United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

7th District
http://www.cgaux7.org/

Volume LV Number 3 Fall/Winter
Sector Key West Hosts Division 13 Appreciation Day (p.14)
District Conference 2009
The D 7 Material Center stayed busy...


Left: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- Cathie Welty, Dis-
trict Directorate Chief-Prevention, Richard Leys,
District Directorate Chief-Response, and Ronald
Goldenberg, District Administrative Assistant D7
fill their plates with hors doeuvres before the for-
mal Commodores Banquet on Friday, Sept.11,
2009.
Photo by Dottie Riley



Left: Jim Dennen, District Directorate Chief-Logistics and
Angela Pomaro, District Staff Officer-Personnel Services
share a make-shift table at the Commodores Reception,
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 at Sector St. Petersburg.
Photo provided by Jim Dennen

Below: D7 Material Center store entertained a steady flow
of customers. Photo by Tom Loughlin
Below left: Brenda Burger, FL 11-3, Madeira Beach, Fla.
And Duane Minton, Division Commander 16, U.S. Virgin
Islands stock up on supplies in the D7 Material Center.
Photo by Dottie Riley
Great food and fine dining: critical elements of a successful conference.
Division Commanders 2009
Division 1.. .Osvaldo Manuel Catinchi
Division 2...... Bruce Lindsey
Division 3.... J. P. Feighery, Jr.
Division 4.......... Frederick Hill
Division 5.. Daniel Jacquish
Division 6.....Eduardo L. Burbank
Division 7......Peter Lore
Division 8...........Ted Kermode
Division 9...... John Tyson
Division 10........ William Capitan
Division 11.... Gregory Gamache
Division 12.. Robert Weskerna
Division 13.... Russell (Dewey) Jackson
Division 14....... Jesse Stevens
Division 15 . Rosemary Boennighausen
Division 16.........Duane Minton
Division 17....Nevin Lantry
BREEZE is the official and educational tool of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 7th District and is intended as a publication to keep the member-
ship apprised of the activities of the Auxiliary. All articles and photographs submitted must be consistent with the policies of the Coast Guard and
the Auxiliary and may not be returned.
Personal information of members is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. The use of these rosters, addresses and telephone numbers on any
computer or online service including the Internet is prohibited by the Act.
Comments are encouraged and may be sent to the above named Publication Officer. Articles in the BREEZE may be reprinted provided credit is
given and a copy is sent to the above Editor and Publications Officer.
Do not send changes of address to the BREEZE. You can obtain a change of member information report (7028) from your Materials
Officer and submit it through channels.
Editor & Publications Officer
Dorothy Joan Riley
dottieriley1@verizon.net

The D7 PB Team (ADSO-PB Staff Officers):
James E. Dennen, Content Editor
Gary Barth, ADSO-E
Jan Sprague-Williams, ADSO-N
Paulette Parent, ADSO-W
T. J. Kerbs, Pre-Press & Printing
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
District Commander:
RADM Steve Branham, USCG

Director of Auxiliary District 7:
CDR Donald Don L. Winfield

Operations Training Officer:
CWO Ursula W. Walther
Logistics
James E. Dennen, Directorate Chief
Email: dennen@bellsouth.net
Prevention
Cathie Welty, Directorate Chief
Email: haimar@terranova.net
Response
Richard Leys, Directorate Chief
Email: rjleys@bellsouth.net

Is the official publication of the
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
7th District
Volume LVI Number 3 Winter 2009
District Commodore
COMO Donald L. Frasch
Email: d7dco@aol.com
District Chief of Staff
Walter Jaskiewicz
Email: captwrj@aol.com
Immediate Past
District Commodore
COMO Allen Brown
Email: abrown5217@aol.com
District Captain - North (DCAPT-N)
Reginald Hollar
Email: snoopy@sccc.tv
District Captain - East (DCAPT-E)
Diana Figueroa
Email: dcapt.east@gmail.com
District Captain - West (DCAPT-W)
Raymond Paysour
Email: captainraymond@msn.com
Page 2





This is the final edition of the Breeze this year- and what a year it
has been! By now most of you know that the Breeze earned first
place in the National Public Affairs Awards- District Publication cate-
gory. We are very proud of this award, and when I use the word
we, I do mean it in the plural sense of the word. The Breeze is a
team effort and every member of the team contributes to both the
process and the product. I am so proud of and grateful to all of
them! One person not listed as part of the Publications team who
deserves equal credit is Karen Miller from Division 11. Karen proofs
every final edition before it goes to press.
The Breeze, however, does not begin with the D7 Publications
team. It begins with the flotilla members who write and submit arti-
cles and photographs for publication. It begins with ordinary mem-
bers taking the initiative to bring a camera along on a routine patrol
or to an Auxiliary event and then writing about the experience, or
collaborating with another member to write the story. My gratitude
extends to the countless authors and photographers in D7 who con-
tributed to the Breeze and provided us with the raw materials from
which to build our award-winning publication.
A word about submissions:
Avoid acronyms. Take the time to spell out the words they rep-
resent. (Always on first use!)
When writing, keep in mind that you are writing an article or
story, not a report. Take advantage of your natural story-telling
ability to inform or entertain.
Write captions for your photographs and identify the people in
them. While the Breeze does not require VIRIN numbers, we
must have captions.
Identify your flotilla by number and location.
The Public Affairs and Publications Departments collaborated to
present four hours of material at the District Conference. We invite
you to visit the D7 web page and view the PowerPoint presentations
and other material presented. They are located at http://cgaux7.org/
index7.htm?page=members. Follow the links: Departments/
Logistics Staff Officers/ DSO-PB News, then click on the
Resources tab. All Public Affairs and Publications officers should
view these as well as any members interested in writing for Auxiliary
publications.
Let us strive to repeat our accomplishments next year!
Dorothy Joan Riley,
DSO-PB D7
Bridge
A Word From the Editor:
District Commodore ....................................................3
District Chief of Staff....................................................4
Immediate Past District Commodore ............5
Director of Auxiliary D7 ........6
Operations Training Officer .7
District Captain West (elect) ........................................8
District Captain East (elect) .........................................9
District Captain East ..............................................10
District Captain-North..12


Directorates

Logistics, DDC-L.........14
Prevention, DDC-P.............16


Articles

Taking Care of Business (NACO).18
District Conference 2009.......20
Guardians Gala22
Always Ready...24
Flotilla Opens Its Doors .....26
Auxiliary Loses a Member .....28
Division 13-International Coastal Cleanup ..29
Digital Selective Calling .30
We Pick Up Sticks ..32
Three Times is the Charm..34
New AUXLO at Flotilla 95 ..35
E Pluribus Unum .36
Honorable Duty ...37
Bill Hanlon and Joe Underwood...38



Volume LVI Number 1 Spring 2009
Page 3





From the Bridge
By the time you read this, we will almost be at the point of beginning a new year. Part
of passing through that phase of our lives each year is finishing up our present busi-
ness, focusing on our families, and then moving forward with a new determination to
make the New Year better than the one we are leaving. I hope you all have that feel-
ing of finishing up and moving on because it certainly will help in our Auxiliary lives,
and most assuredly in our family lives.
On the Auxiliary side, we have a couple new District Captains, John Tyson in the West
and Dan Jacquish in the East. Both Raymond Paysour and Diana Figueora did super
jobs this past year in those positions, but decided to stand down next year and let
John and Dan carry on. Thanks Raymond and Diana for your leadership. It really
made a difference for all of us!! I know John and Dan will follow through on the stan-
dards of leadership you both have set.
I suspect we will probably have a few new District Staff Officers going into 2010 as well. The 2009
Staff has done an excellent job, but making some minor course corrections, bringing in new talent
and new ideas, has a way of reinvigorating the entire organization. I also think it takes a DCO the
better part of a year to really figure out what we need to do to continue moving forward, and then a
year to execute. Luckily, the Watch
Words we borrowed from COMO Brown
beginning this year were right on target; -
- Integration, Innovation and Integrity. My
request of everyone is to think of new
ways to make those Watch Words come
to life and help us become the most ef-
fective Maritime Guardians the world has
ever seen.
On a personal side, I would ask each of
you to stop, listen, and respond to your
families. We hear many times that our
families need us to be aware of and at-
tentive to their needs as well. If the truth
be known, we need them even more! I
know I do. I cant wait to visit our kids and
grand kids this holiday season. Hopefully
we can all get together in one place, but I
know that will be difficult.
On the Auxiliary side, please take care of
each other!
Commodore Donald Frasch
On a personal side, I
would ask each of you
to stop, listen, and
respond to your
families.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., September 11, 2009-- Commodore
Donald Frasch speaks to the members of D7 at the Fall Confer-
ence.
Photo by Christopher Todd, ADSO-PA-E


Page 4

We Are a Needed Partner in Team Coast Guard

Never has there been a more exciting or rewarding time to be in the Coast Guard Auxil-
iary. We have so many significant opportunities in this, the 21
st
Century. The Coast
Guard Auxiliary is more visible today then ever before, and our service is greatly re-
spected. Our accomplishments will be written into history for all who follow.
Our membership provides an array of skills and expertise that meets the requirements of
the Coast Guards operational excellence with proficiencies at all levels of missions and
tasks. The 7
th
District Auxiliary is driven by a vision to be ready when needed.
We have empowered our organization by aligning it alongside the Coast Guard.
We have partnered with our related organizations, unifying efforts to promote boating safety to our
citizens.
We have coordinated our efforts with Department of Homeland Security missions and with other
federal, state and local agencies to provide assistance for the safety and security of the United
States.
We will continue to build a future volunteer workforce that can sustain our mission performance with
a well-trained diverse organization.
We are ready today, and we are preparing for tomorrow, so that our members will not hesitate to
assist when asked.
We will navigate any waters of uncertain changes as a team with a proven record of excellence.
Semper Paratus


From the Bridge
Walter Jaskiewicz, District Chief of Staff
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-
The District Command
Group meets to brief the
staff on the Incident
Command Structure
(ICS) format at the Dis-
trict Fall Conference on
Sept. 10, 2009. Commo-
dore Don Frasch and
Walter Jaskiewicz, Dis-
trict Chief of Staff listen
as other members ex-
plain their roles and func-
tions to the group.
Photo by Vicki Aponte
We will continue to
build a future volunteer
workforce that can
sustain our mission
performance with a well
-trained diverse
organization.


