NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Music City, U.S.A.

March 13-15, 2014 (more information on pages 12-14)

DISTRICT TRAINING

SPRING 2014

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Three

From District Staff Officer for Publications

Page Four

Meet the Publications Staff

Page Five

DCAPT-W

Page Six

Division Seven Public Affairs Arsenal

Page Seven

District Prevention Department

Page Eight

DDC-Logistics

Page Nine

Required VE Workshop

Page Ten

A Change of Plans

Page Eleven

New Members

Pages Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen

DTRAIN Information

“A Newsletter For Our Members, By Our Members”

February 2014 Volume 4 Issue 2

Cover Photo

Courtesy

Photobucket.com

3

District Staff Officer for Publications

As 2014 gets off to a rolling start I would like to thank everyone that supported Heartland Guardian in the few

years that we offered the newsletter to the District. However, Heartland Guardian lives on! Only the name has

changed for this newsletter. Pilothouse will be the name on the masthead. The same dedication offered by the

Publications Team in the past years will continue in 2014. The goal of the Publications Department is to

continue to give our readers an informative and quality newsletter. We promise that Pilothouse will be

delivered in a timely manner to you, electronically, barring of course any unforeseen circumstance.

Pilothouse will continue to be a newsletter “For the Members and By the Members” of District Eight Eastern

Region. We rely on the District members, the Public Affairs Officers, and the Elected and Appointed

Officers on all levels to support this publication with your articles of interest to the Coast Guard and the Coast

Guard Auxiliary, telling everyone of the great accomplishments you do in all aspects of our Auxiliary

business. When you have a Public Affairs event, a Public Education class, a patrol that is exceptional, report

it and hopefully with great photos. When you have a Fellowship, a Change of Watch, etc. submit it to us.

I think I can speak for our Publications Staff and thank you in advance for supporting our District newsletter,

and thank you for being loyal followers of same. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please let us

know.

Randy Ventress, DSO-PB

Pilothouse

8th Eastern Region

Submission Requirements for Pilothouse

The following requirements are suggested for consideration of any articles and photos submitted to Pilothouse.

Photos should be .jpg format and sent as an attachment.

Photos should not be imbedded in the article or a part of a social media, such as Flicker, etc.

NO cellular phone photos unless the quality of the photo is clear and crisp

Credits for photos are required with Name and Unit

Photos not taken by an Auxiliary member or copied from outside sources should be labeled as such

Please send a caption with the photo, not embedded in the photo itself

NO facial photos of minors without proper accompanying release signed by guardian (s)

Articles should be original unless credit is given to the author and permission has been acquired

Articles with photos should be no larger than one page due to space limitations

Articles should be noted with name of Author and Unit

No Personal Identifying Information will be printed in the newsletter, so please do not submit this. Examples are Member

Identification Numbers, Social Security Numbers, phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses. If including an email address

is important to the article, please have member send via United States Postal Service a letter authorizing use of the email

address to the Staff of Pilothouse.

Your assistance with these items is greatly appreciated by the Staff of Pilothouse

PROGRAM VISITOR WORKSHOP

The PV workshop is not a "required workshop" this year. As in past years, it can be completed in a classroom

setting with an available PowerPoint presentation. (http://vdept.cgaux.org/workshops/pv2014workshop.ppt) If

completed as classroom setting workshop, it must be reported on an ANSC FORM 7039 to receive credit in

AUXDATA (check #16 in section 1 and submit per policy)

Source: Bill Howard, DVC-VC

Submitted by Nancy Reece DSO-CS

4

MEET THE PUBLICATIONS STAFF

NORM ARBES ADSO-PB

Norman was enrolled in the Coast Guard Auxiliary on 13 January 2004 and joined the roster of

Flotilla 72 in Division VII where he has held many offices including Flotilla Commander. In

addition to being the Commander of Division 7, he currently is the Flotilla Member Training

Officer, both a Division and Flotilla Staff Officer for Publications, Editor and Publisher of the

division OH-AL-MON Guardian and the flotilla Around the Point, Assistant District Staff officer

for Publications, and Editor of the Pilothouse. Norman relinquished Boat Crew and Vessel

