spring/summer issue 2011uscgaux8er.info/ph_2011_spring.pdf · 2011-09-07 · spring/summer issue...

Spring/Summer Issue 2011

Inside The PILOTHOUSE

New 8ER DIRAUX: CDR Hudson 2DCO: FLOOD 2011 3DCOS: Wanderer or Traveler? 4DCAPT-W: LIFELINES 5DCDR-8: Logistics 6

DSO-OP: Commitment to Currency 6DCDR-16: Another Day at the Office 72011 Armed Forces Weekend 8Spring D-TRAIN Reports 9-298ER Auxiliarist of the Year letter 30

COMO Rick Washburn, DCO, and Bill McGonigal, DCOS, are pulled from the Spring D-Train Board Meeting to hear theEverbridge message regarding the government shutdown, and how that affects the Auxiliary Missions.

Our Deadline for the Fall Issue is: 24 September 2011

DCODCOSDCAPT- EDCAPT- SDCAPT- WIPDCOPres, Past Commander’s Assn.

Commodore’s StaffD-AAD-ADD-ADDSO-FNDSO-LPAuxiliary Sector Coordinator

DDC - ResponseDSO-NSDSO-AVDSO-CMDSO-DFSODSO-OPQE Coordinator

DDC - PreventionDSO-MSDSO-MTDSO-PADSO-PEDSO-PVDSO-VE

DDC - LogisticsDSO-CSDSO-ISDSO-MADSO-PBDSO-HRDSO-SR

DCDR1. Alan R. Hall2. Kenneth J. Wirtz4. Matthew C. Coleman5. Dennis S. Mullins6. Dennis W. Neufarth7. Mark M. Draskovich8. Jimmie L. Hufnagel9. Mary Scarry11.Edward “Randall” Ventress12.Donald N. Edmands Jr.16.Allen L. Wald18.Patrick J. Linesch24.Walter E. Whitacre

OFFICERS

DIVISIONS

STAFF

U.S. COAST GUARDCommandant ADM Robert PappCommander Eighth District RADM Roy A. NashChief Director of the Auxiliary CAPT. Mark D. RizzoDirector Of Auxiliary CDR Juliet HudsonOperations Training Officer CWO3 Philip PintoStorekeeper SK2 Nathan GilesAuxiliary Affairs Specialist Robin Randle-Brown

COMO Richard A. WashburnJoseph W. “Bill” McGonigal

Gerlinde HigginbothamJames Myers

George “Rick” SchalCOMO David L. Maul

William E. Seymer

COMO Gordon W. ScholzJennie A. McNeil

Allen L. WaldMark W. Dever

Lewis D. NichollsJohn R. Ellis III

Robert O. BruceDavid C. Roberts

Robert J. SperaDavid F. Stroup

Mark A. LaPennaWilliam E. Seymer

Jennie A. McNeil

Morton L. MullinsWilliam T. Siler

C. Duncan WilkinsonLynn C. Miles

Ronald J. TvorikJimmie Hufnagel

Donald J. Metz II

Wilhelmina McAdamsNancy A. Reece

DeAnne C. RodenburgMary A. Ward

Maurice MoultonAlan R. Hall

Roseanne R. DeRamus

VCDRRaymond Nunweiler Jr.

Matthew MorrisNicolaas WieseRobert Powell

Burl ShulawRobert Davis

David Nalley Sr.William “Bill” McCracken

Philip MammanoJames Vreeland III

David CoxJeffrey A. TinklepaughDeAnne C. Rodenburg

CDR Juliet HudsonDIRAUX

CDR Juliet Hudson is the new DIRAUX for 08E. Here is a shortbiography on her:

CDR Hudson graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in1995. She served for two years as a student engineer on the CoastGuard Cutter JARVIS home ported in Honolulu, Hawaii. Shequalified as both an Engineering Officer of the Watch and a DeckWatch Officer. In 1997, she moved to the Coast Guard's MarineSafety Office in Mobile, Alabama where she spent two years as aMarine Inspector and two years as a Marine Investigator. In 2003,CDR Hudson became a Safety and Environmental Health Officerat Pacific Area Maintenance and Logistics Command where sheassisted 33 Coast Guard units in Southern California and Nevada.She served as a Safety Officer for the grounding of the M/VSELENDANG AYU in Dutch Harbor, Alaska and for oil spillresponders after Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. In July 2007, shetransferred to U.S. Coast Guard Activities Europe where she spentthree years as an International Port Security Liaison Officer (IPSLO)working in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. She is currently theSenior Investigating Officer at Activities Europe.

CDR Hudson earned a Bachelors Degree in Marine Science fromthe U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Science Degree inEnvironmental Health from Colorado State University, and expectsto receive a Master of Arts in International Relations from OklahomaUniversity in June 2011. She is also a Certified Industrial Hygienist,a Certified Safety Professional and has basic French language skills.

Besides her work in the Coast Guard, CDR Hudson enjoyshorseback riding, travel and reading. She is the proud owner of ahorse and two cats.

3

COMO Richard A. WashburnDistrict Commodore

Flood 2011

As we know this spring was a test of our training as Auxilaristsand our readiness to serve the Coast Guard and the Public.I cannot tell you how proud I am of all of our members. Attimes we think and feel we are not really needed. There aretimes we wonder why we do what we do. We wonder if allthis training will ever be utilized. I believe the answer be-came clear on April 28 th when the call came in to DCDRJim Hufnagel in Paducah. Jimmie sent out an urgent messagefor assistance as well as numerous telephone calls. MSUPaducah had contacted Jim stating they needed a maximumeffort and response from the Auxiliary for an indefinite pe-riod of time. Jimmie immediately reacted with swift notifica-tion up the Chain of Leadership. He contacted his Division 8members and put them in response mode. Our Division 8people immediately responded to MSU to assist. Dave Stroupfrom CM immediately reacted by standing up our radio fa-cilities and also had the foresight to contact our CM mem-bers in Alabama and Tennessee. Dave, as well as others,was monitoring the developing weather situation in Alabamaand Tennessee. Randy Ventress, DCDR 11, deployed hisflood boats to Paducah and contacted his flood trained per-sonnel and placed them on standby. DCAPTs Jim Myers,Gerlinde Higginbotham and Rick Schal began planning our

Spring/Summer Issue

DCO: FLOOD 2011 continued on page 28

response to MSU Paducah. Not knowing how long ourpeople would be deployed and not knowing the mission putour training to the test. The positive can do attitude displayedwas something that should make you all proud to belong tothe Eighth Eastern Region. Despite our diverse personalitiesand opinions we all came together instantly and were on thesame page. Bill McGonigal, DCOS, and I were in constantcontact throughout the next two weeks. Bill and I both real-ized communication between us was key. Bill who was moni-toring the tornado activity realized I was in the path of anincoming tornado. Since I was handling the response activi-ties, a plan was needed to shift control to Bill in the event myhome was hit. My area in East Tennessee was hit hard. Welost 29 people in a matter of minutes. I was without powerand Internet for several days. Often times we don't keep inmind leadership could be in the middle of the affected area.Since Bill and I were talking via cell phone every 30 minutes,he knew if he couldn't get me via cell phone to immediatelytake over the situation.

As we continued our response to Paducah, our situation sud-denly turned to Alabama and South East Tennessee. Weatherpredictions indicated numerous tornado activity in both Hunts-ville and Chattanooga TN. Thankfully, Dave Stroup alreadyhad established his radio facilities and was anticipating theneed. When the tornados hit our Division 24, the result wasdevastation. Dave Stroup and Jim Myers, DCAPT-S, im-mediately started to account for our people. DDC-R BobBruce activated the AIM / Everbridge System in a desperateattempt to find our people. Although still somewhat experi-mental, the Everbridge System worked as designed. Thesystem pinged 115 members instantly. However, with no wayfor members to contact us Dave Stroup and his folks begancontacting people by radio. Dave also had his members on24 /7 watch listening for calls for assistance. Lynn and Rich-ard Miles went door-to-door assisting in the accounting ofour members. DCAPT Myers now tasked with Paducah alsowas working to plan our response for Division 24 and Divi-sion 16. Fortunately, our radio capabilities extended far be-yond our District. A watch stander in Florida District 7 wasable to see our need and volunteered to help with the mid-night shift. My Thanks to District 7 for assisting us with oursituation. On the horizon was the flooding in Nashville. SinceDCAPT Myers was fully occupied on 4 fronts I askedDCAPT Rick Schal to coordinate our continued response inPaducah and Louisville. With the weather situation not

4

Spring/Summer Issue

Bill McGonigal District Chief of Staff

Wanderer or Traveler?What kind of Auxiliarist are you? Are you a "Wanderer" ora "Traveler"?