Page 5
Allen Brown, Immediate Past District Commodore
It is early on a Tuesday morning in October. I am sitting in my study surrounded by
many books, periodicals and computer documents from years past. As I reflect on
many of the titles and articles, I am drawn to what I might term an historic document
by John Paul Jones. After all, it is October, the birthday of the Navy. The Coast Guard,
the Navy and the Marine Corps constitute the naval service of the United States.
It is also a historic time for the Auxiliary, as we have throughout this year celebrated
our 70
th
anniversary. As we continue to observe, remember and reflect, let us consider
these words of John Paul Jones--words as relevant today as they were in the late 18
th

century. Here is his Code of a Naval Officer.
It is, by no means, enough that [a member of the Auxiliary] should be a capa-
ble mariner. He must be that, of course, but also a great deal more. He should be, as well,
a gentleman of liberal education, refined manner, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest
sense of personal honor. He should not only be able to express himself clearly and with
force in his own language both with tongue and pen, but he should be versed in French and
Spanish.
He should be the soul of tact, patience, justice, firmness and charity. No meritorious act of a
subordinate should escape his attention or be left to pass without its reward, if even the
reward be only one word of approval. Conversely, he should not be blind to a single fault in
any subordinate though at the same time he should be quick and unfailing to distinguish
error from malice, thoughtlessness from incompetency, and well-meant shortcoming from
heedless or stupid blunder. As he should be universal and impartial in his rewards and ap-
proval of merit, so should he be judicial and unbending in his reproof of misconduct.
As we approach another year, take time to reflect how these historic words might influence us in the
conduct of our missions, staying the course with the Coast Guard Core Values exemplifying who
we are.
A most blessed holiday season and a fantastic Auxiliary 2010 to all. Always remember that Semper
Paratus is much more than two little
words! It is a way of life.
Semper Paratus
As we approach
another year, take time
to reflect how these
historic words might
influence us in the
conduct of our
missions, staying the
course with the Coast
Guard Core Values
exemplifying who we
are.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- Commodore
Allen Brown (Immediate Past) poses with
guests and members of D7 at the Commo-
dores Banquet on September 11, 2009.
From left: Capt. Richard Moore, Florida
Boating Law Administration, Bill Griswold,
District 7 State Liaison Officer, Michael
Jackson, Cheryl Boynes-Jackson, Flotilla
Commander 16-3, COMO Brown, Malone
Pickering and Malcom Sprauve, members
of Division 16, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Photo by Dottie Riley


Page 6

Director of Auxiliary, Seventh District
Commander Don Winfield
Commander Donald Don L. Winfield, United States Coast Guard, reported as the Di-
rector of Auxiliary for the Seventh Coast Guard District September 9, 2009.
Commander Winfield was born in Fort Gordon, Georgia. He is a 1993 graduate of the
United States Coast Guard Academy where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Manage-
ment.
Upon receiving his commission, CDR Winfield was assigned to the USCGC Confi-
dence. Aboard the Confidence, he served as the Communications Officer, Administra-
tive Officer and, later, First Lieutenant. He qualified as an Officer of the Deck, Boarding
Officer, Helicopter Control Officer and Landing Signals Officer. After completing his first
tour, he was assigned as the Commanding Officer of the USCGC Point Baker in Sa-
bine Pass, Texas. After successfully completing his tour aboard the Point Baker, he
was selected for Naval Flight School where he earned his wings in 1998.
CDR Winfields first aviation assignment was Air Station Houston, Texas, where he qualified in the
HH-65 as an Aircraft Commander. In 2002, he received orders to Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii,
where he upgraded to Instructor Pilot. In 2006, he received orders to Air Station Savannah, where he
qualified as an HH-65 Rotary Wing Air Intercept pilot. While stationed in Savannah, CDR Winfield
served as the USCG Mission Commander for NASA Space Shuttle launch security in Cape Canav-
eral, Florida. In 2009, he earned a master of science degree in Quality Systems Management and
Lean Six Sigma certificate from the National Graduate School.
CDR Winfields military decorations include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Global War
on Terror Service Medal, three Coast Guard Achievement Medals, four Coast Guard Unit Commen-
dation Awards, three Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations and several other awards.


ST. PETERSBURG,
Fla., Sept. 12, 2009--
Commander Winfield
was assigned to D7
just in time to attend
the conference and
meet the officers and
members of our dis-
trict. Beside him at the
head table during the
districts annual busi-
ness meeting is
Reginald Hollar, Dis-
trict Captain-North D7.
Photo by James Den-
nen


Page 7
CWO Ursula W. Walther
Operations Training Officer
Chief Warrant Officer Ursula W. Walther, United States Coast Guard, reported as the
Operations Training Officer and Assistant to the Director of Auxiliary for the Seventh
Coast Guard District August 17, 2009.
Upon graduation from Basic Training in Cape May, New Jersey, in 1994, she was as-
signed to the USCGC Northland in Portsmouth, Virginia. After completing her first tour
in 1996, she was assigned to Coast Guard Station Ocean City, Maryland, where she
earned her coxswain certification. In 1999, she was promoted to the position of Execu-
tive Petty Officer. Walther received orders to serve as the Executive Petty Officer
aboard USCGC Beluga, based out of Little Creek, Virginia, in 2000. In 2002, she re-
ported to Coast Guard Station Little Creek, Virginia, as the Executive Petty Officer. In
2004, she reported to Coast Guard Station New Orleans, Louisiana, as the Executive Petty Officer.
In 2006, as her last assignment before reporting to the Directors office, Walther reported to Coast
Guard Station Oswego as the Officer in Charge.
CWO2 Walther holds her permanent coxswain pin and boat forces insignia. Her military decorations
include: two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, a Letter
of Commendation Ribbon, five Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals and several other awards.
ST. PETERSBURG,
Fla., Sept 10, 2009--
CWO Ursula
Walther arrives at
the District 7 Confer-
ence in St. Peters-
burg, Fla. ready to
work, carrying a
batch of life jackets
for one of the many
planned training
sessions. Vicki
Aponte is behind
her. The conference
was held at the Hil-
ton Bayfront Hotel
from Sept. 10-13,
2009.
Photo by Nestor
Tacoronte


Page 8

District Captain West
I am indeed proud and very humbled to have been chosen to serve as District Captain-
West for 2010. It is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to working closely with a
team of exceptionally talented leaders. The West Region is a proud partner in Team
Coast Guard and the District Seven Auxiliary, and it is blessed with a strong group of in-
coming Division Commanders and Division Vice Commanders. Four Division Command-
ers (Divisions 7, 8, 9 and 11) and all of the Vice Division Commanders begin their first
year of service in 2010. A fifth Division Commander (Division 15) brings prior experience
in that position. The West Region team also includes two exceptional people in the Auxil-
iary Aviation Coordinator and Auxiliary Sector Coordinator positions. David Lemon, AAC,
and Donald Hoge, ASC, are among the Auxiliarys finest in those assignments. They maintain close
communication with the Commanders at Air Station Clearwater and Sector Saint Petersburg, and
their work is essential to the Team West Auxiliary providing the assets and services requested by
the Coast Guard.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I would be remiss if I did not also take this opportunity to remind everyone that the upcoming
Change of Watch at our flotillas and divisions is an excellent time to recognize our stellar perform-
ers. Although we all receive the intrinsic reward of knowing we have done important work that
benefits Coast Guard missions and our nation, I dont know many people who dont also feel good
when someone reads a citation recognizing their hard work. Unfortunately, many of our members
do outstanding work, year after year, without receiving the recognition they are due. As we ap-
proach the end of the year, think about those you know who have done exceptional work for your
flotilla, division or district, and recommend them for an award. Anyone may recommend someone
for an award. Information on how to do that, along with templates for completing an award citation
and form 1650, may be found on both the Auxiliary National and District Seven Auxiliary websites.
Lets work together to make 2010 a super year for the Seventh District Auxiliary, staying focused on
completing our modernization plans
and living up to our three watch-
words of Integration, Innovation
and Integrity.
Semper Paratus
John Tyson
John Tyson, DCAPT-W (elect)
GIBSONTON, Fla.- The West Region is
proud of its many great coxswains and
crew and all of their on the water activi-
ties. On September 16, 2009, Oscar
Kramer from Flotilla 75 in Ruskin, Fla.
demonstrated his ability to accurately
chart a course during his qualifying ex-
amination (QE) for boat crew for Amos
Johnson, the QE from Flotilla 79 in
Tampa, Fla.
Photo by John Lowe, Flotilla Staff Officer
-Publications 74 in Brandon, Fla.


Page 9
Dan Jacquish, DCAPT-E (elect)
District Captain East
2010 will be upon us shortly, as will be my opportunity to serve as the DCAPT-E. We
have seen explosive growth in our membership comprised of many highly qualified
members. The East is blessed with a diverse and rich area stretching from the Gold
and Treasure Coasts through Ft. Lauderdale and Miami to the Florida Keys, all the way
to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our missions are varied as we serve three Sec-
tors. Diana Figueroa has established high goals for our area and I will continue to seek
the high standards she has set while building on her many accomplishments.
One of my main missions will to bring support to all our Division Commanders to help
you in your role of supporting your flotillas. The flotillas and their members perform the
true work of the Auxiliary. We are here to give them the support and inspiration they
need to achieve their goals and missions. Together, we can find new and innovative ways for our
members to serve our major client, the Coast Guard. Working with the three Sector Coordinators,
our mission will be to identify needs and then find creative ways to fill those needs. In these tighten-
ing fiscal times, the ability for the Auxiliary to act as a force multiplier at a significantly lower cost to
the Coast Guard will become even more important.
In short, we have our work cut out for us. I am extremely proud to represent such a talented and
resourceful group of individuals who have coalesced into such a great team. I have absolutely no
doubt that we will not only meet whatever challenges are placed in our path, but also excel in the
process. With the talent and creativity found in Team East, there is nothing that can stop us.
Once again, I thank you for the honor to represent you. I look forward to working with all of you, the
Sectors, and the
Directors Office in
our quest for suc-
cess!
Dan Jacquish
ST. PETERSBURG,
Fla.- Members of
Division 16 from the
Virgin Islands
presented the colors at
the start of the D7
annual business
meeting on Sept. 11,
2009 at the
Fall Conference.
From left rear: Ronald
Lee, Malone Pickering,
Malcolm Sprauve,
Michael Jackson,
Front Row- Elmo
Rabsatt, J.R."CC"
Kreglo, Division Vice
Commander and
Duane Minton,
Division Commander .
Photo by Dottie Riley



Page 10

This will be my last article for the Breeze as District Captain East. I would like to thank
all the members of Team East for their support during this year. Special thanks to the
D7 bridge for their support and the unique opportunity to work with them. I will miss all
of you. You have done an outstanding job of supporting Team Coast Guard.
Congratulations to the incoming District Captain from the East, Dan Jacquish. My best
wishes to him; I know that he will continue to support our District as well as the Division
Commanders from the East.
The Auxiliary Sector Coordinators regularly meet with their Sector Auxiliary Liaison and
Command in support of ongoing missions and to develop new opportunities to support
the Active Duty Coast Guard and the Seventh District. Our members are actively sup-
porting both Sectors Miami and Key West with Hawkeye Watchstanders. Auxiliary radio watchstand-
ers regularly relieve active duty Coast Guard at the sectors and small boat stations. Auxiliarist Dr.
William Tejeiro supports Sector Miami with Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and medical training
provided to active duty Guardians at Integrated Support Command Medical and the Auxiliary Boat
Crew Augmentation Program. Auxiliary members continue to support Sector San Juan in Marine
Safety and Public Affairs missions.
Division 1 participated around the island in the International Coastal Cleanup Day, a worldwide
event sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy. One Auxiliary team worked cleaning the Sector San
Juan beach area and another group from Flotilla 12 assisted at the Cangrejos Bridge area.
Division 3 continues to assist Station Ft. Lauderdale in the galley, and an Auxiliary member who is
retired from the Coast Guard assists with training and mentoring. Fourteen members of the division
were trained to inspect un-inspected passenger vessels and
await formal appointment. During September, division mem-
bers assisted with helo drops and a life raft drop from a Falcon
jet as part of a Public Affairs event held off Dania Beach.
Division 5 provides an operational facility every week in sup-
port of the station's training program to act as a target vessel.
This saves hours of coxswain and engine time for the station
every week, while allowing their personnel the opportunity to
train to a higher level. Auxiliary boat crews have the opportu-
nity to train side-by-side with the professionals, enhancing
their skill sets too.
Division 6 fully supports Sector Miami, Station Miami Beach
and Air Station Miami in all established activities: Hawkeye
and radio watchstanding, medical/health care programs, sur-
face patrols, air patrols, Team Coordination Training and sev-
eral other areas, as requested. Two QE missions were con-
ducted during July with four Auxiliarists recertified and five
new crewmembers and two coxswains successfully passing
their check rides. The new Flotilla 61 is presently training nine
new crewmembers and expects them to be certified before the
end of the year.
Division 13 Flotillas 13-1, 13-3, 13-4 and 13-8 provide Auxil-
District Captain East
Diana Figueroa, DCAPT-E


