Division Captains 2007

Division 1.....Nestor J. Tacoronte

Division 2......Bruce Lindsey
Division 3..... Gwendolyn S. Leys
Division 4..... Barbara Carolus
Division 5.....Janee Henderson
Division 6.....Eduardo L. Burbank
Division 7.....Peter Lore
Division 8..........Fred Kermode
Division 9.......John Tyson
Division 10........Richard Luettich
Division 11 ...Karen L. Miller
Division 12.....William Bill Riley
Division 13.........James H. Fletcher
Division 14......Robert M. Funk
Division 15 . Rosemary Boennighausen
Division 16.........Duane Minton
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 change of addresses 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 Dennen, D-CL Content Editor
Gary Barth, ADSO-E
Janet Sprague-Williams, Copy Editing
Paulette Parent, ADSO-W
T. J. Kerbs, Pre-Press & Printing
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
District Commander:
Rear Admiral Steve Branham USCG
Director of Auxiliary District 7:
CDR David Allen, USCGR
Assistant Director:
CWO2 Steve Hanson, USCG
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
Rear Commodore East (RCO-E)
Richard J. Leys
Email: rjleys@bellsouth.net
Rear Commodore North (RCO-N)
Ronald Goldenberg
Email: rgoldehhi@roadrunner.com
Rear Commodore West (RCO-W)
Walter Jaskiewicz
Email: captwrj@aol.com
Logistics
James E. Dennen, Department Chief
Email: dennen@bellsouth.net
Prevention
Philip Merrill, Department Chief
Email: seahorse03@comcast.net
Response
Casey Jankowski, Department Chief
Email: cjankowski@tampabay.rr.com
District Commodore
COMO Allen Brown
Email: dco7d@aol.com
District Vice Commodore
Donald L. Frasch
Email: vcod7@aol.com
Area Commander Atlantic - East
Peter E. Fernandez
Email: pooldisc@bellsouth.net
Is the official publication of the
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
7th District
Volume LV Number 2 Fall/ Winter 2008
As DSO-PB I see most of D7s newsletters and have read
some great articles, however, few of those great stories are
submitted for publication in the Breeze or to our National
publications. I hope that the great variety of articles pub-
lished this year will encourage more submissions and
make each of you eager to see your stories published in
D7s beautiful newsmagazine! Here are the submission
guidelines and deadlines through Winter 2009:
Deadlines: Publication dates:
Spring 2009: March 10, 2009 April 30, 2009
Summer 2009: July 10, 2009 Aug. 30, 2009
Winter 2009: Oct. 10, 2009 Nov. 30, 2009
Articles of any length are considered, however, articles
should not exceed 750 words. Shorter articles are welcome
as we can run one story per page.
Articles should be of general interest and appeal to the
many varied members of D7. We publish about the Auxil-
iary for the Auxiliary. The focus or viewpoint should always
be the Auxiliarys involvement or perspective.
Never use all caps excepts when typing acronyms, and
always spell the complete words out the first time they are
used within the text followed by the acronym in parenthe-
sis.
We love photographs, and the larger, the better! The better
photographs are usually at least 1MB. Any image format is
acceptable. We print photographs as well as articles. Cap-
tions should answer the questions Who? What? Where?
When? Why or How?
With these guidelines in mind pull out those great stories,
polish them up a bit and get them to us as soon as possi-
ble. We need time to edit text and photographs, so the
more lead time we get the better. D7 members have ac-
complished some great things. Lets tell their stories and
applaud their efforts, and thanks to all who contributed to
this issue!
Sincerely,
Dorothy Joan Riley, DSO-PB D7
Bridge
A Word From the Editor:
Volume LV Number 2 Fall/ Winter 2008
District Commodore .......................................................3
Vice Commodore ...........................................................4
Immediate Past Commodore .........5
Director of Auxiliary D7 .......6
Rear Commodore North ................................................8
District Captain North (e) ....9
Rear Commodore West ...............................................10
District Captain West (e) . 11
Rear Commodore East ................................................12
District Captain East (e) ....13
Departments