Shortly after joining the Auxiliary, we wandered through themany interesting areas which are open to members, such asoperations, public education, vessel safety checks, media,web sites, etc. Most of us explored several of those oppor-tunities and became involved as we wandered around. Evenafter many years, many of us are still wandering around,spending time on the things that interest us the most. Unfor-tunately, we occasionally find members who leave the orga-nization because they grow weary of just wandering.

Most of us look for some personal satisfaction in what wedo, along with a feeling of direction and a higher level pur-pose. We become elected or staff officers and see beyondwhat initially appeared to be just a collection of activities.We begin to see a bigger picture, and how those seeminglyunrelated activities fit into a larger plan. We start to transi-tion to being a "Traveler," with a sense of direction and abetter understanding of how we can truly make a difference.

We can better plan this journey if we have some guidance.At the highest strategic level, Admiral Papp, the Comman-dant of the U. S. Coast Guard, provided the following pri-orities:* Promote and Improve Recreational Boating Safety;* Provide trained crews and facilities to augment the CoastGuard and enhance the safety and security of our ports,waterways and coastal regions;

* Support Coast Guard operational, administrative and lo-gistical requirements.

The Auxiliary National Commodore gave more specific guid-ance when he said, "The Coast Guard Auxiliary will continueto meet America's ever changing needs through increasedattention to recreational boating safety, security of America'swaterways and improved methods of educating the boatingpublic"

To help narrow the focus even more, the National Commo-dore provided further guidance: "To effectively accomplishits assigned mission by the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary willconcentrate in four strategic areas: mission effectiveness,providing a ready volunteer force, effective relationships withits partners, and knowledge management." The way we willaccomplish these objectives is by concentrating on the fol-lowing goals:* Continue to be the best all volunteer organization in theNation (Goal 1)* Continue to provide the best product on the market for theeducation of the boating public (Goal 1)* Maintain the high standards of the organization to ensurethat we continue to maintain the integrity and dependabilityof the organization (Goal 1)* Maintain a ready volunteer force ready to assist the CoastGuard in times of emergency (Goal 2)* Continue an aggressive recruiting program to include a di-versity of members to ensure the long-term growth of theorganization (Goal 2)* Continue to recognize the contributions of our members(Goal 2)* Continue to meet the expectations of the Coast Guard andAmerica's Boating Public to be the premiere safe boatingorganization (Goal 3)* Work with other Federal Government Agencies, Statesand other partner agencies to support safe boating (Goal 3)* Adjust our organization to the changes in the structure ofthe Coast Guard to best support its missions and to allowfor the cooperation within to ensure the organization oper-ates at peak efficiency (Goal 3)* Create innovative methods to use new electronic systemsto improve the overall effectiveness of the education pro-cess (Goal 4)

DCOS Report continued on Pg. 29

Spring/Summer Issue5

Rick SchalDCAPT-West

LIFELINES

The dictionary gives us a definition for Lifelines as "a line(as a rope) used for saving or preserving life, a line alongthe outer edge of the deck of a boat or a line used to keepcontact with a person such a diver in a dangerous orpotentially dangerous situation."

The Coast Guard has another and different definition forLifelines. Their definition of Lifelines is a four-fold brochureabout safety tips that could save your life when boating inareas that have Inland and Coastal Tugboat, Towboat andBarge Operations.

Many new and even many experienced boaters do notunderstand or know the following facts:

* "Commercial vessels, including towboats and tugboatsoperate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day."

* "The speed of a ship, towboat or tugboat can bedeceptive. A tow can travel one mile in seven minutes, aship even faster, and it generally takes ¾ to 1½ miles tostop. For example, if a water skier falls a thousand feet infront of a moving tug or tow, the skier has less than oneminute to get out of the way."

* "Large vessels must maintain speed to steer, and theymust stay in the channel, it's the only place deep enoughfor them to operate. Many channels are unmarked. On

some waterways, the channel extends bank to bank, soexpect vessel traffic on any portion of the waterway."

* "A pilot’s "blind spot" can extend for hundreds of feet infront of tugboats and towboats pushing barges."

* "In narrow channels, a tug's or tow's powerful engines cancause a smaller vessel to be pulled toward the tow whenpassing alongside."

* "Wheel Wash is a strong underwater current caused bytowboat or ship engines that can result in severe turbulencehundreds of yards behind a large vessel."

* "A tug without barges in front could be towing a barge orother objects behind it on a long submerged line, which lieslow in the water and is difficult to see. Never pass closelybehind a tugboat."

What can recreational boaters do to safely operate aroundtowboats and tugboats? The Lifelines brochure recommendsthe following;(1) stay out of the path of tugboats and towboats, especiallywhen approaching bridges and locks,(2) designate a lookout,(3) understand whistle signals and(4) don't water ski, jet ski or boat in close proximity to towsor tugs.

It is also important to understand, "Ships, towboats andtugboats use VHF radio channels 13 and 16. If you areunsure of your situation, or their intentions, feel free to contactthem. Remember, you are sharing the waterways with vesselsoperated with highly trained and conscientious professionals.If you have a true emergency, or need information, they canand will help if properly contacted."

Why is it so important to know the facts when sharing ourwaterways with commercial towboats and tugboats? Duringthe 2010 calendar year, there were five deaths in the SectorOhio Valley AOR between recreational boats and commercialvessels. All five of these deaths would have been preventedif the individuals involved had followed the recommendationsin the LIFELINES brochure.

LIFELINES continued on Pg. 29

6Spring/Summer Issue

Jim HufnagelDCDR-8

Logistics

Greeting to all members of the Eighth District, EasternRegion of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary from the westernmost and largest AOR Division, Division 08. We cover 51counties in 4 states (Illinois. Kentucky, Missouri andTennessee) that includes 623 miles on 4 major rivers(Cumberland River -109 miles, Mississippi - 167 miles,Ohio - 126 and the Tennessee - 267 miles).

Talk about a Logistic nightmare! First, we do not haveeither enough members or facilities to adequately cover allof those river miles. Second, Logistics becomes a verymajor factor because there are no small vessel marinas withinour AOR of the Mississippi River therefore, NO fuel. Withinour AOR on the Ohio River, there is only 1 small vesselmarina. On the Cumberland River between Mile (MM)Markers 84 and 109 there is no place to obtain fuel and onthe Tennessee River fuel is readily available until we reachMM 104 and then it becomes distant between marinas.

Being Auxiliary members, we are both resilient and flexibleand therefore are adaptable to all the needs of the variousdemands that the logistics problems present us as membersof Division 08.

Bill SeymerDSO-OP

Commitment to Currency

It is a great privilege and honor to represent the membershipas District Staff Officer for Operations. My professionalboating career began in 1968 and is still ongoing. I have hadthe honor of serving our country as a member of the U.S.Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard and presently as an Auxiliarist.

I was able to attend N-Train in St. Louis earlier this year.Being able to talk with the folks from National and otherDistrict Operations Officers has convinced me that the crewmembers in 8ER are on the right track. We have professionaland energetic crews on facilities that are well suited for theoperations that we are called upon to perform.

The Coast Guard is changing and the membership is beingtasked with increased mission hours in non-traditional areasof responsibility. Because of these "opportunities," we haveto maintain a high level of training, execution and fitness. Land-based training in regards to marlinspike seamanship and rulesof the road is critical. It is also necessary to familiarizeourselves with all of the required SOPs, publications, manualsand instructions that apply to surface operations.