Page 11
iary air support missions for Sector Key West and other Coast Guard Sectors. So far this fiscal year,
we can document savings to the Coast Guard of over $2,000,000. Flotilla 13-3 has stepped up their
marine safety program with the advent of the new Marine Safety Officer, Phil Goodman. On Sept. 4,
2009, Flotilla 13-3 joined Station Marathon in an island clean-up day. Members of Flotilla 13-3 and
Station Marathon picked up trash near Molasses Key by the Seven Mile Bridge.
Division 16 completed the Fishermens Survival Kit program started on St. Thomas last year. During
the week of July 13-17, ninety-eight kits were handed to commercial fishermen on St. Croix during
the registration process at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) office. This
marks unprecedented cooperation between the Auxiliary and DPNR, and the program was a tre-
mendous success. Several fishermen promised to bring their boats up to standard so that our newly
qualified Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiner, Lee Elvins, can conduct inspections on these boats.
Member Training remains the focus of Division 16, as all three flotillas have been hard at work to
improve the qualifications of their members. Members provide Auxiliary air support missions to Air
Station Borinquen, Aguadilla.
St. Petersburg, Fla.- Left page: Commodore Frasch administers the oath of office to Nestor Tacoronte to serve as
District Staff Officer - Communication Services at the District Conference. Behind him are Diana Figueroa, District Captain-
East and Raymond Paysour, District Captain-West D7.
Photo by Vicki Aponte

Below: Walter Jaskiewicz, Chief of Staff , Diana Figueroa, District Captain East and Commodore Donald Frasch relax and
socialize at the District Conference from September 10-13, 2009 at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel.
Photo by Nestor Tacoronte


Page 12

To some folks, the hot summer is a time to slow down on activities and take it easy. To
Auxiliary members in District 7 North, this is not the case. The summer has inspired re-
cruiting efforts that are second to none. Team North has modernized and, in some cases,
restructured within the guidelines set by the United States Coast Guard.
On August 14, 2009, Division 17 was officially chartered prior to the Sector Jacksonville
Change of Command. Admiral Branham and Commodore Frasch signed the document
creating Coast Guard Auxiliary Space Coast Division 17. Three more detachments in the
north will soon become flotillas. Charter requests have been submitted for Division 14 De-
tachment, Green Cove Springs, which is south of Jacksonville. Division 2 has submitted requests for
a flotilla to be chartered at Hiawassee in northeast Georgia, and another charter at Lakes Oconee/
Sinclair which is south of Athens, Georgia.
For the past several years, Division 2 has been limited with on-water activities due to drought condi-
tions that put the Georgia lakes at dangerously low levels. With the rain that interior Georgia re-
ceived this summer, most lakes are back at full pool. Division 2 has been tasked with training and
retraining the boaters on these lakes and helping with the clean up efforts to restore the lakes to
their natural beauty and safe waters. In a recent effort titled Shore Sweep on Lake Lanier, the op-
erational facility/tugboat Little Toot sported its new barge and picked up nearly two tons of collected
and floating debris. In a Lake Alatoona cleanup, safety patrols assisted the Army Corps of Engineers
and Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide safety and accountability for 4,000 volun-
teers.
Division 4 reports a busy summer season with support from Division 17 for shuttle launches in sup-
port of Coast Guard Station Canaveral. Member training is an ongoing task in Division 4, especially
since the spin-off of Division 17. Many of the training classes utilize parallel staffing to take advan-
tage of the expertise of instructors in both divisions. Division 4 has supported Station Ponce Inlet
with numerous safety patrols during the summer. They have also reported a successful Recreational
Boating Safety Program with many Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs), Public Affairs (PA) events and
boating safety classes.
Division 10 notes an encouraging increase in membership for the year. Also, they report that public
education is on the rise with more students attending classes. They believe special marketing is re-
sponsible for the increase in attendance. Division 10 directly supports Sector Charleston, including
Coast Guard Station Brunswick, Coast Guard Station Tybee, Marine Safety Unit Savannah, and Air
Station Savannah. The division provides two boats a week for 52 weeks a year to assist the Air Sta-
tion. They also provide one to four boats a week to assist Marine Safety Unit Savannah with harbor
and port patrols. During the summer months, the division tries to provide four boats on the week-
ends and holidays to support the local Coast Guard.
Division 12 formed Flotilla 12-1, Lake Marion, in July of this year. To date this new flotilla has led the
division in Vessel Safety Checks and has proven to be a valuable asset on Lake Marion for their
boating safety courses, Public Affairs events, and many safety patrols. During August, members of
Flotillas 12-6, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. and 12-8, Charleston, S.C. provided assistance to Coast Guard
Station Charleston as commercial interests moved the USS Laffey and the USCGC Ingham from
Patriots Point to berth at Dentons Shipyard for repairs. These vessels had not been moved in dec-
ades, and the move was anything but ordinary. In September, members of Flotillas 12-1 in Lake
Marion, 12-3 in Lake Murray, 12-6 in Mt. Pleasant, 12-8 in Charleston and 12-12 in Edisto Beach
S.C. participated in the extraction of 86 members of the Armys 360th Civil Affairs Brigade Airborne
paratroopers group as they jumped into Lake Murray. Auxiliary vessels and crews, along with para-
District Captain North
Reginald Hollar, DCAPT-N
The support that
AUXAIR gives to the
Coast Guard and the
public is
extraordinary.


Page 13
medics, provided pickup for the troops and transferred them to shore. During the three summer
months, Flotilla 12-10 in Georgetown provided surface facilities every weekend to patrol the dense
boating traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway) ICW near Myrtle Beach. This is an accident waiting to
happen area with extensive Personal Water Craft (PWC) rentals and tourists.
Division 14 has submitted the necessary paperwork to request a flotilla charter for their Green Cove
Springs Detachment. Plans are almost complete for a Small Boat Station in Welaka, Fla. This is a
combined effort of Division 14 and Sector Jacksonville. Hopefully, a small boat will be furnished by
the Coast Guard for use at this Small Boat Station. A contest between the Guardians and the Auxil-
iary dubbed the First Annual Operations Challenge was held during the summer. The winner of
this event was Auxiliary Flotilla 14-7, St. Augustine. The competition included navigation, boat han-
dling, plotting, and professionalism. During the Sector Jacksonville Change of Command, the Divi-
sion 14 Honor Guard did an outstanding job helping present the colors and seat guests to reserved
seating. Flotilla 14-4 in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. is presently running a Crew Academy and has 28
candidates enrolled with five training for the coxswain rating.
Division 17 has big plans in the works to support Coast Guard Station Canaveral. The plans include
additional communications watchstanders, gate guards, harbor patrols, continued shuttle launch
support, training instructors for active duty classes and the addition of two active duty qualifying ex-
aminers (QE). Member training is an ongoing effort in the division. Several weeks of classes for on
the water tasks have been scheduled. These classes will enable crew and coxswains to be ready
for efficient and timely QE audits. The division Staff Officer-Public Education is busy developing
new strategies to increase attendance at the boating safety classes. One such initiative is to provide
classes for more than 50 Sea Cadets in Orlando Schools. Sufficient numbers of Spanish speakers
within the division extend the possibility of presenting safe boating classes in Spanish.
Auxiliary Air Savannah: AUXAIR is experiencing record breaking growth. Presently 13 facilities are
in the fleet with three more in the pipeline. The support that AUXAIR gives to the Coast Guard and
the public is extraordinary. In addition to regular patrols, they supply familiarization flights for the
regulars, transport active duty personnel, join search and rescue missions and help the Coast
Guard identify illegal activities. The use of AUXAIR for transport of key personnel to the Fall Confer-
ence in St. Petersburg demonstrates efficiency in time and cost savings by avoiding hub airports
and disembarking personnel within blocks of the conference site.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.,
September 11, 2009 -
District Captains
Reginald Hollar (North)
and Raymond Paysour
(West) attending the
Commodores Banquet at
the District Conference.

Photo by Dottie Riley


Page 14

Logistics Directorate
James Dennen, DDC-L D7, ASC Sector Key West
Coast Guard Sector Key West Says Thank You to Division 13
By James E. Dennen, ASC, Sector Key West, DDC-L District 7

KEY WEST, Fla.--Like other divisions in District Seven, Division 13 directly assists the
active duty Coast Guard within its Sector in many tasks. Our efforts include flying mis-
sions over the Florida Straits and providing platforms for low risk boardings and helicop-
ter crew and rescue swimmer training. Members also conduct initial pollution investiga-
tions over the 200 miles of shore line, carry out beach cleanups, design and maintain
Sector web sites, undertake back country shallow water patrols and provide radio watch
standing, including Hawkeye surveillance.
During our recent Fall District Conference in St Petersburg, Fla., Captain Pat DeQuattro, Com-
mander of Sector Key West, Dewey Jackson, Division 13 Commander, and I had the pleasure of
dining together and discussing these services and the two million dollars saved had the same tasks
been performed by the Coast Guard at their standard rates for surface and air operations. Captain
DeQuattro emailed me the following Monday: To follow up on our discussions, we'd like to pick a
date to have a CG Aux luncheon here at Sector to recognize the great support over this past year,
both in the Air, on the Water and in our Command Center.
Captain DeQuattro invited nineteen members of Division 13 who had been supporting Sector Key
West during the past year for an Appreciation Day on Oct. 15, 2009. The entire Sector staff wel-
comed the Auxiliarists. This group included all of the Station Commanders and their Executive Offi-
cers: Chief Warrant Officer, Christopher Acklin, Station Islamorada; Master Chief, Chad Wendt, Sta-
tion Marathon and Chief Warrant Officer Todd Stoughton, Station Key West. The Sector Staff con-
sisting of Commander Tom Walsh, Response Department Chief, Lieutenant Commander Michael
Herring, Prevention Department Chief and their staffs; Sector Deputy Commander James Olive,
Sector Command Master Chief, Tim Maleport, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Jeyar Pierce, Auxiliary Liai-
Logistics:

Communication
Services

Information
Services

Public Affairs

Publications

Personnel Ser-
vices

Materials


Page 15
son Officer and Lieutenant Junior Grade and Matt Meinholm, Sector Key West Public Affairs. After a
detailed briefing and tour of the Command Center directed by Lieutenant Commander Brian Behler,
Lieutenant Felicia Thomas, captain of the 110' patrol boat Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island and her
crew provided a cruise around scenic Key West Harbor. Our first attempt to get underway was
marred when the cutter had engine problems, but Captain DeQuattro assured us that we had noth-
ing to worry about, since Sector Key West is like the NASCAR Pit Crew of the Coast Guard. They
get plenty of practice with the variety of the vessels that visit our port and require their repair skills.
Sure enough, after our actual tour of the vessel and a diversion back to the Command Center, all of
us, Sector staff included, got underway. It was a beautiful day with flat calm seas. We enjoyed the
trip and the interaction with staff immensely. We returned to a VIP luncheon in the training room at
the galley for final presentations and remarks. What finally took the cake was a beautiful custom
designed cake dedicated to Division Thirteen. It was without a doubt the nicest affair ever offered by
the Coast Guard Group or Sector Key West on our behalf. I heartily thank Captain DeQuattro and
his staff for an unforgettable day!

Division 13 Participants
for Appreciation Day

George Berger
Jeff Bronsing
Fred Clark
John Cooper
Jim Dennen
Frank Fasano
Carolyn Fasano
Pat Fincannon
Bob Hills
Bud Holloway
Dewey Jackson
Dennis Kahler
Don Kittsmiller
Jan Kittsmiller
Elsie Metcalf
Jerry Metcalf
Jeff Peters
Conrad Sankpill
Jim Vaughn

Photo left page: KEY WEST, Fla.- The Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island stands waiting to take
members of Division 13 on a cruise around scenic Key West harbor.

Top: Participants from Division 13 and active duty members socialize on the aft deck of the 110
Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island.

Sector Key West served the members of Division 13 a VIP luncheon that
included a custom decorated cake.



