Division 7 Tampa Bay
USCG Auxiliary
Winter 2021
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From The Helm Anthony Novellino, DCDR 7
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From the Helm Daniel Helou, VCDR, DCDR (e)
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Division 7 Flotillas Participate in Veteran’s Day Parades.
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2020 Flotilla Meritorious Achievement Medal: Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg
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Dos and Don’ts of Cold Water Boating National Safe Boating Council
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Flotilla 74 Brandon ends the year with holiday fellowship.
10 Division 7 Change of Watch Dorothy Riley
12 2020 Division 7 Awards
14 Flotilla 78 Supports Eckerd
College Search and Rescue Program Anne-Marie Woolsey, FSO-PB 78
16 We Survived 2021! 17 A New Year Is Ahead Dorothy Riley, SO-PB
19 Show us Your Masks! 20 Coronavirus Update
21 A word from the editor Dorothy Riley, SO-PB 7
22 CGMA
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Newsletter for Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7, USCG Auxiliary Winter 2021
Division 7 Elected Officers 2021 Div 7 Div 7 Div 7
Division Commander Division Vice Commander Immed. Past Division Commander
FL-72 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-74 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-75 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-77 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-78 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-79 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-7-16 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander
Anthony Novellino, DCDR Daniel Helou, VCDR D. Terry Hershman, IPDCDR Dean Hoskin, FC George Hornby III, VFC Francis Goyco, FC William Sage, VFC G. Robert Wightman, FC Don Binder, VFC John Laurent, FC James Urbanawiz, VFC James Tholen, FC Rollin Shouse, Jr., VFC George Bartuska, FC Michael Massimini, VFC Marcella Ruso, FC Howard Bush, VFC
Division 7 Appointed Staff 2021 Communications Communication Services Diversity Finance Auxiliary Food Service Information Services Human Resources Materials Marine Safety Member Training Navigation Systems Operations Publications Public Education Partner Visits Secretary Vessel Examinations Auxiliary Scouting Program
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Harold Chase, SO-CM Vacant Miguel Marquez, SO-DV Jack Lee, SO-FN Patrick McAlvey, SO-FS John Robbins, SO-IS Daniel Helou, SO-HR Anthony Hooper, SO-MA Kevin Cady, SO-MS Rollin Shouse III, SO-MT Anthony Hooper, SO-NS George Hornby III, SO-OP Dorothy J. Riley, SO-PB James Fogle, SO-PE D. Terry Hershman, SO-PV Anne-Marie Woolsey, SO-SR Raymond Langley, SO-VE Stephen Browning, SO-AS
Winter 2021
We’re on the web! http://A07007.wow.uscgaux.info You can contact any of our officers on the Division 7 web page! Intercom is a publication of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division Seven, District Seven. 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 only 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
Cover photo: Fender alongside vessel by Jeremy Wermelle, royalty free-to-use from Unsplash.
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From the Helm “Accomplish the Mission, Create a Safety Culture and Be a Good Shipmate.” Please use these words to guide Division 7 forward.
Looking back on 2021, we are proud of launching the first Auxiliary University Program in Division 7 with a partnership between the University of South Florida, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary In 2021 we found ways to communicate under COVID-19 restrictions. As the restrictions eased, we found ways of coming together under COVID guidelines for meetings, training and fellowship, the use of virtual flotilla and division meetings, and virtual safe boating classes for the public.
Tony Novellino Division Commander
Although COVID-19 had the Auxiliary on “stand down” status during much of this past year and as hurricanes skirted Florida, the team remained Semper Paratus, ready to provide support to Station St. Pete, both in terms of facility and boat challenges, public relations and Public Education. Division 7 members, thanks also for support to all the units over the last two years in radio watches, land and on-water patrols, support to large marine events, Recreational Boating Safety training, etc. Auxiliarists qualified as inspectors of commercial fishing vessels and uninspected passenger vessels and even earned a Trident in Marine safety qualification. Special thanks to all the operational coxswains and crews for working diligently with Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater in C-130 rendezvous practices. These missions are critical to the overall success of the Coast Guard air/sea rescues.