Examiner Qualifications due to drop foot following a back surgery. He currently holds many

certifications and qualifications including, Navigational Aids Verifier (AV), Instructor (IT),

Administrative Procedures Course (APC), Fingerprint Technician (FT), Public Affairs Specialist I

(PA I), Telecommunications Operator (TCO), and has earned the Auxiliary Operational Specialist Device (AUXOP). In

2012 he was awarded the Max Solomon Award as Auxiliarist of the year for Division VII. Norman attended Grove City

College, is married to Cheryl Rodriguez Arbes, and resides in Moon Township, PA. Cheryl and his stepdaughter Rachel

are members of Flotilla 72 where Cheryl is the staff officer for materials (FSO-MA).

Norman began writing, editing, and publishing newsletters for various organizations in 1990. When serving as the Fleet

Secretary for the Mid-Atlantic Shrine Yacht Club Association, he initiated a periodic newsletter, also with the Shrine

Mariner Yacht Club, and now with Flotilla 72 and Division VII. He is looking forward to working with the Pilothouse

publication of the District Eight Eastern.

VALERIE McQUEEN ADSO-PB

I’ve been involved with the military all my life, my father being a career Marine (retired

Command Sergeant Major), my brother was in the Army (Staff Sergeant), and my Uncle

retired as a Brigadier General. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is my chosen way of serving.

I joined the Auxiliary in 2009 and spent my first few months trying everything. I am

certified as a PA III and work with National on PA Oral Boards. I am also certified as a

District Proctor, a member of the National Photo Corps, Telecommunications Operator,

Fingerprint Tech, Instructor, Dealer Visitor and Vessel Examiner. For the last two years, I

have been Flotilla Commander. I’ve also earned Boat Crew qualification and am the proud

wearer of the AUXOP Pin.

Along with my husband who is also a writer, I’ve owned a community newspaper so I’ve been in the business for quite a

while. I have worked with Randy in our District Publications for the past three years and I look forward to many more.

DIANE GILMAN ADSO-PB

I have been married for almost 50 years to my husband Fred. We have two children, both married

and a total of four grand children. We have lived in several different states and a couple of years ago

made the move to Clarksville, TN. While being a wife and mother I also worked outside the home

as a Librarian for both Corporate and School Libraries and worked a number of years with mentally

challenged and physically handicap children from kindergarten to high school.

In August of 2001 I became a member of USCG Auxiliary District 5SR on the Eastern Shore of

Virginia. For the next eleven years I was active in Public Affairs, Public Education and

Publications, qualifying as a Crew member, Boating Safety Instructor and preformed specialized

computer work for the Group Eastern Shore Administration Office and the ATON group. My

experience at a Virginia Coastal Station and now an Inland area has created a unique opportunity to learn and serve.

After becoming active in District 8ER, my husband and I saw the need for the start of a new Flotilla. Flotilla 11-07

Clarksville/ Fort Campbell was chartered May 14, 2013. Having all new members is a new experience and as I look

forward, I will work on the training of our new members and keeping our Flotilla growing. I look forward to the future

and working with the District Publication Staff.

Allow me to introduce our Publications Staff. These three are the backbone of this newsletter.

5

DCAPT-W

Jim Hufnagel

The year of 2013 was very successful for the West AOR until the Government shutdown in October; this

resulted in several Auxiliary members going into REYR for the start of 2014. Both 2013 District D-Train’s

were hosted by West Divisions, with the Fall D-Train being the most successful for the District in many years.

Both attendance and income were up.

All four Divisions participated in successful Public Affairs (PA) events; these included Boat Shows, Parades,

Memorial Day Ceremonies, Fall Festivals and Independence Day Celebrations. PA booths were set up at many

of these events.

Division 05 was involved in the May tornado relief that affected Moore, OK. They helped with the collection

and distribution of relief supplies. The Division’s Color Guard Team participated in various PA events during

the year. Many Public Education ABS classes were conducted by all Divisions with Division 01 & 05 each

holding BS&S classes.

Member Training was very intensive during the entire year. Mentors and members assisted with; New

Member Training, Boat Crew and Coxswain Training Academies, ACN, Nav. Rules and both AUXNAV &

AUXSC&E classes were held.