Cover photo: Participants from left to right aboard the 110 Patrol Boat,
Pea Island: CAPT Pat DeQuattro, Bob Hills, George Berger, John
Cooper, Carolyn Fasano, Frank Fasano, Dewey Jackson, Pat Fincannon,
Conrad Sankpill, Jeff Peters, Goodman, Elsie Metcalf, Frank Metcalf, Jan
Kittsmiller, Dennis Kahler, Jim Dennen, Jim Vaughn, Don Zinner, Jeff
Bronsing (obscured) , Don Kittsmiller, Bud Holloway, CDR Jim Olive
All photos by James Dennen


Page 16

In this issue, as in the last, the Prevention Department highlights the varied aspects of
Recreational Boating Safety. Our members participate in a wide variety of programs
with many other agencies to spread the boating safety message. Teaching to our
youngest boaters often requires us to think outside of the box, which Flotilla 12-3
(Lake Murray, S.C.) members are doing with exceptional creativity. Their young par-
ticipants, through the 4-H2O program, received an educational foundation in boating
safety which hopefully will continue.
Whenever we are offering Americas Waterway Watch, the Good Mate Program, Sea
Partners, Officer Snook, Water Safety and Life Jackets for Children, the fundamental
Boating Skills and Seamanship program, any one-day seminar courses or classes for kids, the Aux-
iliary provides us ready platforms for safety education. Remember, any contact with the boating
public, be it through an organized program or through casual contact, should spread the RBS mes-
sage.
Prevention:

Marine Safety

Member Training

Public Education

Program Visitor

State Liaison

Vessel Examina-
tions
Cathie Welty, DDC-P D7
Prevention Directorate
4-H2O Pontoon Classroom Its All about the Water!
Photos and article by Barbara Burchfield, FSO-PA Flotilla 12-3
LAKE MURRAY, S.C., June 15, 2009 - Its a crowded cockpit on Auxiliary Operational Facility Master
Chief as Commodore Jay Dahlgren explains boating aids and safety equipment to students partici-
pating in the 4-H2O Pontoon Classroom.



Page 17
LAKE MURRAY, S.C.- Water edu-
cation, summer camp, and Lake
Murray, S.C., provided a winning
combination For twenty 4-H2O
members ages 10 to 12. Auxiliary
Operational Facilities escorted
campers from a public launch site
to Flotilla Island for the start of a
week long summer camp program
on June 15, 2009. Flotilla Island is
located on a peninsula at Lake
Murray, the shared home to the
United States Coast Guard Auxil-
iary Flotilla 12-3 and the United
States Power Squadron.
Clemson University Cooperative
Extension Service sponsors the 4-
H2O Pontoon Classroom to pro-
mote water quality and water edu-
cation programs. For a week in
June, 4-H2O kids discover the mys-
teries and practicalities of water re-
sources, water management and ma-
rine life and environments. While they enjoy water sports and recreation, they learn boating safety,
the history of the lake and its continuing value as a water resource. The lake is their paradise.
Divided into small groups, the kids rotated through six instruction stations located at dockside and in
classrooms. Flotilla 12-3 Auxiliarists enthusiastically offered instruction in life jacket use, radio com-
munications, vessel safety equipment and boating safety. On this morning, Lexington County Sher-
iffs Department, Sea Tow and the U.S. Weather Service joined Flotilla 12-3 in the water education
program. Popularity of the Sher-
iffs water canon was chal-
lenged only by the whistles
handed out by the Auxiliary!
Besides having a lot of fun with
the kids, the Auxiliary intro-
duced these future boaters to
some important safe boating
fundamentals. After all, its all
about the water.
LAKE MURRAY, S.C.- Auxiliarist
Burnette Sheffied, Flotilla Vice Com-
mander 12-3,
emphasizes the proper use of life
jackets.





LAKE MURRAY, S.C.- Auxiliarist Kent McCoin teaches radio communications to one
group of children as they rotate through the various stations of Pontoon Classroom..
Page 18





Taking Care of Business--Chicago Style
The Super Seventh Stands Tall at 2009 NACON Awards
By Christopher Todd, ADSO-PA-E
CHICAGO.- The United States Coast
Guard Auxiliarys 2009 National Confer-
ence was held at the Oak Brook Hills Mar-
riott Resort located in suburban Chicago
from August 27-30, 2009, featuring a Sat-
urday night keynote speech by Admiral
Thad Allen, Commandant, USCG.
Representing the Seventh District Auxiliary
were Commodore Donald Frasch, District
Commodore, Walter Jaskiewicz, District
Chief of Staff, and several other members
who made the trek from the balmy sum-
mertime heat of the southeastern U.S. to
the Nations Windy City for the big annual
pow-wow.
Thursday evenings highlight was a
Hospitality Night barbeque in a chande-
lier-laden tent featuring food and/or drink
offerings from most of the Auxiliarys 16
districts. The D7 table was not hard to find
with Walter Jaskiewicz and John Tyson, District Captain-
West (elect) passing out cups filled with tropical rum
drinks to the thirsty revelers while COMO Frasch and his
wife dined on hot dogs nearby.
The meetings and training sessions kicked into high-gear
on Friday, where Gene Kahn, Flotilla Commander 6-10,
was spotted wrapping-up a week long course for Air Op-
erations Training Officers. Wilson Riggan, Division Vice
Commander-5, and his wife, Diane, Flotilla Commander,
59, were seen perusing the various exhibitor booths es-
tablished in the conference corridors. Chicagos gangster
heritage provided the theme for the evening social func-
tion.
On Saturday, the conference shifted into high gear with
all the pomp and circumstance one would expect from
the NACON opening ceremonies. After several keynote
speeches focused on the ongoing modernization of the
Coast Guard, it was time for awards. National Commo-
dore, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary,
Nicholas Kerigan was joined by Rear Admi-
ral Sally Brice-OHara, Deputy Commandant
OAK BROOK, ILL. COMO Don Frasch, DCO-7 prepares to dress his hot dog
at the Auxiliarys National Conference opening barbeque on Thursday, August
27, 2009 at the Oak Brook Marriott Resort.
Photo by Christopher Todd, ADSO-PA-E



OAK BROOK, ILL. COMO Donald Frasch,
DCO-7 (right) and Christopher Todd, FC 6-11 D7
(left) celebrate Flotilla 6-11 of Miami winning the
Marine Retailers Association of America VE/
RBSVP Flotilla of the Year award at NACON on
August 29, 2009 for combined Vessel Safety
Checks and Recreational Boating Safety Pro-
gram Visit improvement during calendar year
2008.

Photo by Philip Bailey, USCG Auxiliary Public
Affairs Dept.
Page 19






for Operations, United States Coast Guard, for the after-
noon award presentations.
The National Public Affairs (PA) Contest awards began,
and COMO Frasch was wishing he had a seat a little bit
closer to the podium as the floodgates opened. First
came the Auxiliary Photography Awards, and Auxiliarist
Harry E. Bruno of Venice, Fla., was awarded first place in
the Fellowship category while Auxiliarist Christopher
Todd, Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 6-11, Miami, won the
Vessel Examination category.
As the momentum built, the presenters announced that
D7 had won First Place for a District PA program with Bill
Hanlon, SO-PA 3 and Christopher Todd, ADSO-PA-E,
sharing the award for spearheading a comprehensive
2009 National Safe Boating Week campaign that included
a special project involving National Football League Hall-
of-Fame Quarterback Dan Marino.
Just as COMO Frasch took his seat, he was called back
to the podium. The photo of a cover with an Auxiliarist
surrounded by NFL cheerleaders on the big screen said it
all. The D7 Breeze was awarded first-place for a District
newsletter. (Sources in Florida say Breeze publisher
Dottie Riley hit her head on the ceiling when she heard
the news). D7 fared very well, and that was just the PA
category.
As the awards continued it was time for South Florida to
shine, and Division 6 in Miami-Dade County went on a
hot streak. First, Cutler Ridge Flotilla 65 won
the Flotilla of the YearPublic Education
award for their hard work and dedication teaching boating
safety classes, including several to area Boy Scout
troops. Then, Coconut Grove Flotilla 63 received special
recognition for completing the second highest number of
Vessel Safety Checks in the United States during the
2008 calendar year.
Later that night at the National Commodores Banquet, it
came time for more awards. Miami Flotilla 6-11 received
the Marine Retailers Association of America VE/RBSVP
Flotilla of the Year award for their outstanding perform-
ance and activity growth in performing Vessel Safety
Checks and RBS Program Visits in the Greater Miami
area. Christopher Todd, FC 6-11, joined COMO Frasch in
accepting the award on behalf of the Flotilla.
To close the evening, Admiral Thad W. Allen, Comman-
dant, United States Coast Guard, gave a heartfelt key-
note speech underlining the importance of the Auxiliary to
the Nation. Your passion, your skills, and your talents
can be brought to bear for this Country like never before,
stated ADM Allen. You have never been more needed,
nor more relevant, than you are right now.
Shortly thereafter, 2009 NACON came to a close, and the
airlines made a few more bucks as COMO Frasch and
Jaskiewicz paid extra baggage fees to haul home all the
plaques and awards in their luggage. The Super Sev-
enth has taken care of business as usual.





OAK BROOK, ILL COMO Donald Frasch,
DCO 7 (center) and Christopher Todd, ADSO-
PA-E D7 (2nd from left) accept the 1st Place
District, National Public Affairs Award in recogni-
tion of the D7 2009 National Safe Boating Week
Project. COMO Frasch also accepted the award
on behalf of William Hanlon, SO-PA 3 who could
not attend. Presenting the award are COMO
Nicholas Kerigan, National Commodore (left),
RADM Sally Brice-OHara, Deputy Commandant
-Operations, USCG, Robert Nelson II, Depart-
ment Chief-Public Affairs, and Tom Nunes, Dep-
uty Chief-Public Affairs (top right).
Photo by Diane Riggan, FC 59 D7
Page 20






ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- Any-
one who failed to attend the
District 7 Fall Conference at the
Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront
hotel missed a fantastic experi-
ence. The conference, Septem-
ber 10 13, 2009, was without
a doubt one of the greatest and
best organized conferences
ever.
The conference began with a
meeting of the District Com-
mand Group. Commodore Don
Frasch chaired the briefing to
discuss the actions and the
sequence of those actions for
the next several days. Tom
Hayden, District Staff Officer--
Marine Safety, professionally
presented the plan of action to
Commodore Frasch and his staff. Then the fun began.
Please note that the word fun is used here. There were
numerous classes and seminars presented, but the un-
derlying tone was to learn new things and have fun doing
it. One example is the skit that the Public Affairs and the
Publications Department presented in the first hour of its
four-hour training period. It involved an Auxiliarist named
Ronald Fresh (aka, Tom Loughlin) being interviewed
about a horrific boating accident by nationally acclaimed
correspondent Kitty Curious (aka, Dottie Riley). The more
than two dozen students who began that class found it of
such interest that they remained for the full four hours.
Similar methods characterized the many other classes
and seminars presented by each of the departments.
When you mix these highly informative and interesting
sessions with the social meetingsthe Commodores re-
ception and banquet, the Past Division Captains lunch-
eon and the western-themed finale dinner, you have
three days of total enjoyment.
Multiple awards were presented at different times during
the Conference. Most notable was the presentation of the
National First Place award for the best District newsletter
in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the District 7 Breeze, edited
by Dottie Riley. Following on the heels of that award was
the award for top National Safe Boating Week activities
presented jointly to Bill Hanlon, Staff Officer- Public Af-
fairs, Division 3, and Christopher Todd, Assistant District
Staff Officer- Public Affairs- East. Photography awards
were also presented to Harry Bruno of Venice, Fla.,
(Fellowship category) and Christopher Todd of Miami
Beach, Fla. (Vessel Examination category).
For me, the best part of these conferences is not the
classes---even though the knowledge I gain from them is
invaluable. It is not the demonstrations that absolutely
blow my mind. It isnt even about all the fun that I have at
the dinners, at lunches, and by the pool. My reward is the
fellowshipthe tremendous feelings that I experience
when meeting someone who, the day before, was just a
name or a position. These meetings help me understand
more about my Auxiliary and help me do better the
things that I volunteer to do.
I have learned that conferences are not all about the
mucky-mucks, the brass, but rather about the camara-
derie of the Auxiliary. Have you seen our Commodore in
a scarecrow outfit? I have. Ive talked with Auxiliarists
sitting around tables and really had a great time, only to
learn later that they wore three or four stripes, or even a
star or two. They are people just like you and me; they
are approachable and enjoy meeting everyone.
Please, if at all possible, attend a conference, if just for a
day. I guarantee it wont be your last.
District Conference 2009the Incident
Command System Way
By Tom Loughlin, DSO-PA D7
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- Capt. Richard Moore, Florida Boating Law Administrator was one
of the keynote speakers at the D7 Annual Business Meeting. The speakers were followed by
the presentation of district awards and the administration of the oath of office to new officers.
Photo by Vicki Aponte

Page 21







Trainings, seminars and tabletop displays offered numerous learning experiences...