Being trained and current is more involved and takes greatercommitment than just being concerned with 12 hours ofunderway time to maintain currency.

As members of the Auxiliary, and in many cases the onlyCoast Guard representatives in a given area, we need to hold

DSO-OP continued on Pg. 29

7

Spring/Summer Issue

Allen WaldDCDR-16

Just Another Day at the Office

As you know, the 2011 year has dealt us many challenges,starting with our first meeting in January having to be canceleddue to weather.

February gave us AUXCOM classes and testing along withtwo one hour TCT classes in two different locations, and ourfirst QE work shop. Flotilla 16-9 put on a three month crewclass at the McDonald School HQ.

March found the flotillas setting up the year’s first PublicAffairs booths at two different Wal-Mart stores and a PublicAffairs booth at a WILD GAME EXPO.

In April, the leadership went to Indianapolis, IN. for the SpringD-Train which was cut short by the Coast Guard leadershipbecause of the national budget. Also in April, the Divisionleadership took part in the first Chattanooga MarinersAssociation meeting to talk about the events taking place onthe Tennessee River. This will be a monthly meeting withdifferent speakers.

At the end of April and into the start of May, Mother Natureblessed us with a series of intense storm cells bringing usmultiple tornadoes and damaging hail and lightning. DivisionSixteen and the citizens of South Eastern Tennessee carriedon with the Armed Forces Day Parade, the Division startedoff with a Color Guard, convertible, truck with antique boat,and truck with a coastie float. As fate would have it, we had

to stand down the Color Guard at the last minute due to aflag mishap and the convertible was taken out due to amechanical problem. The Armed Forces Day Parade wasstill a big success.

The second weekend in May found a Public Affairs boothand several Vessel Examiners at the Erwin Marine CustomerAppreciation day event. The third weekend our Flotillas wereout on the Tennessee river for the Chattanooga Fun Runpatrol with two facilities and on that same day we had twomore facilities on the Tennessee river for the Dragon boatraces.

Now we are in the month of June and we start off at theNational Clean Boating Campaign on the Tennessee Riverat Spring City, Tennessee doing Vessel Examines at four boatramps.

On the second weekend, we again had a facility on theTennessee River for the River Rats swim and that started theRiver Bend Festival which activated facilities for another fivedays. Two of our AUXCHEF members joined with theO'Charley's restaurant to feed all of the event’s lawenforcement members and the Coast Guard family.

That is just the first six months of this year, and as for thisgreat group of Auxiliary members, that is just another day atthe office.

SEMPER PARATUSAllen L. Wald, DCDR-16


2011 Armed Forces WeekendIndianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) * May 20-22, 2011

Russ Beaver, 082-01-03

Armed Forces Weekend at IMS has been a tradition spanning through decades. The Coast Guard Auxiliary (Division 1,District 08E) had its annual display in turn 2 of the track which consisted of an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from CoastGuard Station Detroit, a response boat and a recruitment booth. The display was a very successful hands-on event withthe general public and included visiting personnel from Sitka, Alaska, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C.

The Borg Warner Corporation, designer of the winning trophy, graciously provided the use of their IMS suite to all CoastGuard personnel for both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday was the annual inductee ceremony with the honorary guestUnited Stated Senator Richard Lugar. The ceremony is always the high point of the weekend. The United States CoastGuard was well represented at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Armed Forces Weekend 2011.

Semper Paratus,Russ Beaver

Flight crew in Gasoline Alley. AMT3 Matt Lange, AST3 DavidWhite, LT. Brian Ward, Co-Pilot and LT. Rich Kuzah, Pilot

Auxiliarists in front of C.G. response boat. Gene Maresga,Alan Hall (DCDR-1), Chris Dowless, and Stan Emerson

LT. Kuzah, LT. Ward, and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard Coast Guard Inductees with Senator Lugar (center). Left: LT.Kuzah and Ken Whitson, Indianapolis recruiter. Right: LT.Ward and Dan Hansen, Indianapolis recruiter.


Spring D-TRAIN ReportMort Mullins, DDC-P


Spring D-TRAIN ReportRobert Bruce, DDC-R


DDC-R Report continued


Spring D-TRAIN ReportJohn Bentley, DDC-GA

The Government Affairs Department consists of the State Liaison and Legislative Liaison Officers for Indiana, Kentucky,Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia, They are: Beverly Buckman for Indiana, Chuck Tibbens for Kentucky, Gary Branstetterfor Ohio, John Whelan for Tennessee and Donald Metz for West Virginia.

The goals of the Department are:

1. Maintain open communications between the SLO/LLO and the Boating Law Administrator within each SLO/LLO 'sstate and attend Recreational Boating Safety meetings as appropriate.2. Report on changes in state boating laws and/or new laws to their respective DCDRs, and the DDC-GA.3. The DDC-GA sends quarterly reports to the National RBS Director, Atlantic States with copies to the DCO, DCOS,and DIRAUX.

Indiana Legislature is currently considering several changes in the state boating laws:a. New Operator Responsibility rulesb. Implied Consent by boat operators to Chemical Testingc. Offer of Chemical Testing when there is probable caused. Offer of Chemical Tests in Accidents involving serious injury or death

Ohio Legislature does not have any boating rules proposals or changes before it at this time. Divisions 5, 6 and 18 areplanning joint activities with the Watercraft Div., of O.D.N.R. at several of the larger inland lakes during NSBW andcontinuing through July. Division 6 is currently negotiating the establishment of an Auxiliary Station at Caesar Creek Lakewith the O.D.N.R's Parks Division.

Kentucky Legislature does not have any changes or new rules under consideration at this time. Chuck Tibbens has beenasked to speak to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Division at the KY F&W Spring Workshop and discuss who the USCGAux is and how we can assist their officers in the field. He is also arranging for the area supervisors of KY F&W to meetdirectly with Division Commanders to open doors of communication between the Auxiliary and KY F&W. One big goal isto increase the number of Auxiliary Instructors to teach the KY State Boating Course. Chuck also reports that Auxiliary willbe doing vessel safety checks on the KY F&W patrol boats and the KY F&W will be encouraging boaters to contact theAuxiliary for VSCs, and passing out contact information to the boaters.

The Tennessee Legislature is not considering any new rules at this time. John Whelan reports that the State of Tennessee'sLibrary and Archives has set up a program to preserve the history of the USCG Aux in Tennessee. All Divisions inTennessee have been requested to send photos and articles to the Tennessee Library and Archives Department.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has been a Vessel Safety Check agent for more than 5 years, but very little if anyVSC's have been conducted by TWRA. Efforts are currently being conducted towards partnered VSC's in the uppereastern part of the state with TWRA and the U.S. Power Squadrons. TWRA is interested in having their state boats safetychecked and the logistics involved in accomplishing the task are being worked out.

John reports the US Army Corps of Engineers will likely announce a new mandatory life jacket wear policy on all corps-managed lakes and reservoirs nationwide later this year. In November, Army Corps staff will present a report and recom-mendation to its leadership. The report is expected to report that test sites achieved a 70% wear rate with no reduction in

DDC-GA Report continued


recreation. The effective date for boaters has not been determined.

Efforts are underway at the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to help the public prepare a plan in the event of amajor earthquake. The New Madrid Seismic zone is in the Memphis area and a major earthquake would cause majordamage over a wide area including Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. There is a drill planned forApril 28, 2011 in these states that will help the public prepare for such an event. It is called the Great Central U.S.Shakeout. There are television commercials advertising the drill currently running in the states. For more information visithttp://shakeout/org/centralus/.

The West Virginia DNR Law Enforcement Section and the Auxiliary have partnered and the Auxiliary will continue teachingthe mandatory boating safety classes and issuing those who pass the exam the WV Boater Safety Class Card.

The Auxiliary will be conducting VSCs on the WV DNR boats and conducting Program Visits to fill the DNR's displayracks with literature.