Logistics, D-CL ...14
Prevention, D-CP ..........16
Response, D-CR .......17


Articles
Unexpected Rescue . 18
Getting Our Youth Involved in Boating Safety .. 20
Search Pattern Clinic 22
From Routine to Life Saving in 60 Seconds . 23
Innovative Hardware/ Sector Key West . 24
Surviving Hurricane Omar ... 26
Survival Kits For Commercial Fishermen ...28
Marian Madsen: 100 years and Counting ..... 30
Eagle Award ...... 31
DIRAUX West- Now Venice Detachment ......32
The USCGAUX Citadel Connection ..34
Operation Bay Watch ... 36
Lobster Rodeo ... 37
Historic Port of Call ... 39

Page 3
Commodore Allen Brown
From the Bridge
It is an awesome task that I face this morning and it is one that perhaps I have been
procrastinating in doing. It almost feels as though I am writing my own obituary; but
such is indeed not the case it is more like writing a birth announcement.
The Seventh District is one fascinating place to be as a member of the Auxiliary. We
have been, and will continue to be, on the cutting edge. And this is only possible with
the dedication and support of every member remaining Semper Paratus. Over the
years we have struggled with the key words of Integration, Innovation and Integrity
the three Is. We have done well in these areas. We fail when we individually add a
Fourth I ego. Our mission is the boating public, the Coast Guard and each and
every member. It is not I.
Charles Dickens noted in his opening paragraph of A Tale of Two Cities that, It was
the best of times; it was the worst of times. And thus it is today. We are a unique or-
ganization and one fantastic team. Sure, as with any volunteer organization there are problems.
These problems are better described as challenges and/or opportunities; Modernization is a reality.
Economic restraint is a reality, but we as Auxiliarists, Americans and members of the Seventh Dis-
trict are up to the challenges.
Bravo Zulu to each and everyone who claims the title of a Seventh District Auxiliarist! I am extremely
proud of all that you have accomplished and all that you will accomplish in the years ahead. Many
thanks and remain Semper Paratus.
COMO Allen Brown
presents a pocket watch
to Rear Admiral Robert
(Steve) Branham,
District Commander,
Seventh Coast Guard
District at the D7 Fall
Conference in Jacksonville
in appreciation for all of his
support of D7 USCGAUX .
Photo by James Dennen
Page 4

Donald L. Frasch, Vice Commodore
From the Bridge
First I must tell you I am both deeply humbled and tremendously excited to be taking
the helm of the largest, and arguably the very best District in the Auxiliary. It seems like
an awesome task, but I know we have a team with the talent, commitment, and dedica-
tion to continue to move our District forward and to maintain our leadership position in
the Auxiliary.
If you were at the Commodores Banquet at our Conference, you heard me mention
that I have received Commodore Browns permission to continue to use his Watch
Words of Integration, Innovation and Integrity as we move into my term as Commo-
dore. Ive done that for a couple reasons. First, I think they are the best descriptors of
what we need to do as we continue to increasingly add value as an organization to the
Active Duty Coast Guard and the boating public. They are simple yet focused, straight
forward and clearly understood by our entire team.
Secondly, I want them to take on more meaning that just the Commodores Watch Words.
I want them to be our District Watch Words. We have been working with them successfully
for two years. Making them District focused brings our entire sixteen Divisions, and their
Flotillas, into the main stream as well. I expect all our Elected and Appointed Officers to take
them to heart, use them constantly and let them guide our actions for the next two years.
I do, however, want to add my personal leadership motto to the mix, Do the Right Thing.
We all have to make decisions every now and then that can have everything from a very
small to a huge impact on our success as Auxiliarists, and on each others well being. When
you have to make a decision, large or small, take a moment and ask yourself that critical
question, What is the right thing to do? If you do that, and truthfully act on your own an-
swer, you will never go wrong, and we will continue to grow and make a difference.
Again, thanks for giv-
ing me this tremen-
dous honor !
Semper Paratus
Don Frasch, DCO (e) D7
is presented the Meritori-
ous Service Award at the
D7 Fall Conference. Pic-
tured are Rear Admiral
Robert (Steve) Branham,
District
Commander, Seventh
Coast Guard District,
COMO Allen Brown, DCO
D7, Don Frasch, DCO (e)
D7, and COMO Steven
Budar, National Commo-
dore, USCGAUX
Photo by James Dennen