Christopher Todd ADSO-PA-East presented
Auxiliary Basic Digital Photography during the
third of four one-hour training sessions pre-
sented jointly by the D7 Public Affairs- Publi-
cations Departments On Sept. 12th in St. Pe-
tersburg. Other presenters included Tom
Loughlin, DSO-PA, Dottie Riley, DSO-PB, Jim
Dennen, DDC-L and Karen Miller, ADSO-L..
Photo by Dottie Riley
Right: Cathie Welty, DDC-P and Ruth Ann
White, DSO-PE set up one of the display tables
that included the popular Trash Game.
Photo by Tom Loughlin

Below left: On Sunday, Sept.13, while most con-
ference attendees were checking out of their
rooms and heading home, at least two dozen
members attended the Cardiac Pulmonary Re-
suscitation (CPR) certification training presented
by Gary and Terry Barth from Division 5.
Photo by Nestor Tacoronte

Below right: Division 8 operated a silent auction
to raise funds during the conference. Many con-
ference attendees went home with whimsical
and even a few practical nautical themed items.
All of the unsold items were raffled at the west-
ern theme fun night on the last night of the con-
ference. Photo by Vicki Aponte
Page 22






MIAMI BEACH, Fla.- The 2
nd
Annual Guardians Gala
was held on Saturday, October 3, 2009,

at the magnifi-
cent Treetop Ballroom in Miami Beachs Jungle Island.
Members of the South Florida Coast Guard Association
greeted guests from the Coast Guard, CG Reserves, the
CG Auxiliary and Friends of the Coast Guard, while the
keyboard pianist from the Craig Turley Orchestra enter-
tained throughout the reception.
Following the reception, doors to the grand ballroom
opened and guests awaited the arrival of the Official
Party: the Command Master Chief of the Seventh Coast
Guard District, Master Chief Kurt and Mrs. Theresa
Rugenius; The District Seven Auxiliary Commodore,
Donald and Mrs. Sandy Frasch and Commander, United
States Coast Guard District Seven, Rear Admiral Robert
Branham and Ms. Cindy Maloney.
Captain Rick Kennin, Commanding Officer, Air Station
Miami, presided as the Master of Ceremonies. The
Opening Ceremony included the Presentation of the Col-
ors followed by the National Anthem. Capt. Benjamin
Carroll, Garrison Chaplain, U.S. Southern Command,
offered the Invocation, and CMC Rugenius explained the
Remembrance Table. All observed a Moment of Silence
to remember those that have crossed the Bar.
After a lavish evening meal, guests socialized with
friends old and new. A special guest (see photograph on
facing page) who resides at Jungle Island arrived fash-
ionably late, making his way through the admiring crowd
to pose for pictures.
Guest speaker RADM Branhams remarks included an
action filled video.
The evening would not have
been complete without the For-
mal Toasts, offered in conjunc-
tion with the playing of The Ser-
vice Medley. Following the final
toast to the Coast Guard, guests
sang along to Semper Paratus.
The Craig Turley Orchestra pro-
vided dance music for the re-
mainder of the evening, and
guests departed with good
memories and, hopefully, plans
to attend next years event.
The South Florida Coast Guard
Association would like to thank
Guardians Gala Celebrates the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary 70 Years of Service
By Richard and Gwen Leys
Page 23






all the sponsors, volunteers and, of course, the attendees
to this years Ball. Plans are already in progress to ensure
that next years event will be as entertaining and enjoy-
able as this years Gala.


Photographs: Top left: MIAMI BEACH, Fla.- USCG Sector Mi-
amis Guard Color Guard present the colors at the opening of
the Gala.

Bottom left: Dewey Jackson, Division Commander 13, Dr. Wil-
liam Tejeiro, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator-Sector Miami; and
Terry and Gary Barth from Division 5 are some of the familiar
faces at this festive event.

Top: Captain James Fitton, Commander, USCG Sector Miami
and his wife Peggy; Ceci Burbank and Eduardo Burbank, Divi-
sion Commander 6 enjoying the festivities.

Right: Rear Admiral Robert Branham, Seventh Coast Guard
District greets the special guest who arrived fashionably late,
but was a big hit with the party-goers and posed with many.
Photos provided by Gwen and Richard Leys.
Page 24





SARASOTA, Fla.-"Always Ready" seemed like a
good title for a small public event to demonstrate
the search and rescue capabilities of the United
States Coast Guard and the United States Coast
Guard Auxiliary.
The request went out to Air Station Clearwater for
an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and rescue swimmer
as major participants in the event. Obviously, these
teams are only available should there be no emer-
gencies that require their response. Therein lies the
problem: what if the event is publicized, the public
turns out and the Jayhawk cannot be there? That is
where Toni Borman, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Af-
fairs, Flotilla 84, stepped in and found a solution.
Working with Dr. Juan Hernandez, Flotilla 86 Com-
mander, and Randy Moritz, Flotilla 84 Commander, the
event took on a life of its own! Coast Guard Station Cor-
tez was contacted and apprised of the situation. They
agreed to participate in whatever was needed. Then Bor-
man contacted all of the first response units in
Sarasota County, Florida, and, to her surprise,
every one of the agencies agreed to participate.
Now the small public event mushroomed into a full
-scale public affairs occasion. Division 8 would be
hosting one of the biggest events in its history.
On October 3, 2009, Bayfront Park in Sarasota
became a hub of excitement. Members from the
Division 8 flotillas gathered to set up canopies and
tables for the event. There was a sea of dark blue
as members, wearing their operational dress uni-
forms, showed up to lend a hand. A Public Affairs
table was prepared, as was a Clean Marina Pro-
gram table. Vessel Safety Checks were conducted
at the ramp nearby.
Coast Guard Station Cortez brought a 25' Fast Boat on a
trailer and visitors were able to come aboard and sit in
the Coxswain's chair. The Coast Guardsmen set up a
rescue line game. Visitors young and old attempted to
throw the rope to a specific spot, urged on by the
Guardians. Station Cortez also arrived by water in
their 41' utility boat.
The shore was lined with people when the HH-60
Jayhawk Helicopter was spotted offshore and pro-
ceeded to lower a rescue swimmer and a rescue
basket into the water. The 41' UTB was on scene,
as were several Auxiliary operational facilities that
maintained a safety perimeter around the action.
As the rescue swimmer was hoisted high above the
water, he gave a big wave in true Guardian fashion.
The cheers and applause were audible over the
noise of the helicopter.
"Always Ready" Event is a Big Success for Division 8
By Paulette Parent, ADSO-PB-W, Photos by Judi Bidwick, FSO-PB FL 86
Page 25






However, the day was not over. The 41' UTB dem-
onstrated some towing exercises using the Auxiliary
operational facility Sea Searcher as the dead boat.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Com-
mission brought one of its boats on a trailer and
provided information on safe boating and fishing
regulations. The Mounted Patrol, Sarasota County
Sheriff's Department, brought two of their horses,
and visitors delighted in giving them an appreciative
pat on the neck. The Sarasota County Sheriff's De-
partment K-9 Unit also put on a demonstration for
the public. The Sarasota County Fire Department
brought one of their engines and seemed to enjoy
the event as much as the public when people asked
questions about their apparatus and their jobs. The
American Red Cross set up a table and passed out
information about health and safety. Mote Marine offered
information regarding several of their educational pro-
grams and examples of turtle shells, shark teeth,
and dolphin skulls for the children in the audience.
The Ocean Conservancy was present as well, with
information and exhibits. The Transportation Safety
Administration brought the portable scanner equip-
ment used at airports. The children were really ex-
cited to see their images on the screens. Even the
Suncoast Bloodmobile participated, and they were
delighted to accept donations from 12 people
(considered a good day). Two Auxiliary operational
facilities also joined the exhibits on their trailers.
According to a Sheriffs Department estimate, ap-
proximately 2,500 people attended the event. A de-
briefing followed, and every agency that attended
offered favorable reports and many ideas to aug-
ment their presentations next year. Did you hear that
Division 8? We are going to do it again!
Photographs: SARASOTA, Fla., Oct.3, 2009
Top left: : Children excitedly toured the Coast Guard 25 FAST
boat from Station Cortez at the Always Ready event.
Mid-left: Elyce McLaren from FL 84, Sarasota, Fla. hands
out coloring books and safe boating information to visi-
tors.
Bottom left: The Sea Searcher is taken in tow by a 41 foot
Coast Guard utility boat from Station Cortez as part of the
on-the-water demonstrations. On board the Sea Searcher
are Roy Bellas, coxswain from Fl. 82, Long Boat Key, Fla.
with crewmembers Paul McManus, Dennis Munhall, and
trainee Don Evans, all from FL 83, Manatee, Fla.
Top right: What event for families would be complete
without Officer Snook to entertain the children?
Mid page: Sarasota County Fire Department was on hand
as were members of the Sarasota County Sheriffs De-
partment (foreground).
Bottom right: Jeff Bartlett, Elyce McLaren, John De-
George, and Betty Gross, all members of FL 84, Sara-
sota, Fla. Promoting the Sea Partners Campaign.
Page 26





TAMPA, Fla.- This past
June, United States Coast
Guard Auxiliarys Flotilla 79
headquarters in Tampa,
one of the most functional
Auxiliary facilities in District
Seven, quietly marked its
twentieth year of service to
the Coast Guard, the Auxil-
iary, local and regional law
enforcement agencies and
the Tampa Bay boating
community.
But throughout 2009, the
Flotilla has been anything
but quiet. The unit hosted
one of only four statewide
Boating Safety Course In-
structor Seminars spon-
sored by the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Commission
(FWC) in early May, at-
tended by Auxiliary and
U.S. Power Squadron instructors and representatives of
private firms offering boating safety education. In July,
Sector St. Petersburgs Prevention Department utilized
the building to host a high-level briefing by Coast Guard
consultants regarding Port of Tampa security issues at-
tended by virtually every port user and emergency re-
sponse and public agency throughout the Tampa Bay
region.
And, beginning this past April, Flotilla 79 has hosted
unique Information Sessions sponsored by the Coast
Guard Recruiting Commands St. Petersburg office. The
monthly events enable the Command to centralize its
wide-ranging regional outreach efforts to individuals inter-
ested in applying for Coast Guard active duty and Re-
serve enlisted and officer ranks. In one location and at
one time, recruiters can reach up to 80 candidates to per-
sonally discuss Coast Guard enlistment programs, en-
trance requirements, educational benefits and to sched-
ule testing and medical evaluations.
Perhaps the most interesting session feature is the inter-
action between Coast Guard recruiters who staff the ses-
sions and the prospective candidates. Following an atten-
tion-grabbing video describing the rigors of Coast Guard
boot camp, recruiters from all walks of Coast Guard ser-
vice including aviation, law enforcement, administration,
marine science, boat force and reserve occupations dis-
cuss their career experiences and available opportunities
within their area of expertise.
Equally as captivating are the presentations by recent
Coast Guard Training Center graduates. These newly-
minted Guardians (some just days out of boot camp) who
are en-route to their first duty station, provide attendees
with riveting, first-hand, heart felt and almost real time
accounts of their Cape May experience and reflections on
the eight-week introduction to the military and their Coast
Guard career.
Flotilla 79 members Heleyde Aponte, Flotilla Staff Officer-
Personnel Services, Brain Garry, Flotilla Fellowship
Chairperson, Don Raleigh and other members take ad-
vantage of the captive audience by welcoming atten-
dees aboard the Flotilla. They describe the Auxiliarys
missions and training opportunities, our relationship with
the Coast Guard and how Auxiliary membership can en-
hance active duty and reserve enlisted or commissioned
officer careers. The Auxiliarists emphasize the fact that
attendees can capitalize on a program which allows
enlisted candidates to enter Boot Camp with an E-2 or E-
3 rating, rather than E-1, by completing Auxiliary Boat
Flotilla 79 Opens its Doors to a New Guest --
St. Petersburgs Coast Guard Recruiting Command
By Tim Teahan, Flotilla Vice Commander, FL 79
TAMPA, Fla.-Fresh out of boot camp, Petty Officer Third Class Michael Jones, answers questions
about his experiences as a Guardsman for a room full of hopeful candidates at Flotilla 79,
Tampa, Fla., on October 21, 2009. Photo by Dottie Riley