Discussions and plans are underway for a Boating Safety Day on 21 May at Cabelas in Wheeling, WV. WV DNR hasbeen requested to participate with the Auxiliary and MSU Pittsburgh is bringing a response boat, display items and person-nel to the event. The Army Corps of Engineers, the Ohio D.N.R. have also been invited to participate.

Respectfully submitted,John E. Bentley, DDC-GA

Did You Know? Auxiliary Activities

The U.S. Coast Guard may utilize the Auxiliary for any purpose incident to carrying out its functions and duties asauthorized by the Commandant and any motorboat, yacht, aircraft, or radio station placed at its disposition for any suchpurpose by any member of the Auxiliary. Any such facility so volunteered shall be deemed a U.S. Coast Guard Facilitywhile assigned to authorized Coast Guard duty. Each year Auxiliarists (people just like you) save almost 400 lives, assistsome 10,000 boaters in distress, conduct more than 100,000 free vessel safety checks of recreational vessels and teachover 130,000 students in boating and water safety courses. The results of these activities save taxpayers well over$100,000,000 every year.

Spring D-TRAIN ReportDeAnne Rodenburg, DSO-IS

The mission of the IS Department is to deliver, maintain, and provide support for Information Services (AUXDATA) tomeet the needs of the Auxiliary Leaders, its Members and Management at all levels, and their interactions with the generalmembership.

The IS Division is responsible for AuxData, the Auxiliary's membership and administrative database, Auxlnfo systems,which present subsets of AuxData for member and management use, and the standard and increasingly electronic Formsolutions used by members and management on a daily basis. This Division is also responsible for the training and supportof IS officers at all levels so that they can effectively use the systems that are in place.

Within this department, a program called AUX10 is designed to provide district, division and flotilla information systemspersonnel with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to exercise responsibility for all matters pertaining to the collection,recording, and forwarding of the flotilla's AUXDATA information, and keep members informed of all developments in thisarea. Report generation and creation of ad-hoc queries using AUXINFO will be reviewed using in-depth classroom handson exercises.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES* Exercise staff responsibility and supervision over all matters pertaining to the collection and recording of the District'sdata, keeping EXCOM members informed of all developments in this area.* Initiate and maintain contact with my counterparts on the National Staff as well as the SOs-IS to ensure proper credit isreceived for the members' activities.* Utilize the district web site to provide current and readily available information about AUXDATA to the district member-ship.

GENERAL DUTIES* Provide any workshops, seminars and other training sessions when requested, particularly those for the IS and AUXDATA/AUXINFO training of elected and appointed officers. Help is provided by the ADSO-IS Carl Rodenburg in this area.* Take positive steps to ensure that the SOs-IS are well trained. Conduct whatever workshops and training programs thatmay be necessary.* Establish goals and measurable objectives for your area of responsibility and prepare the necessary plans to achievethem.* Review the appropriate AUXDATA/AUXINFO reports on a regular basis to track the input of the District's activities toensure accuracy.* Review mission activities at the end of the year for awards calculations. This is done by Bill Husfield, ADSO-IS* Ensure that each Division and Flotilla within the District has identified an IS officer and provides training.

Respectfully submitted,DeAnne Rodenburg, DSO-IS



Spring D-TRAIN ReportMary Ward, DSO-MA

The MA department serves us in two (2) ways. First, by having uniform items and other Coast Guard materials for ourmembers to purchase. It also makes a lot of money for our district to use. The funds we ask for can come out of the Districtaccount or out of the Materials account. The stores has received the "go ahead" to accept credit cards and this needs afaster connection to the web than what we have. A better inventory control is a must and an on line accounting will help toreduce the time that is required to produce the Balance Sheet and the Profit & Loss Statement.

Mary Ward works for Office Depot and will be able to obtain an employee discount for these items.

1 - A computer with at least 4GB of RAM2 - A hard drive with at least 320 GB or better3 - 2011 Quickbooks Pro4 - An anti-virus software and recovery disc (no longer included)5 - An inventory control program

I would like to propose that you give Mary Ward the authority to purchase these items with the cost not to exceed$1,000.00.

Respectfully submitted,Wilhelmina McAdams, DDC-L

Spring D-TRAIN ReportRonald Tvorik, DSO-PE

Goals1. Conduct one paddlesports class in each of the 13 divisions in 2011.2. Increase 2011 Public Education course graduates by 25% over 2010.3. Increase the number of courses and ITs by 2% per year.4. Encourage SO-PE visits to 50% of the courses during 2011 to conduct quality evaluations in a non-threatening manner.5. Encourage Instructor Workshops to review teaching skills and techniques.6. Improve Public Education course presentations by targeted consolidation at the division level.7. Offer the right courses, at the most convent locations and times, with the most highly qualified instructors targeted to theright audience. To do this we must stay on top of trends at a local level and we must monitor and measure customersatisfaction to ensure that we're doing so. What we learn may require us to increase the density and variety of our courses.This means we'll need more trained, qualified and experienced instructors.8. Build programs that allow a better balance of family and organizational interaction, which will enable us to attract youngadults with families.9. Develop and exploit other mass communication methods of promulgating the RBS message and available services to thegeneral public.10. Develop new methods for meeting market expectations for Public Education. Possibly teach shorter classes with morediverse venues.

Opportunities (from the Prevention Directorate 2011 Strategic Plan Input)1. National and District identification of RBS as a strategic imperative.

DSO-PE continued on Pg. 17


DSO-PE Report continued from Pg. 162. Emergence and rapid growth of Paddlesports.3. Opportunities to partner with Sea Partners, United States Power Squadron, several paddlesports associations, BoyScouts, Sea Scouts, States and other Social Media.

Accomplishments (first three from the Prevention Directorate 2011 Strategic Plan Input)1. The Coast Guard Image and brand recognition.2. Seamanship know-how, experience, motivation and commitment of membership.3. The high quality AV and printed outreach and training material.4. The new Instructor Workshop now available in the e-Library Resource Center.5. An MOA with the American Canoe Association.6. An MOD with the U.S. Power Squadron7. A newly updated AuxPlus PE program.

Concerns (from the Prevention Directorate 2011 Strategic Plan Input)1. Public perception of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.2. Declining membership/inability to serve all boating areas.3. Lack of age, gender and racial diversity.4. Lack of marketing know-how.5. Lack of coordination between staff and elected leadership.6. Inconsistent quality of performance in all areas.

Current/Continuing Relationships with Outside Agencies1. Working with the various state agencies.2. Working with the Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts and Cub Scouts.3. Working with the American Canoe Association.4. Working with the U.S. Power Squadron.5. Working with local marinas and boat dealerships.6. Working with local school administrators.7. Working with local boat shows.8. Working with local health departments.

Member Communications Improvement Plan1. Encouraging FSO-PEs to communicate with their SO-PEs.2. Encouraging SO-PEs to communicate with their DSO-PE.3. Encouraging PE, VE and PV to support each other.

National Staff Information (from Commodore Dave Maul, DIR-ED)1. Congratulations to Commodore Dave Maul, our new DIR-ED, and to Henry Foglino, DIR-ed. (Deputy Director).2. Also welcome Carolyn McDermott as BC-Youth Courses and Paul DeVita as BC-lntermediate Courses.3. The Education Connection Newsletter did not have a December and March issue. The next issue will be June. Thedeadline for articles for this edition is 30 April.4. The Course Development Division has three projects underway. Torn Walsh, DVC-ET has taken

DSO-PE continued on Pg. 21


Spring D-TRAIN ReportJim Hufnagel, DSO-PV

IntroductionImportance of the RBS Visitation Program

- First line of point contact with the Marine Industry and the Public.- Set-up display units at Marinas, Chandleries, Yacht Sales, Boat Rentals, Bank/Credit Union Loan Offices,Insurance Agencies, Hospital/Doctor's Office waiting rooms or anywhere people gather.

DSO-PV DutiesSO-PV Duties

- Required reporting.- Communications.

