marine Safety tor performance qualiﬁcation standard is underway with a targeted completion date of February Flotilla 74 conducts Vessel Safety Checks at Wil- 2014. • Support and coordination is being provided liams Park in Riverview and in Polk County. at the division level for refurbishment of Flotilla Flotilla 74 sponsored a booth and provided watch 72 high radio tower is currently underway. standers for the "T.A. Mahoney Customer Appre- • We are continuing investigation of possible ciation Day," marine dealer (Recreational Boating Safety-Program Visitor) event on Oct 19, 2013. Flotilla 7-16 has exceeded their annual goals for both Vessel Safety Checks and Recreational Boating Safety Program Visits. After the government shut-down in October, the ﬂotillas restarted their Boating Skills and Seamanship courses. Several plan extra modules in order to complete their programs by the end of the year. 

Response Gene Keller, Communications

TAMPA BAY, Fla. -Joe Lamb carefully watches the occupants of a vessel in distress which the Auxiliary Facilility Sea Hugger from Flotilla 79 then take into a short tow. Larry Ivy, Coxswain with crew members Joseph Lamb and John Simone, all from Flotilla 79, and George Papabeis. from Flotilla 74. Photo by George Papabeis, FSO-PA 74

• The November radio watch stander schedule was published • Ramping up on ways to support setup of portable radio unit at Flotilla 78. The division currently has one radio unit available to allocate to a ﬂotilla with that need. An exchange with an older radio to utilize at Flotilla 78 is the current approach. • We are providing radio watch for all non B-0 on the water activities through November. • Coordinating with B-0 coxswains to utilize Auxiliary watchstanders, if planning maritime

Division 7 participation in monthly Aux HF nets commencing in 2014, as Ham radio equipment can now be modiﬁed to Auxiliary frequencies

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Staff Reports Clifford Martin, Operations

Logistics

• The division has resumed normal patrol activity with emphasis on B-0 SAR stand-by for each weekend for Station; Station and division training requirement along with other normal patrol activity. • Operations staff is currently working on the 2014 schedule which will include coxswain training in early February.

Judith Clapp- Human Resources Received a survey for follow-up action from District Staff Officer-Human Resources for division and flotilla Human Resources officers to solicit ideas, concerns, suggestions, etc. pertaining to Human Resources.

David Langdon, Member Training

Supplies to support Division Operations in advance of 2014 are currently being identiﬁed and ordered.

Ron Matz- Materials

• A pre-qualifying examination was conducted on Nov. 14 at Flotilla 79. Dottie Riley- Publications • Division completed qualifying examination recertification mission on Nov. 16 and successfully Am working with George Papabeis and a Public recertified five of our active members. Affairs officer from Division 15 writing scripts and • We have requested a qualifying examination planning to video tape Public Service Announcemission in early December to recertify other mem- ments by pro bass fisherman, Shaw Grigsby.  bers. • Based on AUXDATA, currently 27 members are in REYR (required yearly, not met). While that may appear to be a high number, review of the list indicates that most of those members have not had contact with us for an extended period of time, BARBADOS-- James Newman, VCDR, photographed this submarine, are currently being dis- called Atlantis off the coast of Barbados while on vacation this summer. enrolled, and are no lon- Atlantis is a passenger submarine which takes guests below the surface ger active. Three of these to sea the beautiful reefs and abundant sea life that fills the gulf water members are currently not surrounding this island nation. able to recertify due to medical conditions. • We scheduled a Staff Officers workshop for all newly appointed Flotilla Staff OfficersOperations and Member Training to be conducted on Jan. 4, 2013, beginning at 9 AM (0900) at Flotilla 79.

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Information for New Members

ow that you have a member identification number, you may be anxious to get started with member training opportunities and with earning qualifications. First things first: If you don’t already have a password, go to AUXIT at: https://auxofficer.cgaux.org/auxoff/activate/ new_password.php and create your member zone credentials. (Figure 1) The password you create on this page will give you access to ‘members only’ information on all Auxiliary websites. One you have a password, sign in to the Flotilla 79 webpage at: http://a0700709.wow.uscgaux.info/. On the left side of the page, click on the “Members Only” link. That will take you to a page with a member zone image and more links along the left side of the page. (Figure 2) Several of these links are geared specifically towards new members who may not know how to wade through what sometimes may feel like a maze of information.

Figure 1

Start with the “New Member Introduction” link that will guide you to information on what you can do as a member of Flotilla 79 and the Auxiliary. These include links to the New Member Course Study Guide, New Member Handbook, Auxiliary Qualifications, and links to information on where to get uniforms and how to wear them properly. The “Member Training” link leads to links to the various Auxiliary qualifications, the manuals needed to pass the qualifying examinations and requirements to earn each qualification. If you don’t have one already, get your member zone credentials and start surfing these pages. Reading the available information on your own time will make you better informed and give you a considerable “heads-up” within the organization. Welcome to the Auxiliary! Compiled by D. Riley

Figure 2

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Now that you have your member number and crisp, new uniform, where do you go from here?