The Divisions all participated in on water patrols that included Regattas, Safety and Security Zone patrols for

Firework displays, Drag Boat and Boat Races, Paddleboat events and scheduled public fun events. Several of

those patrols involved inter-Division activities that included facilities and personnel.

Operation Focus Lens involved several Auxiliarists from every West Division. The operation resulted in

several hundred-boat ramps being located and documented. The Active Duty requested this information for

future reference when executing their duties to keep our waterways safe.

Divisions 05 & 08 provided the Active Duty Coast Guard with much appreciated support that included

assistance with Facility Inspections, Barge Inspections, Uninspected Towing Vessel Examinations,

Uninspected Passenger Vessel Examinations and Crew Augmentation. They stood by during high water and

low water to help with whatever they were asked to do. Most importantly, administrative support was given by

Division 08 by manning the Reception Desk at MSU Paducah 5 days a week. The Division also provided other

administrative support as requested.

Ten members of Division 01 were awarded the Auxiliary Commandants’ Letter of Commendation for their

participation in setting up and manning a Security Zone on Geist Reservoir. The crew and coxswains were

notified by the Indiana DNR of the Search and Recovery Operation involving a local Law Enforcement Dive

Team, which needed a safety zone for the search of a missing person.. Given that they were doing a QE, they

were able to respond to the request quickly.

GOALS

To have maximum participation, across the board, in the Mentoring Program, this includes Mentors for both

new and currently elected officers and appointed staff offices. To especially focus on New Members, to

include the assigning/appointment on a long-term bases for each New Member.

For any Division that needs help with member training to greatly increase their efforts as a Division rather than

trying to train individuals as needed within a Flotilla.

For all Auxiliarist to forgo and forget the old attitude of ‘Wait until the Last Minute to get’er done’ and

‘Get’er done as early as possible’, therefore avoiding any last minute hang-ups, such as a Government

shut-down, weather, or anything else that can cause a member to go REYR on a qualification(s).

6

PUBLIC AFFAIRS ADDS OTTER TO OUR ARSENAL

Article and Photos Norman C Arbes, DCDR 7, and ADSO-PB 8ER

Several of the Public Affairs Teams in District Eight Eastern have expanded their arsenal of effective outreach

weapons to include the new “Sammy the Otter” for the 2014 Recreational Boaters

Outreach Campaigns. Sammy joins Division teams that consists of P.F.D. Panda, a

costume mascot, Coastie, a robotic tug boat, and the “Airman”. All have individual

characteristics that make each of them special contributors that enhance the work being

done by the Auxiliary Public Affairs Teams. Many of the divisions have either one or the

other of the living and breathing mascots. The panda and the otter do not talk, but are very

animated and attract attention of young and old alike. The handlers stay at the mascot’s

side communicating with the adults and children handing out recreational

boating safety pamphlets and the all-important life jacket “wear it” flyers.

Sammy the Otter made a debut appearance in the Pittsburgh Veteran’s Day parade in 2013.

Sammy and the handlers walked all thirteen blocks of that parade. The handlers said after the

parade, that they wished they had a nickel for every time Sammy the Otter had a picture taken

with a child or adult. Meaning this in a positive note, Sammy the Otter was a parade stopper.

P.F.D. Panda shares the same notoriety as Sammy and also interacts with the children.

Coastie is in a class by itself; animated, conversational, mobile and a crowd pleaser.

The robotic tugboat, unlike the mascots, can hold a conversation with the audience.

Both young and old wonder how the Auxiliarist got inside that little

tug boat.

The last member in the arsenal of PA tools is the “Airman”. The

airman has its pluses and minuses. The big plus is that it is an

attention getter, a magnet. That draws a crowd. The Airman relies on an electric source to

operate. However, plug it in, turn it on, and it works all day with little pay. Used in

conjunction with any of his three PA partners provides a very effective public affairs effort.

The job description for these PA Partners is simply, “Get the public’s attention!”

H I S T O R Y

EIGHTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT AUXILIARY

If membership in the Auxiliary has not meant much to you, then it is because you have not taken advantage of

the opportunity of being a part of a wonderful group of people by offering a hand to those who would like to

become closer friends.