Forms involved in the RBS Visitation Program1) ANSC-7046 'ACTIVITY REPORT RBS VISITATION'Since most visitations normally last about 20- 30 minutes, alternate between "0" and "V in the hour block (this will preventthe PV from overinflating hours). This is because the on-line form will only accept whole numbers, The exception to the ruleis on the first visit, to a new Program Partner, then log the actual hours to the nearest whole number.2) ANSC-7047 'MANUFACTURE ID CODE SYSTEM'This is a U.S. Coast Guard form; therefore, a number of entries do not apply to us in the Auxiliary. PVs need to omplete thisform for every new Program Partner, change of Ownership, or the no longer in business (deletion). Forms are to forwardedthrough the Chain (PV -> FSO-> SO -> DSO).3) ANSC-7029 'MEMBER ACTIVITY REORT’

Enclosure (1) to COMDTPUB P16791.3SUGGESTED DIVISION PROGRAM VISITOR STAFF OFFICER DUTIES* Attend all staff meetings of the Division. Give the Vice Commander prior notice when such attendance is not possible.* Whenever possible, attend District Board Meetings held in your area.* Be prepared to assist the Flotillas with any workshops and training sessions called, particularly those for the training ofelected and staff officers.* Take positive steps to ensure that the FSO-PVs are well trained.* Conduct workshops and/or training program(s), as may be necessary, to ensure that District policy is followed in yourprogram.* Initiate and maintain contact with the DSO-PV and DSO-VE. Copy the DSO-PV with all of your reports to the VCDR.* Be familiar with the contents of the RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY VISITATION PROGRAM MANUAL,COMDTINST M16796.3C.* Be alert for any reports on problems with supplies from the National Supply Center that affects your area of responsibility.Bring these matters to the attention of the VDCR and/or the DCDR.* Establish goals and objectives for your Division along with the necessary plans that are required to achieve your goals.You should develop goals that are measurable and maintain periodic review of the progress toward them. Report thisprogress to the Division Board at each meeting. A comparison should be made with last year's progress.* As a Division Staff Officer, you are a direct representative of the Division Commander, and as such, you are directed tovisit and communicate with the various Flotillas as may be required to assist them. As a courtesy, prior coordination of anyvisits to the units will be made with the applicable FC.* Prepare regular mailing to the Flotilla Program Visitor Staff Officers. The frequency of such mailing is to be that requiredto pass down all information received from the DSO-PV and/or DSO-VE. A mailing should also be sent as an introduction


DSO-PV Report continued

prior to the start of the year, with any directions, procedures and reminders that may be necessary to start new FSO-PVsoff in the right direction. The purpose of these mailings is to ensure that communication down tothe Flotilla level is maintained. When appropriate, copies will be provided to the Division Board and applicable DistrictStaff Officers.* Prepare one or more articles for each issue of the Division publication to pass information of a general nature or ofwidespread interest regarding your program down to Flotilla members within the Division.* With cooperation from the SO-IS, review the appropriate AUXMIS data, at least quarterly, to track the progress of theDivision's Program Visitations. When a weakness is observed within a Flotilla, correspond with the appropriate staffofficer. Request advice on the nature of the problem and offer assistance. When appropriate, prepare correspondence forthe DCDR or VCDR to use in requesting information from the Flotilla Commanders on the perceived problems.* Refrain from requesting information and data from the Flotilla staff officers that is collected by, and available from,AUXMIS. Such requests are counter productive as they turn the staff officers attention away from their primary tasks tothat of duplicate data collection.* Do the utmost to ensure the quality and integrity of all Program Partner Visitations are maintained.* Issue Program Partner Decals to the FSO-PVs and maintain account ability of all decals provided for the Division's use.* Assist the Division Member Training Staff Officer to encourage an aggressive program to qualify new Program Visitors.With cooperation from the Division Member Training Office, establish and conduct Program Visitor improvement pro-grams.* With cooperation from the Division Member training Staff Officer, ensure that any required VE/PV Workshop is prop-erly conducted. Hold a Division Workshop with all FSO-PVs to discuss the District/Division related topics that should beincluded in the VE/PV Workshop. Ensure that items particular to this District are included with the National Topics wheneach workshop is conducted.* Coordinate with the SO-IS to ensure a system is available to identify those PVs that have yet to attend a workshop intime to ensure 100% attendance by all Program Visitors in the Division. Conduct Division level workshops as required toaccomplish the 100% attendance.* Establish and oversee a program whereby all Program Visitors, in so far as practicable, have been assigned to a specificFlotilla for coverage under the Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program.* At each meeting, report in writing to the Division Board on the progress in the field of member training and on the statusof the Division's Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program.* Copies of all correspondence from you, when appropriate, are to be provided to the DCDR, VCDR and applicableDSO(s) (for matters concerning their particular area).

Respectfully submitted,Jim Hufnagel, DSO-PV


Spring D-TRAIN ReportDonald Metz, DSO-VE

The New Role of the Vessel Examiner

As Vessel Examiners our first and foremost mission is to deliver the RBS message to the greater recreational boatingcommunity. That message includes:

1. The value and maintenance of recreational boat safety equipment (VSC)2. Safe boating techniques: the right behaviors (VSC)3. Promotion of additional boating safety education; that knowledge is the key to a safer boating experience.4. Marine Domain Awareness: Water Way Watch program.5. Use of Personal Flotation Device: Boat Smart.6. Dangers of CO poisoning.7. Cold water safety issues: cold water immersion.8. On the water environmental issues.9. Alcohol and its impact on the recreational boater.Our future state as Vessel Examiners is to develop an image that our Vessel Examiners are in fact EDUCATORS. We areeducating the public and those with close ties to the public with the RBS message. With this new image comes a primaryfocus to educate more and more individuals. Although we must continue to support repeat business, we must place a highervalue on reaching new customers. This is especially true in terms of our VSC program. The VE must educate and exposeas many new customers as possible each year to the RBS message.

There is our directive straight from the V-Department. Let's break it down. This means that we must seek out newcustomers if our base is to continue to grow. In Block C, Section II, lines 3 and 4 must be given highest priority onexaminations this year. Line 3, “High Focus”, and Line 4, “First Time Decal Receivers”, will be the measurable goal for theDistrict this year.

With our new role as educator, we must prepare and practice our examinations. To promote additional boating safetyeducation, seek out and have available class schedules and be ready to give information. Are you carrying a briefcase withall the available literature that is available and pertinent to your AOR? Are you enlisting them in the Water Way Watchprogram and handing out the information available. Are you encouraging them to wear PFDs while underway and givingscenarios of the difference between wearing and not wearing (77% better survival rate) and using Boat Smart material? Areyou asking about and promoting CO monitoring equipment onboard?

Engagement on cold water survival and environmental issues. We need to talk to everyone onboard when conducting anexamination including the children on the boat. There are numerous publications provided by the National Supply Centerthat are a hit with kids (for example, Officer Snook and Boating Safety Activity books) available through your SO-MA.

Our presentation of the Vessel Exam must be renewed. Instead of asking if fire extinguisher is on board, ask them to showyou what they would do if an engine caught fire. Decal Requirements 1 through 15 are your introduction to the Recom-mended and Discussion Items. It's in this section of the examination where you sell our message to the boater. This is alsothe section where you bring up local conditions that are areas of concern such as low water dams or increased Tow VesselTraffic, etc. Slow down and drive the message home, engage their comments frequently.

The 2011 Mission Statement from the National RBS Program states " To minimize the loss of life, personal injury, propertydamage, and the environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through prevention, in order to

maximize the safe use and enjoyment of United States waterways by the public. So you see that we are EDUCATORS andhave a very important mission to perform. Are we finished, not so fast, did you discuss the Auxiliary? Do you haverecruiting literature with you in your presentation material? We are one of the best recruiting tools the Auxiliary has.

In closing, 2009 showed an increase in boating injuries and death. Boating Safety is one of our core missions. AdmiralPapp has made it a priority to reduce those numbers and we are up for and welcome the challenge.