Page 5
Commodore Peter Fernandez
Immediate Past District Commodore
The past four years have gone by very quickly. It seems like yesterday that I was elected
District Commodore for this great District and now my term as your Immediate Past District
Commodore is coming to an end. I will move forward, working with my Flotilla and District,
just as any member would do. I am happy with what I have been able to accomplish and
where I am. I take this opportunity to thank the membership for their support during my
years as Commodore. I am especially grateful to my mentor, Dominic Romeo. As I look
back to my days as Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 65, Miami, Fla., never in my wildest
dreams would I have imagined serving as District Commodore, and much less a National
Area Commodore.
The future of our organization will be in the hands of new leaders, and we need to prepare
for new and different responsibilities -- without fear or hesitation. Leadership, a critical
management skill, is the ability to motivate a group of people toward a common goal and
to encourage them to follow you. However, leading volunteers is not the same as leading in the cor-
porate world.
The Seventh District attributes its success to our many dedicated members and the elected leaders
guiding and directing their actions. Our newly elected Coast Guard Auxiliary leaders are the individu-
als who will guide and direct us, showing the way.
Congratulations to our new leaders. Good luck as you continue to motivate the membership to sup-
port and balance our Recreational Boating Safety missions with the Coast Guard missions. Never
forget that the Flotillas and members are the heartbeat of this great organization.
Semper Paratus!
COMO Peter Fernandez,
Area Regional
Commander (ARCO) -
Atlantic East and his wife,
Patricia, attended the Com-
modores Open House
aboard the UCSG Cutter
Maria Bray.
Photo by James Dennen
Managers are
people who do
things right, while
leaders are
people who do the
right thing.
Warren Bennis,
Ph.D.
On Becoming a
Leader
Page 6

Change is in the Air
This time of year we see and hear a lot about change. Both political parties had Presi-
dential candidates who promised change. The weather is changing. We have changed
from baseball season (go Rays!) to football season (go everyone!) And this year, we
are changing a lot of our leadership positions on both the gold and silver sides.
"Change" is the process, but "improvement" is the goal; continuous improvement, to
put it more accurately. We need to make sure in all of our elections and appointments
that the improvements from the last watch are carried forward, and that the next watch
makes changes that use these improvements to rise to a higher level. This year we are
continuing to move ahead, not just changing, and we thank those who got us here.
At our National Conference in Orlando and our District Conference in Jacksonville we
elected a slate of leaders who will take us forward in modernizing the Auxiliary and in making im-
provements in how we contribute to the missions of the Coast Guard. Our new National Commodore
and his staff, including our new Atlantic Area East Commodore Tom Venezio, will certainly keep up
the great work that Commodore Budar and our own East area Commodore Peter Fernandez started
over two years ago. Welcome home, Peter!
Likewise, we begin a new watch in January that will continue the progress made under Commodore
Allen Brown's leadership within District 7. Commodore Don Frasch was elected as the new DCO
and has committed to continue the watchwords of Commodore Brown Integration Innovation ...
Integrity. Working with the elected leaders and appointed staff at the District, Division and Flotilla
levels, we are in a great position to continue our progress not only to be the best Auxiliary District,
but also to be the best that we can be.
On the Gold side we've already had the chance to hear from and meet our District Commander,
Rear Admiral Steve Branham, who spoke to us both in Orlando and Jacksonville. He is genuinely
appreciative of the great work that you do every day and is committed to making sure that you have
what you need to be successful in supporting Coast Guard missions.
Rear Admiral Branham took command of our District in May. This was shortly followed by three new
Sector Commanders - CAPT Tim Close in St. Pete, CAPT Ed Pino in San Juan, and CAPT Jim Fit-
ton in Miami. If you enjoy working with professional officers who have your needs in mind, you'll get
along great with each of the Sector Commanders in District 7.
We've also had a few changes in your support team on District staff. Storekeeper Second Class
Chris Dowell comes to us from Sector San Juan and will help you with your equipment and supply
needs. Yeoman Third Class Marty Reese Williams is our new coordinator for orders, travel claims
and administrative processes. She's proven herself to be the "rock star" already by her appearances
at conferences and support that she's given to many D7 Auxiliarists since her arrival in June.
Our new Detachment in Venice (VENDET) opened late September, replacing our former DIRAUX
West office in Nokomis, which closed and the building was returned to the county. A dozen dedi-
cated Auxiliarists from the area worked hard to refurbish vacated spaces at the Flotilla 92 building to
use as office space for VENDET, and a great ribbon cutting ceremony was held to honor the open-
ing.
We are very fortunate to have a great supporter as our D7 Chief of Prevention. CAPT Scott Fergu-
son who joins us from Buffalo, New York, where he served as Sector Commander for the past two
years. (He said that he still has his ice scraper in case any of our snowbirds are headed home early.)
CAPT Ferguson is a career Prevention (Marine Safety) officer, and he shares his philosophy with us
here:
Director of Auxiliary, Seventh District
Commander David R. Allen
"Change" is the
process, but
"improvement"
is the goal