Pause a moment and think of the friends you have made in the Auxiliary. These friendships reflect an

overpayment for your activities and should encourage more interest and effort to accomplish the aims of the

Coast Guard Auxiliary.

PDCO R. E. Blanchard Jr.

Historian

(The actual date of this part of an extensive historical document is unclear, but dates back to the 1950’s. This

document is copied exactly as printed from original document. Special thanks to Commander Hudson for

furnishing this document to the District Historian, ADSO-PAH)

7

2013 PREVENTION SUMMARY

Bob Bruce DDC-P

Your Prevention Directorate oversees, coordinates, and supports the district departments and programs in the

areas of Member Training, Navigation Systems, Public Affairs, Public Education, Program Visitation, Vessel

Examinations and Marine Safety.

The Commandant has directed that the Auxiliary’s top priority is “Promoting and Improving Recreational

Boating Safety.”

To accomplish that priority we should all work with our division, district and flotilla prevention officers to

accomplish the following next year:

Increase efforts in Public Education to advance boating safety awareness.

Train and re-train members in VE and PV. Currently qualified members should mentor new trainees and

those in REYR status to become more involved.

Train Public Affairs officers to at least the PA-I level.

Issue press releases after each major event like D-Train, Tall Stacks, Booms Day, etc. to keep our activities

in the public eye.

Keep in touch, via the website, with the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety and their reports to target

areas and activities in need of additional effort.

Work harder to foster good relationships with your local active duty and reserve units.

The Commandant’s second priority for the Auxiliary is to “… augment the Coast Guard and enhance safety

and security of our ports, waterways and coastal regions.” Our Navigation Systems and Marine Safety

members continue to work with their “gold side” counterparts to provide needed support in these areas.

I would like to thank my Prevention Team of Doris Armour - DSO PV; Jim Armour - DSO VE; Michael Heid

- DSO PA; Jack Kleymeyer - DSO PE; Gregg McKee - DSO NS; Terry Siler - DSO MS; and Duncan

Wilkinson - DSO MT for all the work they did last year and hope that 2014 will bring more opportunities to

advance the Prevention objectives in District 8ER.

DISCLAIMER: The Pilothouse is an official publication of District Eighth Eastern Region of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The information

provided here is for the edification and convenience of members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the readers of this publication. The

Pilothouse staff reserves the right to use or reject articles and photos; edit submitted articles and photos for clarity, space, and or other

concerns. Reprints of articles in this publication may be used by other publications provided proper credit is given and a copy sent to the

Staff of the Pilothouse.

Photos will be accompanied with caption and proper credit given to photographer. Articles from other publications shall be accompanied by

documentation authorizing reproduction with credit given to author and source of article.

Please direct any comments or constructive criticism to:

Randy Ventress DSO-PB (randyv19@comcast.net)

Norm Arbes ADSO-PB (shrinemariner@hotmail.com)

Valerie McQueen ADSO-PB (thebeacon@fuse.net)

Diane Gilman ADSO-PB (dbgilman@mindspring.com)

Auxiliary Sector Coordinator John R Ellis III

MSU Paducah Nicholas Shull

MSU Pittsburg Norman Arbes

MSD Nashville William Weeks

MSU Huntington Jerry Stickler

MSD Cincinnati Mort Mullins

8

DDC-Logistics

Submitted by Gerlinde Higginbotham, DDC-L; BC-TSA

Logistics is the management of the flow of resources. In the USCGA, resources managed in logistics include

abstract items, such as time, personnel, information, and materials. We have several District Staff Officers in

logistics that manage the integration of information flow, membership and materials.

Nancy Reese DSO-CS, (Communication Services) promotes the use of communication using technology

within the Auxiliary. She helps Divisions and Flotillas leverage e-systems such as: web sites, social media, and

teleconferencing to be more efficient and effective in reaching the bulk of our members and the boating public.

2013 was a busy year for Nancy. She successfully continued to develop the WOW (Websites without

Webmasters) system and has encouraged Division CS officers to make use of it. She continuously monitors,

verifies and repairs links as needed to optimize the effectiveness of the District Website.