We are the front line in the mission to promote Boating Safety. Each and every person we encounter is an opportunity toeducate that person with the knowledge that may one day save their lives.

Respectfully submitted,Donald J. Metz, II DSO-VE


the lead in developing three stand alone modules from materials found in the Supplemental Chapters in BS&S. The threeunder development are; Navigation, Weather and Radio. The idea is to offer a 2 -4 hour course that will take the interestof more experienced boaters who don't want to spend extended class time. Tom will keep us posted regarding the statusof these projects.5. There will be a required NASBLA review of the "About Boating Safely" course this year. The Course ManagementDivision will look at the current product and develop any changes necessary. The tentative fix date has been set for 30 July.

Respectfully submitted,Ronald Tvorik, DSO-PE

DSO-PE Report continued from Pg. 17

DSO-VE Report continued

Summary of Marine Safety Activities in the Eighth Eastern Region

Have 12 SO-MSs assigned, out of the 13 Divisions within the Region. Most of these Staff Officers have completed therequirements for the Marine Safety Training Ribbon (MSTR) and are very familiar with Auxiliary Marine Safety activities.Many who reside in appropriate areas actively augment Marine Safety Units (MSU). Some SOs have earned or areworking on the requirements for the prestigious Marine Safety Trident Device. SO-MSs are actively conducting "recruit-ing" visits in Flotillas within their Divisions to inform members of Marine Safety opportunities.

Renewed emphasis on the Coast Guard's America's Waterway Watch (AWW) program. Encouraging all Auxiliary pro-grams (PE, VE, PV and OP) to include material and presentations on AWW. New material is available from ANSC. Timespent on AWW activities should be included on member's activity reports. AWW was discussed at great length at therecent N-Train.

Stressing more involvement of Auxiliary members in the Uninspected Towing Vessel (UTV), Uninspected Passenger Ves-sel (UPV) and, when possible the Commercial Fishing Vessel (CFV) programs. Several MSUs in the Region have trainingprograms underway at this time. This is a good opportunity to provide direct augmentation to the CG. Most of the time atthe DSO-MS training at the recent N-Train was spent in this area.

Updating opportunities for Auxiliary members to become involved in Marine Safety program. The old cumbersome IIMScourse and proctored exam have been replaced by the new IMSEP course. This course can be taken on-line at home anddoes not require a proctored exam. Completion of this course counts as credit for TWO points (out of seven) on the newAUXOP requirements. A review of the new IMSEP course and suggestions for completing the on-line exam are beingoffered at this D-Train.

The CG Sea Partner program is alive and well. Auxiliary members who are interested in community environmental outreachactivities are encouraged to become involved in this program. New, updated materials is available at the ANSC. The CGis exploring the possibility of offering an AWW/Sea Partner training course sometime in the future.

Communication and cooperation within the Region continues to improve. Encouragement and increased expectationswithin the Auxiliary Marine Safety community are paying dividends with increased member involvement.

Respectfully submitted,Terry Siler, DSO-MS


Spring D-TRAIN ReportTerry Siler, DSO-MS


Spring D-TRAIN ReportLynn Miles, DSO-PA

This year I started things off a little different for our PA Department by sending out a letter to all members in our District. Ihad two reasons for this letter: (1) Inform all our members of my intentions on leading our PA Department for the next twoyears and (2) to hopefully get feedback from our members to help stimuate new ideas for promoting the Auxiliary. For me,this letter started our department off great. I received great feedback from so many of our members thanking me for theletter and giving me some really good suggestions.

Following this action, I brought on board new ADSO positions to help better serve our members and to assist in thecreation of new programs being laid out for the PA Department by National.

Currently, our Coastie program is being overhauled at the National level. To keep up with the requests of National, I havecreated a new ADSO-PA position (filled by RitaWirtz of Division 2) to meet the challenges that we are receiving fromNational. Rita is doing a fantistic job at reaching out to our Divisions and getting the information we need to submit toNational.

Coastie Operations by Rita Wirtz, ADSO-PA:Rita is updating our Coastie Program by:1. Confirming that we have 36 Coastie Operators and 6 Coasties2. Tracking Coastie Activities and Assignment to Duty3. Improving the Coastie Program by closing the gap of communication between Coastie Operators and PA Staff Officers.4. Updating the National Coastie Website with our latest information on our District Coastie program (in reference tolocation of Coasties)5. Establishing more Coastie Operator Training Workshops across the District.

Color Guard Report - Flags & Ceremony by Jim and Doris Armour, ADSOs-PA:1. Has created our District's SOP, and Operational Manual along with 3 reporting forms. All are waiting for approval.2. Contact and reporting to National PA Flags & Ceremony Department3. Stepping up Color Guards - three divisions are training:

Division 16 - 4 members, Chattanooga, TNDivision 18 - 3 members, Columbus, OHDivision 11 - 3 members, Nashville, TN

Stories/Articles and Photography publications by Tim Hooker, ADSO-PA:1. Heartland Guardians was created as a new vehicle for our publications and photography along with reporting on our PAEvents and other resources for sharing ideas for recruiting. The purpose of this e-newspaper is to share stories and articleswritten by our members for our members about PA/VE and PE but can also include OPS and MT. The First Edition of thenew Heartland Guardian went out to the DCDRs, FCs and DSOs on the 9th of March.2. The second edition will go out electronically to all members in our district.3. Podcasting - reaching more public via internet. (new project)

National Safe Boating Week May 21st -27th:Mary Scarry will be assisting me this year with this event. Mary will be contacting divisions to follow up with FSO-PAs inthe next two weeks.


DSO-PA Report continued

2011 Members of the USCGAUX National Photography Corps:

5 members from 4 different Divisions: Cox, David (18-02); Defriese, Greg (16-06); Higginbotham, Gerlinde, (18-06);Miles, Lynn (24-02); Wilkinson, Duncan (24-07)

Calendar of events:1. Create calendar boiler plates for FSO/SO-PAs. (in process by Lynn)2. Create calendar of opportunities for writing articles for FSO/SO-PAs (In progress)3. Create District calendar of activities.

Mascots:

PFD Panda - Currently there are 3 Pandas - Division 11 Nashville (1) and Division 24 (2). Note: currently 1 Panda is outof commission.Coasties - Currently there are 6 Coasties in our District.Sammy Sea Otter - This is a new robotic Mascot. Total package is $2,995.00. Literature and marketing trinkets are beingdeveloped. Division 2 is currently looking into purchasing Sammy Sea Otter. It will be late Spring before Sammy will beavailable. For more information, contact Lynn Miles, DSO-PA 082: [email protected].

Upcoming events:NSBW - May 21-27th National Marina Day - Jun 11thOperation Dry Water June 25-27 Wounded Warrior - November 1Wreaths Aross America - December 11

Respectfully submitted,Lynn Miles, DSO-PA


Spring D-TRAIN ReportAlan Hall, DSO-HR

I am your DSO for Human Resources. We come under the H Department and are responsible for leadership in Recruitingand Retention of members.

In Feb I attended a class for all Human Resourse DSOs at N-Train. This class consisted of discussions on techniques forRecruiting and best practices for member retention. Also, presented in this class were six new Power Point presentationsfrom National on the following topics:

* Auxiliary Benefits* The AUXCHEF program* HR duties and what is expected of the DSOs* Awards* Recruitment and Retention Efforts* Uniforms

These presentations, if not already done so, are to be presented to flotillas in your respective Divisions. We were alsointroduced to the Officers over each of these programs.

On Recruitment:

Every member is a recruiter so your FSO-HR should give a short presentation to their respective Flotillas on propertechniques we should all use. Many of the good habits we want members to follow are demonstrated by the first personwho deals with a prospect for recruitment. So, it is very important that we all agree how we look and how we presentourselves. It is hard to accomplish that in an e-mail invitation to join. It's hard to accomplish this if our uniform is notimpeccable and our persons not well manicured.