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Division 7 Tampa Bay
Division 7 Auxiliarists reinforced the active side in galley services both on land and at sea. In addition to the annual waterside events in our area of responsibility, like Gasparilla, the Auxiliary teams added significant support to the security zone for high-speed boat races at St. Pete Pier. Several flotillas have trained and qualified radio watchstanders and are ready to back up Sector and Station when needed. Now looking forward, a hearty welcome to Dan Helou, incoming Division Commander, a Coast Guard veteran of icebreaker duty. I want to close with my watchwords: “Accomplish the Mission, Create a Safety Culture and Be a Good Shipmate.” Please use these words to guide Division 7 forward. Division 7 members, each of you has an integral role in making the Coast Guard Ready, Relevant and Responsive. Thanks again for all you do. To all members of Division 7, It was an honor to serve with you. Semper Paratus
Tony Novellino
From the Helm I recently watched a graduation ceremony at the United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut where nearly 200 young, inspired graduates received their commission as officers in the Coast Guard. The excitement and anticipation in the air was palpable. Finally, at the end of a 200-week program of study, dedication, physical and mental flexing and building strength for the challenge of leadership in service to the Coast Guard and the nation, these young men and women were ready. Ready to serve, teach, and succeed as leaders of character, in the proud tradition of the Coast Guard. As we look forward to 2022, it is my wish to simply remind all of us who proudly and unselfishly volunteer for duty in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, that we too, have an obligation to serve with distinction, with pride, and with the character that has been the hallmark of Coast Guard missions throughout history. As flotilla or division officers, whether elected or appointed, there is an implied trust that you will serve responsibly, proudly, and honoring the oath by which you were sworn in: “With the full realization of the demands of your office, in terms of time, travel, and dedication. You solemnly pledged to support the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and its purposes; to promote its authorized activities; to properly discharge the duties of your office, and to abide by the governing policies established by the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.” We are now two years into the struggle to maintain our mission profile, both on the water and in the classroom. Once our great strength, meeting together in person, has now become all too infrequent and more impersonal as we see each other in little 2” x 2” squares
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onscreen. I am grateful for Zoom, and similar platforms, because we still get to see each other, and share that virtual handshake or pat on the back for a job well done. Throughout history, American armed forces have learned to adapt, and we, in the role of “Force Multiplier” to the active Coast Guard, will continue to adjust as we interpret our own situational awareness, and react accordingly. 2022 is going to be an amazing year for Division 7 as we have a well-established, mutually respectful relationship with Station St. Pete and Sector leadership, and our support roles in on-thewater mission, marine safety, pollution control, and uninspected passenger vessels, along with expanding roles in culinary assists, present a wide range of opportunities for the Auxiliary to fulfill our mission. Additionally, we are expanding our emphasis on the Auxiliary University Program, and the local Coast Guard Reserve Officer’s Training Corps program at a local high school.
“We Are One… Division 7. “
Daniel Helou Division Vice Commander DCDR (e)
If you are an elected or appointed officer, please continue to serve with pride and enthusiasm. If you are an experienced member, please share your knowledge and encouragement with new members just joining our team. And if you are just joining us remember everyone begins in exactly the same way. Where you serve, when and how often you serve, is entirely up to you. Coast Guard Auxiliary math equation: TEAMWORK divides the task and multiplies the success! Flotillas 7-16, 72, 74, 75, 77, 78, 79 are not simply flotillas - WE ARE ONE… DIVISION 7.
Daniel Helou, CDR (e) D7
Winter 2021
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Veteran’s Day 2021 Division 7 Flotillas Participate in Veteran’s Day Parades.
Despite the COVID pandemic, members of Flotilla 78 St. Pete Beach participated in the annual Veteran’s Day parade Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, held in Gulfport. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary photos.
Flotilla 75 Apollo Beach also participated in their local Veteran’s Day parade. Participating members included Judith Clapp, Stephen Browning, Don Binder, Mark Arthur, Yvonne Gorhan, Dewitt Gorham, Raymond Langley, Paul Ruckert, E. Elliot Seda, Patricia Stone, George Wightman, Maurice Palmer III. (Photo not shown)
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2020 Flotilla Meritorious Achievement Medal
Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg
This award is given annually to one flotilla in each district or region. The winning flotilla is subjectively judged by the District Commodore and Director to have made the most significant contributions to the Auxiliary program that year. Auxiliarists, who have been flotilla members for at least six months and a day during the award period, are eligible to wear the award’s ribbon and receive the award’s certificate. Auxiliarists indicate multiple awards by adding 5/16-inch gold or silver stars. “The criteria for the award are based upon a llotilla’s contributions in six core mission activities as documented in reports developed from AUXINFO and AUXDATA when comparing activity in 2019 to 2020. Those missions are Public Education Graduates, Program Visits, Vessel Examinations, Member Training Lead Hours, Operations Lead Hours in both Underway and Airborne Patrols, and Member Growth. ...Through exceptional operational, logistical, and administrative service, members fof St. Petersburg Flotilla 72 achieved the highest ranking among District Seven’s 95 flotillas.”