Page 7
"My outlook on life is very simple, and this is also my expectation for the Team. Be self-
less, have moral courage in all that you do, integrity in all phases of life, be a humble ser-
vant leader, and build champions. Egos and arrogance kill. You cannot be on my team if
you have these traits.
"So how do you build champions? You put others first and help them perform at a higher
level than they think they can do themselves. Remember that as part of the USCGAUX you
are part of Team Coast Guard and hence in all phases of your life, like us on active duty,
you must live our core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. Nothing less will do,
because the public does not differentiate the gold side from the silver side, and I consider
you to be part of my crew."
With a team like this, we can't help but move forward. Our team is strengthened and has depth of
knowledge and capability because of our new leaders and team members. We can attribute our
success to both the new team and the efforts and accomplishments of our past teams. We owe
them all a great amount of gratitude and we owe the new team our dedication and commitment. I
look forward to great accomplishments that these changes will bring.
See you on the water!
CDR David Allen, Director of Auxiliary, District 7 delivers his message of improvement through change to the members attending the
Fall Conference in Jacksonville.
Seated on the left is COMO Steve Budar, National Commodore (NACO) USCG Auxiliary.
Photo by James Dennen
Page 8
Rear Commodore North
Ronald Goldenberg, Rear Commodore
I am very proud to have served District 7 North (Team North) during the past two
years. Team North consists of two Sectors: Jacksonville in the South and Charles-
ton in the North. This covers the northern third of coastal Florida and goes inland to
Orlando. It also covers Georgia and South Carolina. Within these boundaries are
thousands of miles of Intracoastal and coastal waterways. This includes five major
ports. Team North provides a Coast Guard Auxiliary presence on several very large
inland lakes and many rivers in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Five divisions
share the responsibility for supporting the Coast Guard in this area of responsibility
(AOR). There has been outstanding cooperation between the divisions in assisting
one another in member training and building membership.
Team North is the smallest of the subdivisions of District 7. In terms of membership
it has approximately 1,400 members. Team North has one of the largest AORs to
assist the Coast Guard with its multi-mission tasks of homeland security, recreational boating
safety, and various surge operations. Attracting new members has been an outstanding accom-
plishment of Team North. Since the first of the year, over 80 new members have been sworn in or
are in the process of obtaining membership in Team North.
Division 12 has been very successful with Thinking out-
side of the box. This has resulted in the addition of over
45 new members by forming new detachments. The new
attachments are at the Citadel, South Carolinas military
academy, and at Lakes Murray and Marion. Divisions 2,
4, 10 12, and 14 have been very active supporting Coast
Guard missions in the ports of Ponce Inlet, Jacksonville,
Brunswick, Savannah, and Charleston. Division 4 sup-
plied Operational Facilities (OPFACs) and crews for sev-
eral shuttle launches. They also patrol the large inland
lakes in central Florida. Divisions 10, 12, and 14 work
closely with the Captains of their respective ports by as-
sisting Marine Safety Officers/Marine Safety Units with
port security and pollution identification and control. Divi-
sion 2 has been exceptionally active with safety patrols on
the inland lakes of Georgia and northwest South Carolina.
The Norths divisions are busy doing many tasks. Some of
these tasks are escorting cruise ships into port and help-
ing local Coast Guard stations provide a safety zone
around visiting foreign naval vessels. They also provide
hundreds of recreational boaters with safe boating infor-
mation and demonstrations. Through their Program Visitor
(PV) programs, they are disseminating Waterway Watch
information to the boating public. Air Station Savannah
depends heavily on the Auxiliary to assist them with main-
taining their qualifications by providing the Station with
OPFACs and crews for nighttime training missions. Ap-
proximately 70% of the nighttime training for the Air Sta-
tion is provided by Auxiliarists.
Team North is proud to assist the Coast Guard. It exem-
plifies the motto Semper Paratus and has internalized
the creed; Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.