Nancy regularly posts information on the District website. Information is posted on the National ‘What’s

New’ on a daily basis and is emailed to Division CS officers for dissemination to all members. Nancy

continuously trains by attending Communications Services training at N-TRAIN and D-Trains when our

budget permits. She encourages all Divisions and Flotillas to increase the use of their websites for recruiting

and retention of members by posting interesting and exciting photos along with stories of their missions.

DeAnne Rodenburg DSO-IS, (Information Services). The mission of the IS Department is to deliver,

maintain, and provide support for Information Services (AUXDATA) to meet the needs of the Auxiliary

Leaders, its Members and Management at all levels, and their interactions with the general membership.

DeAnne is also responsible for the training and support of IS officers at all levels so that they can effectively

use the systems that are in place.

2013 was busy and stressful for DeAnne. As the economy continues to impose strict budget concerns,

conducting training at the Division and Flotilla level was very difficult for DeAnne and her staff. However,

this department provided workshops at 2013 D-Trains, and other training sessions when requested. This

department successfully reviewed and analyzed year end mission activities for awards calculations for the

upcoming Spring D-Train.

Mary Ward DSO-MA, (Material Store) serves us in two ways. First, the store has uniform items available to

the membership. Second, Mary provides other Auxiliary and Coast Guard materials to our members to

purchase. 2013 was a profit year and provided funds for our District to use. The store accepts credit cards and

this has helped increase sales. Mary is working on a better inventory control system and an on line accounting

to help to reduce the time that is required to produce the Balance Sheet and the Profit & Loss Statement. She

and her staff are working with the DSO-CS to develop a more effective store online. She is also working with

the DSO-PB to have monthly deals in our District Publications.

Thom McQueen DSO-PB, (Publications) where information and stories are published via the District Pilot

House and Heartland Guardian newsletters. During 2013, Thom and his staff also helped Divisions and

Flotillas with their local newsletters to disseminate information and articles to help recruit members; share

member activities and safe boating articles. As a result of a member publication satisfaction survey several

suggestions for improvement were noted and will be implemented in 2014. Randy Ventress is the DSO-PB for

2014 and along with two new ADSO’s, they will help move the publications department into the forefront of

information dissemination.

(Continued following page)

9

DDC-L (Continued from Previous Page)

Roseanne DeRamus DSO-SR, (District Secretary) continues to serve the District Board by making sure

Board information and Board Meetings are properly documented.

Eric Piper DSO-HR, (Human Resources) and his staff assists Divisions and Flotillas increase Auxiliary

membership through development of different recruiting efforts, encourages retention of existing members

through increasing mentorship efforts, and encourages diversity in recruiting. 2013 provided 453 inquiries for

information on the duties and benefits of being a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The monthly number

or average has been trending up over the year. The trend does not show a large upward trend but it is heading

in the right direction. In figure 1 you can see the average number of referrals received from the Auxiliary

National Recruiting Information System. This is not the only method used but from this graph you can see the

peak months for recruitment. When we are more visible to the public we see an increase in inquiries.

All the above staff work behind the scenes and seamlessly with the Auxiliary at the National, District, Division

and Flotilla levels to improve your experiences as members.

REQUIRED VE WORKSHOP

This year the 2014 Vessel Examiner Workshop is a "Required" workshop and it is available in an online

format or it can be taken in a classroom setting.

Failure to complete the workshop by 30 June will result in the VE going in REWK (Required Workshop not

Met) and not authorized to conduct VSCs while in REWK status. If a member falls into REWK status, the

FC will submit Recertification Request to DIRAUX to place in "Current" status, after the workshop is

completed.

Failure to complete workshop by 31 December will result in VE going into REYR (Annual Requirement not

Met) and then must complete required workshop as well as complete two supervised VSCs. At this time the

FC will submit Recertification Request to DIRAUX.

The required VE workshop can be completed at the AUXLMS website https://auxlearning.uscg.mil/ (same

site used for "Mandatory Training")the required 2014 VE Classroom Workshop (PowerPoint)

http://vdept.cgaux.org/workshops/2014_VE_Required_Workshop.pptx

The required VE workshop can be completed in a classroom setting. Completion must be recorded on

Workshop Mission and Attendance Report, ANSC Form 7039, to receive credit (check box #5 in section 1

and submit per policy.