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Dos and Don’ts of Cold Water Boating Cold-water immersion is the cause of many boating-related fatalities. The danger increases as water temperature decreases below normal body temperature (98.6° F).
National Safe Boating Council • Do make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket. Even experienced swimmers will experience shock within one minute in the frigid water and lose muscle control within 10 minutes. • Do file a float plan with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment and emergency contacts. Download a free float plan template at www.floatplancentral.org. • Do dress properly for the weather, always wear layers, and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Remember, dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. • Do use your navigation lights to alert other boaters of your presence in dark and/or foggy conditions. Recreational boats operating at night are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise. • Do catch your breath. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or
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• Cold shock. You have one minute to adjust to the cold shock response – don’t panic. • Swimming failure. You have 10 minutes of meaningful movement to get help and get out of the water. torso) reflex. It takes less than one-half cup of water in your lungs to drown. If you remain calm, you have a greater chance of self-rescue. • Don’t panic if you fall into the water. Stay afloat with the help of your life jacket, regain control of your breathing and keep your head above water in vision of rescuers. • Don’t keep heavy boots on if you’re in the water. Look for ways to increase your buoyancy. If you’re in the water with others, huddle together with everyone facing inward to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm. • Don’t apply heat to extremities like arms and legs of a rescued victim. This sudden change in temperature could cause cardiac arrest. Stages of Cold-Water Immersion
Division 7 Tampa Bay
• Hypothermia. You have about one hour before you become unconscious from hypothermia. • Post-rescue collapse. You “give up” and collapse after or right at the time of rescue. Ω Find more resources and boating safety information at: https://safeboatingcampaign.com/
Holiday Cheer
Flotilla 74 Brandon ends the year with holiday fellowship.
Flotilla 74 Brandon held its December meeting outdoors under the carport. The evening began with a brief meeting followed by food and fellowship. The members played games and enjoyed themselves. For some members, this was their last meeting. Members James and Elaine Nabach resigned from the Auxiliary and Galen Johnston transfered to Flotilla 75 Apollo Beach. We will miss them as well as former member Ronald Matz who recently passed away. Fair winds and following seas.
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Division 7 Change of Watch:
ANNUAL CEREMONY ADAPTS TO MEET COVID RESTRICTIONS. By Dorothy Riley The Division 7 2021 annual change of watch ceremony looked different from previous years. Held Dec. 7 in the Windjammer Club at Sector St. Petersburg, a limited number of members were invited to attend, and fewer groups of members were called forward to receive awards and certificates. It was a stark reminder of the dangerous COVID pandemic raging throughout our state and our nation. Despite the pandemic, United States Coast Guard and Auxiliary distinguished guests attended. These included Commander Michael Bell, Response and Prevention; Chief Warrant Officer Gregg Pescuma, Auxiliary Liaison, Sector St Petersburg; Commander Navin Griffin, Director of Auxiliary United States Coast Guard. John Holmes, District 7 Chief of Staff and Dave Rockwell, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary also attended. Guests and members sat at tables widely spaced with no more than two persons at each table. While lacking in intimacy, the mood was celebratory. We congratulate newly elected leaders at flotilla and division levels. Awards presented will appear in columns on following pages. Ω
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Left: Anthony Novellino, Division Commander stands before the widely spaced members in attendance at the change of watch ceremony Dec. 11, 2021, at Sector St. Petersburg. The limited guest list was necessitated by COVID 19 restrictions. All photos by Dorothy Joan Riley
Photo previous page: Commander Michael Bell, United States Coast Guard and John Holmes, District 7 Chief of Staff, Coast Guard Auxiliary administer the oath of office to Dean Hoskins, Division Vice Commander(e) and Dan Helou, Division Commander (e) with Anthony Novellino, current Division Commander standing behind the podium. The change of watch took place Dec. 11, 2021, at the Windjammer Club at Sector St. Petersburg. Top left: Commander Navin Griffin, Director of Auxiliary and Chief Warrant Officer Gregg Pescuma, Auxiliary Liaison United States Coast Guard read an award before presentation to a Division 7 member. Top right: Patrick McAlvey, Staff Officer-Food Service takes charge of the refreshments served at the change of watch on Dec. 11. INTERCOM