On Retention:

Most of our disenrollments for the past 3 years were members of less than 1 year. Why? Most responses were because of"clicks within the units", "politics", "no training" and "no time". A few phone calls revealed it wasn't because they didn't havethe time it was "they were lost as to what to do". These are facts not presumptions. So we need to make every effort tomentor members on a regular basis not just for an operations program. Use a minimum of thirty minutes at every meeting tomentor on one subject. Also, we need qualified people in the officer rolls but if you see the same people in the same rolls forseveral years then maybe it's time to re-think who we are choosing for these offices. Get them engaged early and keepthem engaged.

As your DSO-HR, I would like to leave you all with this: Social interaction is one of our corner stones but we mustremember what we are here for. Our Commodore has heard me state on more than one occasion, we are all volunteers butwe need to remember why Congress made us official in 1939. If we were important to the Gold side in that time period,how important are we now with all the cuts in funding for the Coast Guard and the increased work load they have toendure. We can't let them down when they need us the most. So please, help us remain looking professional in our actionsand appearance by proper mentoring and training.

Respectfully submitted,Alan Hall, DSO-HR


Spring D-TRAIN ReportNancy A. Reece, DSO-CS

As a new District Staff officer, the past few months have been very busy and quite a learning experience. The following aresome accomplishments and on-going activities:* Successfully transferred district website files from previous DSO-CS; verified and repaired links as needed* Updated district website with 2011 Board and Staff* Upon receipt of information from PE officers, Boating Safety Classes are regularly posted on the website and informationforwarded to DSO-PE and ASC* Information and links on the District site are updated as needed* Information posted on the National 'What's New' page is forwarded on a daily basis to the District Board mailing list andto Division CS officers for dissemination to all members* I have assisted several new Division CS officers in dealing with questions and/or problems with their Division websites* Attended Communications Services training at N-TRAIN in St. Louis* I have continued to develop my skills with the WOW (Websites without Webmasters) system and have encouragedDivision CS officers to make use of it. More information about the WOW system follows:

While there were several subjects discussed at N-TRAIN, such as privacy issues and social media on the internet, the mainfocus of the Communication Services classes was the WOW System. The WOW system is a web resource available toeach Unit on the Flotilla and Division level that can supplement or replace the Unit's existing AIRS website. It is a contentdriven system where the basic website template is already in place including customizable menus and a national menu bar,and only needs the Unit's content to be added. Some areas of the template itself can be customized, including the ability toadd 'member only' pages that are not available to the general public. Only by signing in with your member number andpassword, can these pages be viewed. Photos, links to other pages and websites, and basic html code can also be added.Some information such as the current Unit elected and appointed officers and monthly meeting information is automaticallypulled from AUXDATA and posted.

The ability to post announcements to a Unit's WOW site is not limited to the CS officer. FCs, VFCs, IPFCs and FSO-CSscan post announcements to Flotilla WOW sites. DCDRs, VCDRs, IPDCDRs and SO-CSs can post announcements toDivision WOW sites. Additionally, SO-CSs can access Flotilla websites within their division. This allows those officers totake an active role in their website and to maintain a site even if the unit does not have a CS officer. It should be noted thatthe WOW system is still in beta mode and while it is active and available, there may be occasions when the system willchange without notice or when a feature that previously worked may fail due to on-going development during beta testing.

Those interested in learning more about the system can contact me at [email protected].

Respectfully submitted,Nancy A. Reece, DSO-CS


America’s First InterstatesDave Roberts, DSO-NS

I was sitting in a meeting at NTrain 2011, when it dawned on me that serving on the Western Rivers in the Coast GuardAuxiliary is different. One of my coastal colleagues during a discussion on ATON training asked me, "Why are you guys sodifferent?" I pondered his question for a moment and I reminded him that although George Washington commissioned thefirst Federal Lighthouse on the coast Lewis and Clark used the Western Rivers to travel from the Pittsburg area to thePacific Coast. Their trip in 1804 opened up the interior of the continent to settlement, and the vast Western River system hasbeen serving the national interest ever since. President Andrew Jackson later directed that the rivers be marked to allow forsafe passage, and we in 8th Eastern Region carry on in that work today.

I'm sure many of you have seen the look of surprise on the faces of the recreational boating public when they learn that theCoast Guard is present on the Western Rivers. However, I suspect that along the path of what will be know as the greatflood of 2011, the public is grateful for Team Coast Guard. As the flood waters recede, there will be a lot of work to do inreestablishing the ATON system that was affected All of us can make a contribution by being on watch for missing ordamaged aids as we only have 6 Cutters to look after 3000 + miles of river and they need out help.

ATON observation is the one area where all of us can be a force multiplier for the "Gold Side" as we can become their eyesand ears; so report discrepancies when you see them. If you need help, contact your SO-NS

Vice Admiral Parker, Commander LantArea, spoke at NTrain about the largest response in Coast Guard history: DeepWater Horizon. The response included over 10,000 vessels, 55.000 people, mobilization from all CG Districts, andCutters from as far away a California. During the mobilization effort, Auxiliarists were used to backfill for mobilized activeduty members and reservists. (There was one example of the ANT in the 1st district being run by a 3rd class petty officerand members of the Auxiliary in all other positions.) The National Command Authority asked for a printout of all qualifiedAids to Navigation Verifiers in the Auxiliary. This was supplied with the caveat that Aids Verifiers were trained by eachDistrict as there was no National Training Standard. An immediate Verbal Order was given to establish a National Perfor-mance Qualification Standard.

As a result of the verbal order, a new PQS for Aids Verifiers has been written and is currently awaiting final sign-off at CGheadquarters. This PQS will standardize all AVs and will facilitate the deployment of this skill set in the event of anothergeneral mobilization. The PQS will use a mentor system like the surface operations qualifications, and will consist of aworkbook with 7 parts covering all aspects of navigation charts and aids. This workbook will just be a navigation refresherfor all coxswains,, should be a relatively easy for all others, and I hope will be viewed as a learning opportunity. Since thisPQS is a national requirement, all current AVs will have to certify to this new standard, and we have set 1 Jan, 2013 as thesuspense date for compliance. We will have a workshop at the Fall Conference in Huntsville which will enable sign-off ofall the shoreside tasks in the workbook. I trust that you will take advantage of this.

The Coast Guard maintains over 47,000 aids to navigation through out the country, with about 47 per cent of them in the8th District. Sector Ohio has over 3000 miles of river to look after which works out to about 500 miles for each of the sixCutters. These vessels were all launched in the 1960s and as they age, they require increased maintenance hours to covertheir respective AORs. I hope you will take the opportunity and get to know these hard working Coast Guardsmen aboardthe Cutters as they need our help to keep all of the ATONs on America's first Interstates, WATCHING PROPERLY.

Dave Roberts, DSO-NS


DCO: FLOOD 2011 Report continued from Pg. 3

giving in our Air Support was down. I asked our fellow District 8 members for assistance. Eighth Coastal and EighthWestern were standing by with personnel and assets. District 9 also pitched in since the distance to Paducah was closerfor them to respond than our members in Divisions 18, 7, 9 and 2.

When the weather patterns shifted, our DSO-AV Bob Spera coordinated our over flights in Louisville and Paducah. Bobdid a great job in coordinating with ATC Mobile, Air station New Orleans, Louisville Sector and Washington D.C. Airassets and over 100 Active Duty personnel arrived in the Paducah area to assist. We utilized Lake Barkley MunicipalAirport and their local Marina.

As conditions worsened it was necessary to evacuate MSU Paducah. Operations went to the Buoy Tender Chena. RBSboats were deployed to the area. DART Teams arrived, an MSST team was on scene. Wickliffe became our hub as well.With the RBS boats on 24 shifts fueling and security became an issue. Our now deployed Auxiliarists with Rick Schal,DCAPT-W, were tasked with 24-hour shifts in the driving rain. Little food, little water, no shelter and minimal sanitaryfacilities were available. ICS was implemented for control. OTO Pinto was instrumental in our deployment. He ensured allof our people were well equipped and our best-trained and proven personnel were deployed. The harsh conditions weresomething we had never trained for. However, the training we do receive taught our on scene members we had to dowhatever had to be done. Refueling boats in darkness, securing our assets from the politically unstable environment in thearea. Potential demonstrations due to the blowing up of levees. All were concerns Rick Schal, DCAPT, was prepared for.