Source:Bill Howard, DVC-VC

Submitted by: Nancy Reece, DSO-CS

10

A CHANGE OF PLANS

Valerie McQueen, ADSO-PB

The 2014 Change of Watch for Division 5 was cancelled, but that didn't stop the celebration for one group of

Auxiliarists. A phone conversation between Jory Edlin, FC-53 and Thom McQueen, FC-55 developed into a

continuation of the original plans. Reservations were made and emails sent.

“February 8th. Venchenzo's. 1900. Be there.”

And they were there, Auxiliarists, spouses and even a guest. With Jory acting as Host and Thom as greeter

the dinner came off without a hitch. Every detail was attended to. The atmosphere lent itself to conversation

and discussion. The food could not have been better, not to mention the wonderful fellowship. Though there

were no ceremonies and no one was sworn in, the dinner celebration and fellowship lingered on for hours.

Rules of etiquette were ignored. "We sat where we wanted, we ordered what we wanted and we talked about

anything we wanted", said Valerie McQueen. The conversations ran the gamut of possibilities. While Jory

and Thom discussed flotilla business at one end of the long row of tables, David Michaels, his wife and guest

Bob Burke talked about a restored 1969 Camaro; Wendy McAdams, Carol Hackett and Valerie McQueen

shared photos, and the evening progressed.

At one point it was suggested by Wendy McAdams that everyone change seats to allow close conversations

with others. The idea was almost implemented until the realization occurred that it could confuse the

server. "So we just talked louder" laughed David Michaels.

"The entire evening was fantastic" said Thom McQueen, "I certainly want to do this again". Though the

celebration dinner was in place of the cancelled Change of Watch, in the end, the dinner was not about

auxiliary business, it was not about the food, it was about the people.

Are you interested in Boating Safety Education? If so, just follow the link - http://cgaux.org/boatinged

Photo Above: Left to Right

Wendy McAdams, Valerie McQueen,

Bob Burke

Photo: David Michaels

Photo Above: David Michaels and Mrs.

Michaels

Photo: Thom McQueen

Photo Above:

Jory Edlin and Carol Hackett

Photo: David Michaels

11

PILOTHOUSE SPOTLIGHT ON NEW MEMBERS

Article and Photos Norm Arbes-ADSO-PB

Each month the Editor of the Pilothouse is planning on spotlighting new members from

out of the 12 Divisions in 082. To kick off this new project two new members were

chosen from the Editor’s division from articles in the Around the Point Flotilla 72

Newsletter. Division Commanders, Division Publication Officers (SO-PBs) will be

contacted soliciting their contributions to this new addition to the Pilothouse. The

purpose is to show the new members that they are welcome aboard not only in their new

flotilla, but in the division and district as well.

Division 7 Flotilla 72 Welcomes Two New Members

Stefanie Manos hails from the Aliquippa area of our AOR and was introduced to the

Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Sewickley Fall Festival Days where she was the event

coordinator for the Sewickley Police Department. She was enrolled on 02 December

2013 after successfully working her way through the enrollment process. Her skills

bank includes, but is not limited to, floral designers, set and exhibit designer, executive

secretary and administrative assistant, and police, fire, and ambulance dispatch.

Stefanie is an accomplished Eventy Planner and her skills were used in the preparation

and management of this year’s Division Change of Watch. She also owns and operates

a Greek pastry Shoppe and has delighted the members of the Division at their monthly

meetings with tasty afterglow treats. Stefanie was appointed and accepted the Morale

Officer position on the Division VII staff for 2014. She will maintain and coordinate the “galley” at the

Sewickley Moorings with the Flotilla 72 Morale Officer, Becky Kennedy. Our new member will also become

actively involved with the Public Affairs Team.

Amy Cushanick was enrolled on 11 January 2014 and lives in the North Hills

section of our AOR. Amy has many skills to offer the Auxiliary and among

these are radio operations, radio and television announcements, public speaking,

public relations, and media and communications equipment. Amy is a 911

Dispatcher with Allegheny County working with police, fire, and EMS

emergency dispatching. Amy wasted no time in stepping to the plate in her forte,

public affairs and public relations. Sammy the Otter, aka Amy Cushanick, began

appearing as the Coast Guard Auxiliary mascot in the Veteran’s Day Parade as

an invited guest to perform as Sammy. That day she paraded 13 blocks and

afterward asked about becoming part of the team. She also participated in the 2014 Pittsburgh Boat Show.