Member Training Opportunities in the Auxiliary Many types of training are available to members of the Auxiliary. These include: 1) Over 30 courses offered at the Auxiliary Online Classroom. Course offerings include the Flotilla Leadership Course, Administrative Procedures Course, various Public Affairs Courses, and more! The link (URL) to the Online Classroom is http://classroom.cgaux.org. 2) Qualifications: Training required to complete qualifications or to maintain competencies such as Boat Crew Training, Vessel Examinations, Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator, Team Coordination Training, etc. Some of the more commonly asked about qualifications include: a) How to become a Vessel Examiner: http://wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=become-a-ve (This link also answers questions on how to become a Recreational Boating SafetyProgram Visitor.) b) To become qualified in the Auxiliary Aviation program, Surface ce Operations (Boat Crew Training Programs), and Telecommunications, s, go to the Auxiliary Response Directorate: http://wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=R-DEPT&category=becoming-qualified c) In addition to the links provided, contact your Flotilla Staff Officer-Member Training or your elected leaders to answer your questions. We also encourage you to express your interest to other members who may volunteer to mentor you or assist in other ways. d) Links to the required manuals and personal qualifications checklists are provided for each qualification. 3) Auxiliary Mandated Training Programs such as Sexual Harassrass ment Prevention, Privacy at Department of Homeland Security, Ethics Training, etc. These courses can be accessed via the Auxiliary Learning Management System (AUXLMS). The link (URL) is http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/training/auxlms.asp

What every member needs to know about Auxiliary mandated courses:  Auxiliarists must successfully complete the following Member Training during their ﬁrst year of enrollment and then once every ﬁve years thereafter: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

DHS Together - Resilience Training - course code 502379 Security Education and Training Awareness (SETA) - course code 810030 Privacy at DHS / Protecting Personal Information - course code 810015 Sexual Harassment Prevention - course code 810000 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response - course code 810045 Civil Rights Awareness - course code 502319 (Continued on page 31)

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

(Continued from page 10) Auxiliarists must successfully complete the following Member Training only once (new members shall complete them during their ﬁrst year of enrollment): (1) (2)

Ethics 1 / Personal Gifts - course code 502306 Inﬂuenza Training - course code 502290

Enrolled Auxiliarists now have until 31 December 2016 to complete all eight of the MT courses listed above. As each of the first six courses listed above is completed, its own five-year cycle will start. Each cycle will extend to 31 December of the fifth year regardless of the date the course was completed during the year, and so on. For example, if an Auxiliarist completes the Civil Rights Awareness course on 15 November 2013, then he/ she will have to complete it again by 31 December 2018. 4) Value-added Training are wide-ranging in scope and cover topics which expand beyond our cornerstone programs. Examples of these include an animated knot guide, Rules of Order, understanding the Chain of Leadership, and more. These courses can be found at: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=TDEPT&category=value-added-training 5) Coast Guard C-Schools offers a range of subjects with specific enrollment dates and times. They are offered at various locations throughout the country and attendance must be approved ahead of time via the chain of leadership. Links are located on the T-Directorate (Training Directorate) site to all of these types of training as well as to the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Courses offered by FEMA.

Visit: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=t-dept Surf these sites and contact your Flotilla Staff Ofﬁcer-Member Training with your questions. 

Division 7 Organized Training While most qualiﬁcations can be studied at the member’s leisure and the test taken online, Division 7 offers the Boat Crew Training program every year to all of its members at Flotilla 79. Historically, all six ﬂotillas have volunteered vessels, mentors, crew and coxswains, and the joint effort has produced a dozen or more new boat crew members each cycle. In more recent years, Flotilla 72 has presented the Auxiliary Telecommunications course divisionwide as well. Division 7 boat crew training photo by Valerie Fernandes, FL 78.

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USCG Auxiliary Division 7, District 7

Target Practice- Coast Guard Style

TAMPA BAY--The Auxiliary vessel, Sandy Cay, from Flotilla 72 served as the target during a Coast Guard training exercise on Nov. 22, 2013. David Perillo, coxswain, with crew members Tont Hooper (seen at right) and Gene Keller, gave chase up and down J-Cut and were caught every time! Photos by Gene Keller, FC 72

Nautical terms to know...

Nautical mile: a unit of length corresponding approximately to one minute of arc of latitude along any meridian arc. By international agreement it is exactly 1,852 meters (approximately 6,076 feet). 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 publications. As a matter of policy, information described above is not made available to the general public or outside groups without that memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s express 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.