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2020 Division 7 Awards Awards are based upon achievements during the 2020 calendar year 2020 DIVISION 7 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
2020 DIVISION 7 ANNUAL FLOTILLA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
2020 DIVISION 7 INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
GASPARILLA LEADERSHIP Gordon Hornby, Dave Rockwell, Tony Novellino, Pat Stone, Dean Hoskin
MIKE AWARD Best Gain in Membership and Best Retention of Members: Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport 8%
Public Education Instructor Hours James Frijouf – Flotilla 79 Tampa 15 Hours
AIR STATION PARTNERSHIP Charles Lambeth
OALMANN AWARD Most Member Training Hours per Qualified Member Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg 12.8 hours per member
Public Education Aide Hours Dean Bell –Flotilla 79 Tampa 25.5 Hours
LIAISON STATION/ DIVISION 7 Gordon Hornby
EVERBRIDGE COMMUNICATOR Terry Hickox ON THE WATER EXCELLENCE Dean Bell DEDICATION TO AUX CHEF AND PUBLIC EDUCATION Pat McAlvey PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND YOUTH Kevin Buckley 700 REEL ANIMAL RADIO AND TV BROADCASTS Jim Fogle GRAPHICS AND VIDEO PRODUCTION Daniel Helou NACO 3 STAR NATIONAL AWARD Outstanding contributions to the growth of the Auxiliary Daniel Helou
NETTLING AWARD
Best Record in Total Operational Hours Per Qualified Member Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport - 23.8 hours PRESCOTT AWARD Flotilla with Best ratio of Vessel Safety Checks per Examiner Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport- 51 VSC SHINGLEDECKER AWARD Flotilla with the Best Performance of RBS-Program Visits Flotilla 7-16 79 visits KROUGH AWARD Flotilla making the Greatest contribution to Public Education per Instructor Flotilla 7-16 5hrs RICHIE AWARD FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS Greatest Number of Hours per Calendar Year Flotilla 74 Brandon 280hrs CAPTAIN’S JUG Flotilla best representing the four cornerstones of the Auxiliary: Member Services, Recreational Boating Safety, Operations, Marine Safety and Fellowship. Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg
DIVISION AWARD FOR FLOTILLA GROWTH Judy Clapp 12
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Member Training Instructor Hours Anthony Hooper – Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg 86 Hours Skipper Hours Anthony Novellino – Flotilla 78 St. Pete Beach 42 Hours Crew Hours Betty Hagan -- Flotilla 79 Tampa 35 Hours Vessel Safety Checks Terry Hershman – Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport 176 VSC Program Visits Donald Rimel – Flotilla 78 With 506 Telecommunications Operator Hours Dave Rockwell - Flotilla 72 92 Hours On the Water Hours in Support of the Coast Guard Pat McAlvey – Flotilla 75 Apollo Beach 74 Hours Direct Administrative Support Hours to The Coast Guard Dorothy Riley– Flotilla 74 Brandon 280 Hours
2020 Division 7 Awards Awards are based upon achievements during the 2020 calendar year 2020 DIVISION 7 HONOR ROLL (400+ Hours) Terry Hickox 1,829.7 Hrs. Gil Thomas 987 Terry Hershman 907 Dave Rockwell 851 Dennis Smith 787 Tony Novellino 783 Tony Hooper 631 Don Rimel 602 Robert Gibson 586 Kevin Cady 505 Martin Jordan 469 John Robbins 467 Bill Sage 453 Dewitt Gorman 428
Below: Anthony Novellino, Division 7 Commander and Daniel Helou, Division 7 Vice Commander present the Auxiliarist of the Year Award to John Robbins at the Chamge of Watch Ceremony Dec. 11 at Sector St. Petersburg. Dean Hoskin looks on from behind. Photo by Dorothy Riley
2020 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR John Robbins, Flotilla 75 Apollo Beach
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Flotilla 78 Supports Eckerd College Search and Rescue Program By Anne-Marie Woolsey, FSO-PB Flotilla 78 St. Pete Beach
For years, Flotilla 78 St. Pete Beach has supported Eckerd College Search and Rescue (ES-SAR) Program by delivering vessel exams (VEs) for their fleet of vessels and various paddle crafts. Since this was my first time on their property, I was honored to receive a tour of their very impressive facility and learned about their successful program. Founded in 1971, the Eckerd College Search and Rescue (ES-SAR) program was formed to provide safety for the college’s watersport activities. Six years later in 1977, they began extending their rescue services to the Tampa Bay community. Notably, the ES-SAR team was one of the first rescue units to respond to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse in May 1980. Today, the program is exclusively staffed by Eckerd undergraduate