Amy is now a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and can pitch the guest status and assume her new BQ

status.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Eighth Eastern Region is now on Facebook!

On your Search Bar type in U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Eighth Eastern Region.

12

DTRAIN HOTEL DIRECTIONS AND THINGS TO DO

Jack Wood, DCDR-11

Holiday Inn Nashville Opryland Airport Hotel 2200 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

• From Nashville Airport: Head southwest on Terminal Dr. Slight left to stay on Terminal Dr. Slight left at

Airport Service Road. Take the ramp to I-40W. Keep right at fork to continue toward I-40W. Merge onto I-40W.

Take exit onto TN-155W. Take exit 7 for Elm Hill Pike. Turn right at Elm Hill Pike. Holiday Inn Hotel

Nashville Opryland Airport is on your left.

From Downtown Nashville: Head east on I-40E. Take exit 215B for Briley Parkway/State Hwy 155N. Merge

onto Briley Pkwy W/TN-155W. Take exit 7 for Elm Hill Pike. Turn right at Elm Hill Pike. Holiday Inn Hotel

Nashville Opryland Airport is on your left.

Friday Night - We invite you to experience for yourself what makes Nashville, Tennessee special

Offsite Entertainment - Visit Music City

• Hit the Hall — Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This isn’t just a museum; it’s an

experience with something for everyone. Rhinestone costumes, seasoned instruments, and tear-stained lyric

sheets are only the beginning, as the museum is home to the largest collection of country music artifacts in the

world. Current exhibits include The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country,

and Reba: All the Women I Am. Don’t miss the Music City Walk of Fame across the street in Walk of Fame

Park, where music celebrities who lived, worked and played in Nashville are commemorated with sidewalk

stars. Speaking of stars, make sure to check out The Johnny Cash Museum dedicated to the life and music career

of the late “Man in Black” which features the largest and most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash

artifacts and memorabilia in the world.

• Roll Down the Row — Take a tour of Music Row and visit historic RCA Studio B, the famous recording

studio where Elvis recorded over 200 songs. Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold & many

more recorded classic hits here. Not surprisingly, the heartbeat of Music City is driven by music—from country

to classical.

• Athens of the South — In Nashville’s Centennial Park, you’ll find the world’s only full-scale reproduction of

the ancient Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The Parthenon houses an art gallery and museum as well as Alan

LeQuire’s Athena Parthenos. Standing at almost 42 feet in height, Athena is the tallest indoor sculpture in the

Western world.

• Shop Til You Drop — Check out the unique shopping Nashville has to offer. Stroll through the great antique

stores and boutiques that fill neighborhoods like East Nashville, 12South & Hillsboro Village or catch sales at

Opry Mills.

• Visit the Ryman Auditorium — Sure, it’s called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” but artists as

diverse as Jon Bon Jovi and Tony Bennett perform on its legendary stage. Since 1892, the world’s greatest stars

have headlined the Ryman Auditorium, from Caruso to Cash. You can take a backstage tour and record your

own song in the Ryman recording studio.

• Take a Timeless Journey — The stars of the Grand Ole Opry perform every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday

night with guest appearances by the biggest names in music. With 87 years under its belt, it’s the world’s

longest-running radio broadcast and shows no signs of slowing down.

• TN POTUS Salute — Three U.S. Presidents called Tennessee home - Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and

Andrew Johnson. You can revisit the past at The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson. Polk is buried

on the grounds of the historic State Capitol building.

• The One and Only Honky Tonk Highway — Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Legends Corner, Second Fiddle, The

Stage, Bluegrass Inn and Robert’s Western World are all experts at serving up cool longnecks and hot country

music. You never know who you’ll see in these Lower Broadway clubs in the shadow of the Ryman. Willie

Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Gretchen Wilson, Dierks Bentley and other stars began their careers on Lower

Broad.

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DTRAIN TRAINING SCHEDULE

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