Page 27






Crew or Coxswain training prior to enlistment.
Another benefit of Auxiliary membership is the exposure
to Coast Guard and military protocol, courtesies, tradi-
tions and nomenclature.
Auxiliary membership is even more attractive to potential
Coast Guard enlistees now, because openings for the
Coast Guard, service-wide and locally, are limited and the
waiting time for enlistee reporting can be one year or
more, explained Chief Petty Officer Katharine Caruso,
Recruiter-in-Charge of the Coast Guards St. Petersburg
Recruiting Office. The interim between selection and re-
porting creates the perfect opportunity for the selected
candidates to learn as much as possible by joining the
Auxiliary, she said.
Flotilla 79 is just one of many Auxiliary units benefiting
from participation in Coast Guard Recruiting open
houses, as attendees come from all over West Central
Florida and points north. During the sessions, the inter-
est in Auxiliary membership is very encouraging and Ive
had opportunities to meet potential members from Dune-
din, Brandon, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Crystal River and
even Gainesville, said Heleyde Aponte. Of course, we
encourage those living outside of Tampa to contact a flo-
tilla near their home and assist them in finding a contact
person in those units.
The Auxiliarys presence at the open houses has sparked
a renewed awareness of and interest in the Auxiliary and
since April, has resulted in one new member for a Divi-
sion 8 flotilla and ten prospective mem-
bers for Division 7 flotillas.
The information sessions have been a
tremendous help to our efforts and Flotilla
79s facility is the perfect venue for the
Recruiting Commands events, Chief
Caruso said. The buildings central loca-
tion makes it convenient for the attendees
to find, and its size, layout and amenities
all work together to stage effective ses-
sions.
Were delighted to be of service to Coast
Guard Recruiting and hopefully, our small
part in the recruiting effort makes their
daunting mission a bit easier, remarked
Tim Teahan, Flotilla 79 Flotilla Vice Com-
mander, during a recent event.


Right: Boatswains Mate First Class Jennifer Waldo
and Chief Yeoman Jennifer Stiles explain their jobs
and the recruiting process to candidates who at-
tended the information session on October 21,
2009 at Flotilla 79 in Tampa.



Below: Petty Officer Michael Jones and Aviation
Electronics Technician First Class Gilbert Morales
talk to more candidates after the meeting. These
discussions after the formal presentation and ques-
tion and answer periods are beneficial as many
candidates hesitate to ask questions in front of the
entire group but speak freely in the more private
setting.
Photos by Dottie Riley
Page 28





PALMETTO, Fla.- Every once in a while a civilian comes
to the Auxiliary with such a fire in the belly that every-
one takes notice. Kristen Wilson came to Flotilla 85 with
that fire.
Kristen was sworn into the Auxiliary on May 28, 2009,
and went to right to work. She rapidly earned the respect
and admiration of her fellow Auxiliarists. Flotilla members
gradually learned of her past achievements. During col-
lege, Kristen studied communications and thought she
could apply her knowledge in disaster response. But this
is not all that this ball of fire as some call her has done.
Over the past few years, she volunteered with the Ocean
Conservancy and with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch
in equine therapy. Kristen also volunteered with Take
Stock in Children as an academic mentor, Mote Marine
Laboratory in the sea turtle rehabilitation program, and
Delta Zeta sorority in their deaf education program. Kris-
ten was very active in University of Kentucky horse judg-
ing and equestrian teams as well.
Kristen came on board and proceeded to get involved
with every facet of the Auxiliary. However, she gave spe-
cial consideration to Marine Safety. In this role, she led
Flotilla 85 in a coastal clean-up eventthe same month
that she was sworn in! In the next few weeks, she even
went so far as to volunteer to don the Officer Snook cos-
tume (which in the Florida heat is very, very warm) on
several occasions for local public affair events.
Kristen enrolled in the Auxiliary Communications course
and passed it with flying colors. She then had thoughts of
even more service to her country and sought out the US
Coast Guard recruiters. The process took a couple of
months, but, on September 11, 2009, during the District 7
Conference, she received the call to report September
17, 2009, for swearing in for the delayed entry program.
Kristen will be officially sworn in to the United States
Coast Guard and leave for active duty training on Octo-
ber 27, 2009. Because of her prior college credits and
experiences, she will enter basic training as an E-3 Sea-
man. Unfortunately, like the rest of her shipmates, she
will still be called recruit during basic training but will be
able to don her seamans stripes on graduation. With all
of these accomplishments, she intends to remain a mem-
ber of the Auxiliary. A real sign of her commitment is that
she took the name tag off her ODU shirt and sewed it on
the duffel bag she is carrying when she reports for active
duty.
Kristen sent a very touching letter to our Flotilla express-
ing her feelings about being an Auxiliarist. She said she
knew she had made the right decision to join the Auxil-
iary. She stated, my responsibilities and commitment
to the Active Duty are top priority, yet I plan to contribute
to the Auxiliary when I can. Kristen went on to say that,
It is an honor, privilege and very humbling to know that I
have volunteered with some of the most amazing people
that have ever come into my life. I have had an opportu-
nity to learn so much from the Auxiliary.
Now, I write an open letter to her:
Kristen,
It is you who deserves the thanks. You came into the
Coast Guard Auxiliary and invigorated everyone around
The USCG Auxiliary Loses a Member to the Coast Guard---
But Not Completely. Article and photos by Dee Kermode, FSO-PA, FL 85
PALMETTO, Fla.- Lou Magyar, Supervisor of the Venice
Detachment and a former Coast Guard Director of Auxil-
iary (retired) helped Kristen prepare physically for the
challenges of basic training.
Page 29






Kristen Wilson (left) and Jamie
McWade from the Ocean Conser-
vancy shown during the coastal
clean-up event.
you. You added a spark to our
lives both personally and profes-
sionally. The Auxiliary needs more
young men and women just like
you to strengthen our organization.
We hope that you will never forget
us for certainly we will never forget
you.


On Saturday September 19, the Big Pine Flotilla of Divi-
sion 13 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary partici-
pated in the annual International Coastal Cleanup spon-
sored by the Ocean Conservancy. This global event,
which this year spanned more that 100 countries, was
successful in cleaning up thousands of miles of shoreline
of millions of pounds of debris. The Big Pine Flotilla re-
moved more than 1,200 pounds of debris from a one mile
stretch of shoreline on Big Pine Key. The debris con-
sisted mostly of plastic items including bottles, bottle
caps, bags and food packaging materials. The goal of
The Ocean Conservancy in sponsoring this event, in ad-
dition to removing unsightly debris from our environment,
is to bring global attention to this problem so people will
stop using our waterways as disposal sites.
Participants in the clean-up were: Donna and Luke
Moore, John and Ann Hedberg, Brian and Kelly Hanson,
Dennis and Rene Settles, Jan and
Don Kittsmiller, Ted Geisbrecht,
Cheryl Heinz, Bob Eichholtz, Brad
Miller, Mike Block, Marcia Root and
Phil Goodman.
Division 13 Participates in International Coastal Cleanup
Article and photos by Janice Kittsmiller.
BIG PINE KEY, Fla.- Members of Division
13 who participated in the International
Coastal Cleanup included Phil Goodman,
SO-MS (seated). Behind him from left,
back row: John Hedberg, SO-OP, Robert
Eichholtz, FSO-MT, Ted Giesbrecht, Co-
ordinator of Boat Crew Training Team 13-
3, Michael Bloch and Brian Hanson,
members of 13-3, Kelly Hanson, (wife of
Brian Hanson), Luke Moore, FSO-AN,
Brad Miller, VFC, 13-3. Standing front with
red shirt is Cheryl Heinz, member of 13-3.
Not shown but major organizers of this
event are Ann Hedberg, FSO-SR and
Donna Moore, member of 13-3.
Page 30





VENICE, Fla.- Rescue
21 is an advanced com-
mand, control, and com-
munications system that
improves the ability of
the Coast Guard to as-
sist mariners in distress,
save lives and heighten
Homel and Secur i t y
measures. It utilizes Digi-
tal Selective Calling

and
Global Positioning Sys-
tem capabilities to deter-
mine location of distress
signals. These capabili-
ties will be fully deployed
in the US by 2011. Cur-
rently, it is operational in
Atlantic City, N.J., East-
ern Shore, Va., Mobile,
Ala., St. Petersburg, Fla.,
Seattle, Wash. and Port
Angeles, Wash.

The Digital Selective
Calling Tracking and
Navigation System (DSC
-TNS) implemented by
Flotilla 86 takes advan-
tage of the ubiquitous deployment of DSC technology in
the Coast Guard and radio manufactur-
ers. It decodes DSC digital signals sent
by operational facilities with DSC radios
using the sound card in a PC. The op-
erational facilitys position is identified
at the push of a button, and it is plotted
on a Google Map, locally and on the
web. The system configuration is
shown on Figure 1.
Facility owners must register for a Mari-
time Mobile Service Identity number
and connect their DSC radio to a GPS
receiver before they can use these ca-
pabilities. In addition, the DSC radio on
the vessel must be able to receive and
reply to position requests to support
tracking. Implementation of Digital Se-
lective Calling-Tracking Navigation
System requires that a DSC decoder
and the DSC2GM be installed on the
radio station PC; the following equipment must be avail-
Digital Selective Calling, Tracking and Navigation
System (DSC-TNS)
By Juan C. Hernandez, FC, Flotilla 86, and Henry S. Reynolds, SO-CM, Flotilla 86
Figure 1: Radio Station Configuration
VENICE, Fla.- Dr. Juan C. Hernandez and co-author Henry Reynolds surrounded by several visual
aids they use when speaking about the DSC tracking System.
Photo provided by Dr. Juan Hernandez
Page 31






able: a Pentium level PC running Win95/98/Me/2k/XP
with compatible sound card and an all mode short wave
receiver, e.g., a scanner, or a VHF band radio receiver
with FM mode. The receiver must be tuned to one of the
DSC distress and calling channels and the audio output
must be connected to the input port of the PC sound card.
DSC-TNS plots a vessel location on a Google map, dis-
plays facility information and supports several navigation
tools. The system can be used on a local computer and
on the web to track vessels and perform navigation calcu-
lations. The interactive navigation
tools can also be used for aids to
navigation classes.
Following is a list of the major fea-
tures the system provides.
Ship Information;
Multiple formats for Lat/Long &
Distance;
Range and Bearing: calculates
the distance and bearing be-
tween two waypoints;
Ship Track: connects dots for
ship position reports with lines;
Route Plan: plots a route or
measures a vessels track;
Distance and Heading & Time/
Speed Calculations;
Multiple Data Sources & Radar
Overlay;
Dynamic Lat/Long based on
the location of the cursor;
Variable map views: Terrain,
Hybrid, Map and Satellite;
Selectable zooming capabili-
ties.

The following features were re-
cently added:

Speed setting for use in route
time calculations;
Computation and display of
lapsed and total times of routes;
User selectable units of meas-
ure for distances and bearings;
User selectable data source to
allow multiple XML input files;
Ship List, Legend and About
Info displays clickable options;
Enhanced User Input Area
arrangement;
Expanded and improved tool tips for all user func-
tions;
Improved Documentation.