During this flurry of activity Al Wald, DCDR-16, received a desperate call from Cleveland, TN city officials. They hadbeen hit with several tornados and needed immediate assistance. Since this part of Tennessee is rarely a target of torna-does, they had little experience in dealing with them. The reason Al Wald, DCDR-16, received the call was they recalledDivision 16 had established a new Flotilla in Cleveland TN. They asked for our help. Since many don't think of the CoastGuard for tornado response it was an unusual request. However, it demonstrates how desperate the situation was inCleveland, TN. Jim Armour, FC, and his new Flotilla was put on alert. At this point, receiving proper authority to deployour members to such a situation was needed. I initiated a call to OTO Pinto. Mr. Pinto immediately called Sector OhioValley who in turn directed him to Washington for authority to deploy. I must say the concern here was a brand newFlotilla, unknown situations, safety concerns, poor weather, darkness were all factors. Without hesitation I received wordback from Washington through Mr. Pinto to do the "Right Thing" despite concern from our National Legal Team our ChiefDirector knew we could not leave a community without assistance. We gave the word to "go" to Al Wald and Jim Armour.Jim Armour's members deployed immediately despite incoming tornadoes and went door to door in their communityrendering assistance. While on their search they came across a man suffering from breathing difficulty. Since many of the16-09 members are trained medics they immediately called for assistance in getting help to this man. As dramatic as thissounds, it was captured on film by a local news station. Your new Flotilla 16-09 is credited with saving the man's life. Thishappened because when the chips were down, the Coast Guard leadership made the right call without hesitation. If theyhadn't, this man could have died. Despite criticism at times, our leadership does strive to do the right thing. I was im-pressed with the support we received throughout this ordeal. National as well as the Gold Side were in constant commu-nication with us and provided the resources required to accomplish this mission.

How does one explain how our training saved this man's life? Sometimes it's not the actual training we do. It often times isthe attitude and willingness we instill in our members to go the extra mile. As Auxiliaists we have to be flexible and adaptto any situation. It's not always about tying knots and Nav rues. It's about doing the right thing and serving our communi-ties. That's what our training seeks to accomplish.

You can be proud of your fellow Auxiliarists. Not only in our District but across the Nation. I received many calls offering

assistance. 8WR, 8CR, and the 9th Districts all offered support. My thanks to District 7 for assisting us with Radio support.Our Coast Guard family truly came together in our in time of need.

Respectfully Submitted,Rick WashburnDistrict Commodore

DCO: FLOOD 2011 Report continued from Pg. 28


While accomplishing these goals, we will be mindful of the following Watch Words: Dependability, Integrity and Diversity.

The 8th Eastern Region has also adopted Watch Words for our elected and staff leaders. They are: Leadership, Oppor-tunity and Members. We need leaders who travel with a sense of direction, consistent with the strategic goals of theorganization. Our leaders must look in the direction they are traveling to seek out opportunities to better meet the goals ofthe organization. Most importantly, we need to constantly remember our most important asset is our members. (Not themembership as a whole, but each individual member.) Our members are our most important asset. Without members, wewouldn't have an organization. It is absolutely essential that as leaders and travelers we include all our members in a welldefined journey.

Becoming a traveler, and knowing our purpose and direction will allow us to provide increased attention to recreationalboating safety, improve the security of America's waterways and enhance the methods of educating the boating public.

Please share this information, so we can all head in the same direction, travel together and stop just wandering around!

Thank you,Bill McGonigalDCOS, 08E

DCOS Report continued from Pg. 4

LIFELINES continued from Pg. 5

What can we do as Auxiliary members to get the word out to the boating public? We can inform them in every availableinstance when we make contact with the boating public and distribute the LIFELINES brochure at every opportunity suchas: boating safety classes, vessel exams, boat shows, marine events, member training, dealer visitations and everydayinteractions with the boating public.

Respectfully,Rick Schal, DCAPT-West

DSO-OP continued from Pg. 6ourselves to the highest of standards. Uniforms, grooming, fitness and especially execution are critical to a successful andsafe patrol.

It is my goal, along with the three ADSOs, to assist all surface operation members regarding their training and operationalneeds. It is the membership that holds the keys to success. I wish all crews a successful and safe boating season. Thankyou for allowing me the privilege of serving.

Respectfully,Bill Seymer, DSO-OP


All articles published in The PILOTHOUSE must be consistent with the policies of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Auxiliary. The purpose of thispublication is to provide information concerning the aims, purposes and activities of the Auxiliary, and to keep its members well informed. Members areencouraged to send material to be considered for publishing. Material may be edited. Care should be given to ensure that photos of members in uniformshould be with them in proper uniform, and that photos of facilities are rigged correctly.

It is not required, but requested you send your article by email, in plain text with photos attached. You may also mail or ship a CD. It’s our policy toprovide credit for material and photos. Dated material will be given priority. Prompt production is our goal, but the actual date an issue is printed,mailed, or delivered is determined by a number of factors. Deadline dates are indicated in each issue.

Staff Schedule for The PILOTHOUSE Contributions

DCODCOS

DCAPT-WestDDC-L

DCDR5, 8, 24DSO-PADSO-CMDSO-CSDSO-MTDSO-OP

CIVIL RIGHTS COORDINATORNSBW CHAIR

DIRAUX

DCAPT-EastDDC-P

DCDR 2, 4, 16, 18DSO-DFSODSO-MSDSO-PBDSO-HR

CAP LIAISONDIVERSITY ADVISOR

DIRAUX

DCODCOSPCAASC

DDC-RDCDR 6, 7, 11

DSO-MADSO-ISDSO-PEDSO-PV

QE COORDINATORUSPS LIAISON

DIRAUX

SPRING / SUMMER FALL / WINTERArticles Due 15 JUL Articles Due 15 days

after close of conference

Contributions by individual members throughout the district will always be the most sought after material for each issue. The staff schedule ofassignments should enhance publication of a quarterly magazine.

DCAPT-SouthDCDR 1, 9, 12

DSO-AVDSO-NSDSO-SRDSO-VE

POMS COORDINATORDIRAUX

Letter from Phil Mammano - 2011 District 8ER Auxiliarist of the Year

As it turns out, 2010 was a very busy year for Team Coast Guard, and there was no exception for District 8ER. Iwas fortunate to have been active across a broad spectrum of mission areas last year, and one thing I noticed wasthat I was never alone. I was surrounded by my dedicated shipmates all along the way, whether standing publicaffairs watches, conducting operations, training, performing vessel exams or general administrative tasks, I wasalways in the company of our many outstanding members and together we moved the ball forward saving lives andproperty and making the world a better place to live.

Being named Auxiliarist of the Year truly caught me off guard. I am both humbled and honored by this, but if my yearwas successful enough to merit this recognition, it is only because of the shared sacrifices and hard work we have allput forth as a team. One of the notable examples would be DSAR. It was truly remarkable to see our District hostsuch a well-executed and intricate event, and I am pretty sure we all had a lot of fun along the way, too. So I wouldlike to say, “Thank you!” to COMO Maul and all our membership for this award, and thank you all for yourcontinuing service and dedication. Each of you are all Auxiliarists of the Year to me.

Department of Homeland SecurityUnited States Coast GuardU.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

DSO-PB 8ERPO BOX 329POWELL OH 43065_______________________________

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

PRESRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDU.S. COAST GUARDPERMIT NO. G-157

U.S. Coast Guard AuxiliaryEighth District,Eastern Region

Fall D-TRAIN8-10 Sep 2011

Huntsville, Alabama

spring/summer issue 2011uscgaux8er.info/ph_2011_spring.pdf · 2011-09-07 · spring/summer issue...

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