students and has thrived into a year-round, 24-hour, volunteer, maritime support organization. According to EC-SAR staff, the program “is the only student-staffed maritime search and rescue team at an undergraduate college in the United States and responds to more than 500 distress calls a year.” EC-SAR works closely with the United States Coast Guard and other emergency response agencies and serves a 500-squarenautical mile area in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties. In November 2021, four of Flotilla 78 certified Vessel Examiners: Ron Shouse, Tom Perry, Dave Brown, and Anne-Marie Woolsey, conducted eight vessel exams from their SAR fleet and fifteen paddle craft exams. Flotilla 78 looks forward to supporting Eckerd College Search and Rescue Program in the upcoming years. Ω Reprinted from Scuttlebutt, newsletter for Flotilla 78 St. Pete Beach, Anne-Marie Woolsey, editor
Eckerd College search and rescue command center. USCG Auxiliary photo by Anne-Marie Woolsey
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Division 7 Tampa Bay
Eckerd College in St. Petersburg is located along a waterfront and beach. Boating is a popular activity for both students and staff. USCG Auxiliary photos by Anne-Marie Woolsey
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We Survived 2021! Let’s Plan Ahead For a Better Year in 2022 Photo: Illustrative composite by Dorothy Riley using royalty free-to-use images from Unsplash and Graphic Stock..
If you have been in the Auxiliary
for any length of time, one thing you have undoubtedly heard complaints about is change. Change is often uncomfortable and usually requires us to learn new ways of doing things. Sometimes that moaning about change is laced with resistance or resentment, and other times it is acknowledged with a sigh and a shrug. This past year, a strange thing happened as we contended with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our inability to meet face-to-face, attend member training classes, and conduct activities such as boating safety instruction in classrooms spurred us to change and adapt.
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Members strove to develop creative and safe ways to meet, teach and conduct Vessel Safety Checks. We learned to meet and teach via ZOOM and other video methods. We learned how to conduct Vessel Safety Checks safely. Rather than bemoan change, we embraced it to complete our boating safety missions. We changed and we grew because of our willingness to embrace new ways of doing things. Bravo Zulu! You survived 2021. May next year be better, but how much better can we get than to willingly embrace changes? Ω
Division 7 Tampa Bay
DOROTHY RILEY, SO-PB Change can be a good thing! It helped us face the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A NEW YEAR IS AHEAD DOROTHY RILEY, SO-PB
Now is the best time to set new goals and meet new challenges. What are your goals for 2022?
COVID-19 has limited our activities. Our members have engaged less and recorded fewer hours than in any previous year. We are anxious to meet face-to-face again and return to our boating safety missions. As we begin the new year with some limitations still in place, let us consider some of the activities we may engage in that help us set new goals and challenges. Earn a new qualification.
What flotilla does not need more Vessel Examiners or Public Education instructors? The latter is a dire need in nearly every flotilla. While every flotilla may have several Vessel Examiners, far too many do not respond to the call to attend Vessel Safety Check events. Commit to attending Vessel Examiner events and assisting in our Public Education program. Members can earn many qualifications online, and qualified members can mentor new candidates to complete the required performance qualification standards. (Continued on page 18)
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(Continued from page 17) Commit to volunteering and completing more hoursor at least as many as before this pandemic curtailed our activities. Information on becoming a Vessel Examiner: http:// wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=become-a-ve (Note that the Vessel Examiner Directorate also offers information and training on becoming a Recreational Boating Safety Partner Visitor. Why not do both?) Information on how to earn the Public Education training qualification: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=E-DEPT&category=2020-instructor-dev (You must sign in to access this page.) Take the Public Affairs core course. Public Affairs is every member’s business! http://wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=A-DEPT&category=training-division If you need help deciding which way to go in 2022, talk to your Flotilla Commander or Flotilla Staff Officer-Member Training. Happy New Year! Ω
Top: The importance of teaching recreational boaters about safety equipment through any means available cannot be overstated. USCG Auxiliary photo by Brad Simpson Right: Coast Guard Auxiliary member Jim Kight checks off boater Edward Bryant’s flares during Bryant’s free, nofault vessel safety exam at Snug Harbor Marina, May 21, 2011. The Coast Guard Auxiliary scheduled examinations at various marinas to kick off National Safe Boating Week, May 21 to May 27. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Crystalynn A. Kneen.