A sample display of DSC-TNS is shown on Figure 2. The
icons you see on the map are identified and explained in
the DSC-TNS users manual, which is available on http://
www.cgauxvenice.org/dsc2gm/dsc2gm.html. Click on the
Help button in the control panel to access this manual.


Figure 2: Sample DSC-TNS Display
Figure 3: Sample DSC-TNS Display
Page 32





LAKE MURRAY, S.C.- When U.S. Army 360
th
Civil Af-
fairs Brigade paratroopers execute a jump, they are
called sticks by fellow soldiers, possibly because of the
multiple jumps and precise timing out of the aircraft. Or, it
may be that they just look like sticks as they exit the air-
craft one after another.
The sticks jumped out of an Air Force C-17 Globemas-
ter III air transport at 11:00 a.m., on Sept. 12, 2009, in a
series of passes on the drop zone at Lake Murray.
Dubbed Operation Back in Black by the Army, this oc-
casion commemorated the final group jump of the 360
th

airborne paratroopers since the group will soon be dis-
banded and transferred to other Army units. Following
this final jump as a member of the 360
th
Civil Affairs Bri-
gade, the paratroopers were required to turn in their
paratrooper maroon berets in exchange for the generic
Army black berets. They will be Back in Black.
The large aircraft flying low over the lake was a sensa-
tional sight for spectators as it dropped the paratroopers
at 1,250 feet into the 85 degree water. According to the
Jumpmaster, the aircraft made six passes over the Lake,
and a total of 78 paratroopers dropped like sticks from
the plane. Not a common sight!
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary members from Flotil-
las 12-3, Lake Murray, 12-1, Lake Marion, 12-6, East
Cooper, 12-8, Charleston and 12-12, Edisto Island
launched support vessels from Flotilla Island as the pri-
mary retrieval boats. Richard Miner, Flotilla Commander
for Lake Murray, S.C., Flotilla 12-3 recalled, This is the
most number of Lake Murray Auxiliary (operational) facili-
ties that I can recall in one mission at one time.
Activity began at 7:30 a.m. with operational vessels and
participants arriving by land and water. Vessels from Lex-
ington County Sheriffs Office, Richland County Sheriffs
Office and Department of Natural Resources also as-
sisted and provided a much needed safety zone perime-
ter on this busy Saturday. It was an impressive assembly
of more than two dozen participating operational facilities
rafted up at Flotilla Island for the early morning multi-
agency briefing.
Tasked with the prompt and safe retrieval of soldiers and
their equipment, Auxiliary vessels worked quickly to pick
up and transfer the soldiers and their gear from the drop
zone to nearby pontoon boats.
Each Auxiliary vessel carried an Army safety swimmer on
We Pick Up Sticks!
Story and photos by Barbara Burchfield, FSO-PA 12-3
Page 33






board, a big help in hauling in the wet and heavy para-
chutes. The paratroopers would be helped aboard only
after the chute was retrieved. They then sat on the chutes
to save deck space. A quick transfer of the soldiers and
equipment was made to pontoon boats operated by pri-
vate volunteers. Timing was critical for the boats to be
back in position along the drop zone before the aircraft
made another approach with the next group of sticks
jumping out.
A steady flow of pontoon boats
ferried the wet soldiers and their
equipment to Pine Island where
waiting family and friends greeted
them at the commemorative cere-
monies. Several hundred attended
the party to celebrate the group
jump and the history of the 360
th
.
Aboard the Auxiliary Tactical
Communications vessel, Sherry-
Lynne, Auxiliarists Jerry Ruschkof-
ski and Russ Jernigan, Flotilla 12-
3, coordinated the action and de-
tails between the aircraft, vessels
and radio base station located at
Flotilla Island. Also aboard the
Patrol Command Vessel were
MSGT Nick Vidrine, U.S. Army
360
th
CA Jumpmaster, two Army
personnel, and BMC Travis Andrews, USCG Station
Charleston, Auxiliary Liaison Officer.
MSGT Vidrine said, I would like to express my gratitude
to the Coast Guard Auxiliary for their support in this mis-
sion and its successful finish. The Auxiliary provided the
main boats for the retrieval of the soldiers and their gear,
and it was not completely without risk. Thank you all for
your participation, we are grateful.
For our part, the Coast Guard Auxiliary was proud to be
a part of this historic event and honored to pick up their
sticks.


Facing page: LAKE MURRAY, S.C.- A stick of Army para-
troopers jumps out of an Air
Force C-17 Globemaster III air
transport on September 12,
2009.

Top: Perry Moses, coxswain
and Joe Livingston, crew, from
Flotilla 12-1 maneuver their
facility the Reel Thrill to permit
the Army swimmer to retrieve a
U.S. Army paratrooper and
gear from the water. Also on
board but not visible is Larry
Odom, crewmember, also from
FL 12-1.

Right: Don Davis from
FL 12-3 and James Ramsey,
FL 12-6 coordinate multi-
agency radio communication
procedures for operational
briefing to all agencies.
Page 34





CAPE CORAL, Fla.- June 7, 2009
dawned hot and humid. By noon,
when my Auxiliary Operational Facil-
ity The Guardian headed out for pa-
trol on the lower Caloosahatchee,
huge cumulus clouds and a moderate
wind suggested a change in weather.
My crew, Cherie Rohn, and trainee,
Harvey Wolfson, and I left the dock in
Cape Coral and proceeded toward
the Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard
Station. Our intent was to get fuel for
our mission, but as we neared the A-
Span bridge, a sudden squall hit with
a vengeance.
We went back up river and anchored
until the squall passed. Unbeknownst
to us, a thirty-two foot cabin cruiser
with three people aboard sought shel-
ter at the same time in the man-
groves off San Carlos Bay. The high
tide enabled the boaters to get into
the mangroves, but, within hours, the tide ebbed, and
their decision proved to be dangerous.
The storm passed, and by 1:30 p.m., we weighed anchor
and again headed toward the A-Span bridge and the
Coast Guard Station. As we went under the bridge, my
19-foot C-Dory pitched and rolled in the turbulent water. I
decided to return to the sheltered water of the river. The
rest of the afternoon patrol was uneventful.
At 4 p.m., as we were preparing to end our patrol, the call
for help came. Sea Tow radioed the Coast Guard that
they had received a call from a grounded vessel with
three people aboard, one of whom was an 86-year old
man with a pacemaker. Sea Tow couldnt reach them.
The grounded vessel was in the mangroves about one
mile north of Station Fort Myers Beach. I radioed that my
shallow draft vessel and crew were ready to help.
The radio crackled with a message from the Coast Guard
to proceed to Bunche Beach. You know this means its a
third time well see A-Span today. We still dont know
what the waters like out in the bay area, I said. Cherie
Rohn smiled and said, Remember, the third time is the
charm. Fortunately, this time the water in San Carlos
Bay had calmed down, although two footers still pushed
eastward toward the mangroves where the cruiser sat
atop a mound of sand.
As The Guardian approached the grounded vessel, it
was apparent that even with a 12 draft we could not
reach the stranded boat. A sandbar blocked passage.
The boaters waited for rescue 75 yards away at the edge
of the mangroves, in calf-deep water. Using binoculars,
we could see three distressed people.
At this point, a 33-foot Coast Guard go-fast boat was 100
yards behind us. The crew called by radio reporting,
Guardian, we are putting two Coasties in the water to
escort the victims. Theyll bring the elderly man out first.
Once they start toward you, beach your boat. Youll
transfer the victims to our boat.
Thirty minutes later the order came to beach my boat. I
opted to nose it in and keep the transom seaward. I knew
if I let the heavy end get on the sandbar, we would also
be grounded. Water washed into the engine well, and
before it could be expelled through the drain hole, an-
other wave would wash inside. Harvey Wolfson began
manually bailing. The waves pushed The Guardian side-
ways.
Three Times is the Charm
Patrol from 9-10 Rescues Three Stranded Boaters
By Constance O. Irvin, 9-10
CAPE CORAL, Fla.- Two Guardsmen and the third boater (right) are on a 33-foot Coast
Guard go-fast boat after the rescue. Photo by Connie Irvin
Page 35






I radioed the Coast Guard and said, My boat is light. I
need to get into the water and keep the stern seaward.
The reply from the Coast Guard was, Go for it. Both
Cherie Rohn and I stood in knee-deep water and held the
stern seaward, while Harvey Wolfson bailed.
The elderly man and a Coastie reached our boat first.
Once the elderly man was inside, the other man and a
Coastie lifted a huge ice chest into my boat. Then the
man and woman clamored into the safety of The Guard-
ian. They were thankful to finally be away from mosqui-
toes and no-see-ums. The elderly man was tired but
happy to be safe.
Cherie Rohn and I got back into The Guardian while the
Coasties held the vessel secure. As I lowered the engine,
the Coasties pushed us off. When I turned forward, I was
surprised to see two Coasties on my bow. (I wont get
into capacity plates now.)
I maneuvered The Guardian out to the 33, and the three
victims and the ice chest were transferred to the Coast
Guard vessel without any further incident. With passen-
gers and property secured, the 33 roared off toward Sta-
tion Fort Myers Beach. I radioed them requesting, Id like
to get some gas.
Come on down, came the reply.
High-fives were exchanged around The Guardian. And,
Cherie Rohn was right: Three times is the charm.
MARCO ISLAND, Fla.- Petty Officer 3rd Class
Robert (Bobby) Zwerin, new Coast Guard Liai-
son Officer to Flotilla 95, is back where he
startedFlotilla 95 in Marco Island.
I met Bobby in 2005 on a Coast Guard recruit-
ing trip to Lely High School, Naples, Fla. At that
time, Bobby knew he wanted to join the Coast
Guard. The question was what path to take--
Coast Guard Academy or enlistment.
Zwerin eventually decided to enlist, and I ad-
vised him that if he joined Flotilla 95 and be-
came crew qualified, he could receive a jump in
pay grade after completing boot camp in Cape
May, New Jersey. He joined 95! I became his
mentor and helped him through crew training
and the enlistment process.
PO3 Zwerin graduated from high school in
spring of 2005, attended boot camp that sum-
mer and was assigned to Coast Guard Station
Mayport, Jacksonville, Fla. Lucky for us, he
was recently assigned to Station Fort Myers
Beach and appointed liaison officer to Flotilla
95.

New AUXLO at Flotilla 95 is Homegrown
By Nancy Plank, FSO-PS 95; Photo by Roger Blau, FSO-PB 95
Page 36





STATION LAKE WORTH INLET, Fla.- E Pluribus Unum,
a Latin phrase, is found on the wings of the eagle on the
back of a one-dollar bill. It symbolizes the manner in
which our country became the United States of America,
one country made up of many states. Just as our country
is composed of many
states, so the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary is also
One of Many. We Auxil-
iarists, with our varied
backgrounds, are never-
theless bound together by
the fact that we are all vol-
unteers. Our diversity
brings knowledge and ex-
perience to the organiza-
tion- freely and for the bet-
terment of all.
One example of our diver-
sity is Auxiliarist Alvan Hir-
shberg from Flotilla 51,
Riviera Beach, Fla., who
phoned me at Station Lake
Worth Inlet where I volun-
teer as Public Affairs Offi-
cer to request a summer
job. After a few minutes of
conversation, my public
affairs brain whipped into
warp speed and I invited
him to join me for a cup of
coffee. Here was an excel-
lent opportunity to find that
one of many who could
highlight the Auxiliary and
make interesting reading.
As it turned out, I should
have purchased a Lotto
ticket that day as Lady Luck smiled at me. I hit the
mother lode!
Age is only a number, and in Hirshbergs case, it must be
true. To say he is long in the tooth is a gross understate-
ment. In 1943, he joined a Navy flight program as an
enlisted man and served through 1945, leaving active
duty as an Ensign, wearing the Navy wings of gold--
which he still proudly wears. Hirshberg followed with an
encore in 1946 by enlisting in the Navy Active Reserve
Program from which he retired as a Lieutenant Com-
mander in 1968. So far, some of our members, in one
way or another might fit a similar mold, but I mentioned I
got lucky, didnt I? What makes him stand apart from the
rest?
Could it be that he became a member of the Merchant
Marine and is currently li-
censed to captain large
boats, or perhaps, that for
the past number of years he
been teaching seamanship
at a local maritime acad-
emy? No. What piqued my
writers interest was an
event that took place in
September of 1960.
Alvan Hirshberg was a pas-
senger aboard an airplane
that crashed and burst into
flame. After escaping from
the wreckage, he saw the
cockpit area was in danger
of exploding and ran for-
ward to help. The cabin
door and windows were
jammed, locked into place
by the crash. Carbon diox-
ide, automatically released,
flooded the cockpit. There
was panic in the cockpit and
time was of the essence.
The emergency window
release was useless. With
no tools at hand save Yan-
kee ingenuity, Hirshberg
took a quarter from his
pocket and pried the win-
dow molding away, then
the window itself and pulled
four men to safety just in time. For this singular act of
heroism he was awarded the Carnegie Medal for hero-
ism.
Having said this, I hasten to add that we as Auxiliarist
are all heroes in one way or another. I believe I could pick
out any other Auxiliary member at random and find the
basis of an interesting tale, the saga of someones life.
By taking a moment to reflect upon our own lives, we
take pride in being one among the many that make up
the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary- E Pluribus
Unum.
E Pluribus Unum
By Edwin Greenfield, PAO Station Lake Worth Inlet
RIVIERA BEACH, Fla.- Alvan Hirshberg, a member of FL 51
displays the Carnegie Medal for heroism which he earned in
1960 when he pulled four flight crew members from the burning
wreckage of a plane.
Photo by Edwin Greenfield
Page 37






On two occasions within a week during August 2009,
members from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary,
Flotilla 12-6, were given the honor of escorting and pro-
viding perimeter safety for the Dead Stick Tows of the
USS Laffey and USCGC Ingham from their berths at the
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Mount Pleas-
ant, S.C. They moved up the Cooper River to Detyens
Shipyard and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Cen-
ter (FLETC) pier for overhaul and temporary storage re-
spectively.
Since her last overhaul nearly fifteen years before, the
USS Laffey had developed holes below her waterline
which threatened to sink her at her pier. After a desperate
effort to raise the funds necessary to prevent this, the
State of South Carolina provided an appropriation of over
$9 million to preserve the ship. The Laffey, commissioned
in 1944, is best known as The Ship That Would Not Die.
On April 16, 1945, during the battle of Okinawa, she mi-
raculously survived a massive Kamikaze attack by over
22 aircraft, downing 11 of them. However, she was struck
by five planes and absorbed three 500 lb. bomb detona-
tions. Nearly 1/3 of the ships crew was killed or wounded.
The USCGC Ingham, commissioned in 1936, saw action
in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres during WWII. In De-
cember 1942, she engaged and sank the German U-boat
U-626 while on convoy escort in the stormy Atlantic.
On a placid morning of August 24, 2009, USS Laffey was
again "Dead Stick Towed" into dry dock for her urgent
repairs. Two McAllister tugs, the Nancy and Dorothy
McAllister, and a Detyens built pusher, Solon J, eased
the 377' ship from F-Pier to G-Pier and into a
448' (136.5m) X 69' (21m) steel floating dock. The float-
ing dock, originally commissioned by the Navy in 1947 as
AFDL-47 (small auxiliary floating dry dock), was flooded
in order to receive Laffey. In less than one hour, the bow
of Laffey passed over the sill - job well done!
Meanwhile, USCGC Ingham awaited the end of the At-
lantic hurricane season before her tow to Jacksonville,
Fla., for restoration and eventual final tow to the CGC
Memorial Museum in Key West.

HONORABLE DUTY
By Rick Leary, FSO-PA 12-6
MT. PLEASANT, S.C.- Bob Weskerna, coxswain and Ron Foreman, coxswain-in training, observe as the U.S.S. Laffey is moved
toward dry dock. Photo by Rick Leary
Page 38





Auxiliarists Bill Hanlon and Joe Underwood of Flotilla 31
were among members of the Southeast Florida Public
Affairs Team honored at the District Conference in St.
Petersburg in September.
Hanlon and Underwoods efforts to promote National
Safe Boating Week (NSBW) took top honors nationally
as the nations number one NSBW program for 2009.
Both men were presented commendations for their ef-
forts in ceremonies attended by many top ranking com-
mand officers from District 7 and were honored by the
Past Division Captains Association at a luncheon held at
the Conference.
They enlisted the aid of Football Hall of Fame quarter-
back Dan Marino as spokesperson for NSBW. Mr. Mar-
ino appeared not only in person at the NSBW events but
made public service announcements aired in movie thea-
ters around the country. They also convinced the state of
Florida to show Boating Safety messages on the Amber
Alert Signs used to relay messages to motorists on the
interstate and Florida Turnpike systems. Even the Good-
year Tire and Rubber Company was persuaded to do-
nate its flying billboard on the Goodyear blimp to display
NSBW messages as the blimp flew up and down the
coast of Florida during the week.

Editors Note: On October 18, 2009, Joe Underwood was
named the Florida Education Association Teacher of
Excellence for 2010.
Christopher Todd, who took the above photograph, is the
third member of this award-winning team. He was
honored at the District Conference for his efforts to
promote NSBW along with Hanlon and Underwood.

Bill Hanlon and Joe Underwood Honored for National Safe
Boating Week Program By William Danielson, SO-PB 3
MIAMI LAKES, Fla. - Bill Hanlon, SO-PA 3 D7 (left) and Dr. Joe Underwood, Flotilla 31 D7 (right) pose with legendary NFL coach
Don Shula after the filming of the video Public Service Announcement promoting the use of EPIRBs by the recreational boating
public. Photo by Christopher Todd, ADSO-PA-E D7
Page 39






District 7: From where do our stories come?
Our district covers a large area: from the Carolinas south
to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Island. In this issue we
thought we might map the location of the articles for you.
In December and January our northernmost flotillas may
experience frigid temperatures, ice and snow, while our
southernmost flotillas continue to enjoy warm, balmy
weather.
1. DCON- St. Petersburg, Fla., page 20
2. Flotilla 79 & Recruiting for USCG- Tampa, Fla., p. 26
3. Always Ready- Sarasota Fla., page 24
4. Three Times/ Rescue- Cape Coral, Fla., page 34
5. Div 13 Coastal Cleanup, Big Pine Key, Fla., page 29
6. USCG Gala- Miami Beach, Fla., Page22
7. E Pluribus Unum- Lake Worth Inlet, Fla., page 36
8. Honorable Duty- Mt. Pleasant, S.C., page 37
9. We Pick Up Sticks- Lake Murray, S.C., page 32
10. H-4O2 Pontoon Class Room- Lake Murray, S.C.,
page16
Get your flotilla on the map!
1
2
3 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
District Staff Officers

Prevention Directorate
Henry T. Hayden ..ICS Coordinator/DSO-MS
Richard Metzler..DSO-MT
James R. MerittDSO-PV
Ruth Ann WhiteDSO-PE
William S. Griswold..DSO-SL
Herbert C. Hanson......DSO-VE

Response Directorate
Rodney Rocky Reinhold..DSO-NS
Donald A. Zinner.....DSO-AV
Joseph Colee, Jr. ..DSO-CM
Jeffrey A. Bronsing ....DSO-OP
Lee A. Bertmann......DFSO
Kevin McConn..DSSO

Logistics Directorate
Nestor Tacoronte........DSO-CS
Susan Z. Hastings .......DSO-IS
Thomas A. Loughlin ...DSO-PA
Dorothy J. Riley. ..DSO-PB
Angela Pomaro ...... DSO-PS
Terry Barth .....DSO-MA
Karen Miller ..... ADSO-L
Nestor Tacoronte .. Webmaster

Lillian G. GaNun ....DSO-SR
William F. Everill ..DSO-LP
Antoinette Borman.....D-LL
William Malone ......DSO-FN
Gwendolyn S. Leys ....PPDCPA
Karen L. Miller ...Grants
Doreen M. Kordek .....Historian
Thomas Brickey ... District Material Cen-
ter
Past District 7 Commodores


2007-08....Allen Brown
2005-06....Peter Fernandez
2003-04 ....... Jay Dahlgren
2001-02............ Mary Larsen
1999-00.... Helmut Hertle
1997-98... E.W. Edgerton
1995-96.... George E. Jeandheur
1993-94....... Joseph E. Norman
1991-92.. Walter W. Bock
1989-90.... Guy R. Markley, Jr.
1987-88. Rene E. Dubois
1985-86.... Robert B. Waggoner
1983-84. John C. King, Jr.
1981-82. William J. Callerame
1979-80 Bolling Douglas
1977-78.... James Titus
1975-76.... Newton Baker
1973-74.. Lawrence G. Danneman
1971-72... Dr. Elbert C. Prince
1969-70... George B.M. Loden
1967-68...... Ernest A. Baldine
1965-66....... Roland Birnn
1963-64.... Miguel A. Colorado
1961-62...... E. E. Vanderveer
1959-60 Richard L. Smith
1957-58... Herbert L. Lutz
1956. A. Harlow Merryday
1954-55.... Stanley W. Hand
1952-53... N.J.M. McLean
1951-52... Fred T. Youngs, Jr.
1950.... Guersey Curran, Jr.
1948-49... Charley E. Sanford
1946-47.. W. N. Mansfield
1939-45... No DCOs yet, DCPs governed
Auxiliary Sector Coordinators
Ronald Goldenberg . ASC Sector Charleston
Donald C. Hoge .... ASC Sector St. Petersburg
Robert Funk ... ASC Sector Jacksonville
James E. Dennen .. ASC Sector Key West
Osvaldo M. Catinchi... ASC Sector San Juan
William V. Tejeiro.. ASC Sector Miami
District Administrative Assistants & Aide
Carolyn R. Hooley...................................D-AD
Ronald Goldenberg.................................D-AA
Rosalyn A. Lucash..................................D-AA
COMO Mary Larson..........................Advocate
Antoinette Borman..........................Lay Leader
COMO Peter Fernandez....................Planning
Fun Night, Saturday Sept 12, 2009 - A host of wranglers and cowpokes -
mostly of the unsavory sort caroused at the fun night dinner and dance. Out-
laws boldly swaggered about, and there was even a shoot out between two
infamous gunslingers!
1. Gwen Leys, Immediate Past Division Commander 3 and Richard Leys,
District Directorate Chief-Response in their western gear. Photo by
Dottie Riley
2. Please dont call out the posse. We swear that wanted posted of COMO
Don Frasch is all a big mistake! Photo by Vickie Aponte
3. One lone Indian showed up, no doubt to rustle up some grub. (Steve
Ganun from Division 9 and a member of the conference staff). Photo by
Vickie Aponte
4. Walter Jaskiewicz, District 7 Chief of Staff and Gary Krantz, Flotilla 3-11,
Hollywood, Fla., look like they might be up to no good. Did this clandes-
tine meeting have anything to do with the shoot out after the dinner?
Photo by Dottie Riley

Awards and more awards....
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- Left: Chris Todd, ADSO-PA E and Flotilla 6-11 Commander holds up the many awards he received at the Dis-
trict Conference. For the complete list of awards see article on page 18. Photo by Vickie Aponte
Right: Rear Admiral Steve Branham, Commander Seventh Coast Guard District presents Carolyn Hooley, District Administrative Assis-
tant a token of his appreciation for all of the work she did organizing this years conference. Photo by Vicki Aponte
Outlaws, cowboys, cowgirls and Indians made Fun Night an evening to remember!
District Conference 2009
1
2 3
4
Homeland Security
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
DSO-PB D7
1630 Wakefield Drive
Brandon, FL 33511-2325
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300
PRSRT STD
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U.S. COAST GUARD
PERMIT NO. G-157
USCG Aids to Navigation National Training Center Museum, Yorktown, Va. Photo by Valerie Fernandes, FL 78, St. Pete Beach, Fla.