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HUMOR Humor is a healthy coping mechanism. This is how some members face this pandemic.
Show us Your Masks!
“Broad on Bow,” Karen Miller DIV 11
“Holiday Cheer,” Dottie Riley, DIV 7
“Broad on Bow” mask, Karen Miller DIV 11
“Kitten,” Dottie Riley DIV7
“Dog” mask, Karen Miller DIV 11
Surely there are more funny or patriotic flags out there! Send them to the INTERCOM and share them with others! INTERCOM
Summer 2021
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Coronavirus Update Subj: AUXILIARY COVID-19 RECONSTITUTION GUIDANCE - VERSION 3
“...This update incorporates change, effective immediately, that requires full COVID-19 vaccination for Coast Guard Auxiliarists when assigned to duty that involves in-person interaction with Coast Guard personnel (including other Auxiliarists), other government personnel (federal, state, and local), or members of the public. It is meant to ensure the health and well-being of unvaccinated Auxiliarists, Coast Guard personnel, and members of the public that the Coast Guard is obligated to protect. Unvaccinated Auxiliarists (including partially vaccinated) remain able to volunteer for any assignments or activities that do not involve in-person interaction with members of the public, other government personnel, or Coast Guard personnel. To read the update in its entirety or to access other ALL Auxiliary Standard Operating Procedures (ALAUX) go to : http://agroup-bx.wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=BXGROUP&category=chdiraux-alauxs
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Division 7 Tampa Bay
A word from the editor Dorothy Riley, SO-PB 7
100 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of members.
INTERCOM published quarterly in 2021. This newsletter is possible only because of your submissions. For those of you who contributed, many thanks! You are one of the 20 percent. Twenty percent of what, you may ask? Within volunteer organizations, be they national or local, 100 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of its members. This includes meetings. How many meetings have a quorum of 25 percent and can conduct flotilla business every month of the year? The same 20 percent who do 100 percent of the work are also likely those reading the INTERCOM. The sparsity in submissions bears this out. Newsletters are great recruiting and motivational tools. It is past time to improve our Auxiliary missions and newsletter readership involvement. I will leave the business of increasing flotilla involvement to their elected and appointed officers. My focus is newsletter submission and readership. I suggest the following: •
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Being an editor is a thankless
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job, and our Publications officers produce some great newsletters. READ your unit newsletter. Send the editor comments and kudos. SHARE your newsletters with member candidates who may not already be on our flotilla’s address list. SUBMIT articles and photographs. You need not approach it like you are writing a novel. Short is great, and do not worry about grammar and punctuation. Let the editor do their job and polish your text. Smartphones are for more than selfies! PHOTOGRAPH your members and activities. The expression on a single member’s face at a meeting can be far more interesting than an attempt to include everyone in the photograph. Be sure to name the persons photographed and when and where the photo was takenand don’t forget to name the photographer!
Get involved in your flotilla’s newsletter! Let’s increase that 20 percent two or threefold! Ω
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CGMA HELPING OUR OWN
https://www.cgmahq.org/
(U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Magee/Released)
In 2020 CGMA provided essential financial aid to
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance serves the entire Coast Guard community:
• • •
• • • • • • • •
1 in 5 Active Duty Members 1 in 14 Civilian Employees 1 in 12 Reserve Members
63% of all assistance went to individuals in pay grades E-6/GS-7 and below.
Active Duty Members Auxiliary Members Civilian Employees Immediate Family Members PHS Officers and Chaplains Reserve Members Retired Military Personnel Surviving Family Members
DONATE https://www.cgmahq.org/give.html
Give to CGMA through Amazon Smile Through Amazon Smile you can give back when you purchase any item. Just choose Coast Guard Mutual Assistance as your charitable organization and they will donate 0.5% back to us.