Page 9
Reginald Holler, District Captain North (e)
I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Reginald (Reggie) Hollar. I am the
newly elected District Captain-North.
Over 13 years ago I had a Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) on my boat. At that
time, I knew very little about the Coast Guard Auxiliary. During the inspection, the
Vessel Examiner informed me about a Boating Skills and Seamanship class coming
up soon and invited me to attend. I attended the class and was subsequently asked to
attend an Auxiliary meeting as a guest. Here I am, 13 plus years later, and I can hon-
estly say that I have enjoyed almost every minute of the trip.
During my 13 years in the Auxiliary, I have served two years each as a Flotilla Vice
Commander, Flotilla Commander, and Division Captain. I am presently current as a
Coxswain, Vessel Examiner, Program Visitor, Instructor and Aids Verifier.
As a member and Immediate Past Division Captain (IPDCP) of Division 12, I have some ideas that I
would like to share with you. In just slightly over two years, the recruiting team, of which I have been
a part, has chartered a new Flotilla with over 30 members, a Citadel Detachment and a detachment
on Lake Marion. We are now working to establish a detachment in Socastee to fill the gap on the
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach. The proven ideas and recruit-
ing methods will be shared with you and you will have my
full support in recruiting and retention. Working together as
a team, we will recruit new members and expand our cov-
erage area, while retaining our seasoned members in
leadership and management rolls.
Hopefully, all Divisions in the Northern Area of Responsi-
bility (AOR) will set high goals in supporting the Coast
Guard and supporting the Prevention Program. It has
been said, and is true in most cases, that a salesman
writes his/her paycheck. The same holds true with us
working as a team. There are many areas where the sky is
the limit and our help is needed. Most of these are basic
programs such as Vessel Examiner, Program Visitor, Pub-
lic Education and Public Affairs. These programs help re-
duce search and rescue, injury or death, and give the
Coast Guard the time and resources needed for law en-
forcement and protection of our coast.
My personal goal for 2009 is to work with each of you as a
team. You will have my total support. My eyes and ears
will always be open for ideas and better ways of doing
things. We are living in a new age and change will be a
part of survival. I hope to visit with each Division in the
near future so that we can share our ideas and chart our
course for a productive and enjoyable 2009.
District Captain North
Guardian Ethos super-imposed over a photograph of the Color
Guard at the D7 Fall Conference.
Photo by Christopher Todd, FC 6-11, Bayshore, Fla.
Page 10
Rear Commodore West
Many of you who have attended our conferences over the last few years are aware
of my last name and know that it has encountered some problems with its pronuncia-
tion. My grandfather told me what he said to the Immigration Officer at Ellis Island
when they asked him his name after he stepped off the vessel that brought him and
his family to America in the 1800s from Latvia. Upon hearing his name, the officer
said it was too long and too hard to pronounce, and he wanted to change it to
Johnson on the entry papers as he had done to others before him. Grandfather had
saved what little money he had working three jobs to pay for a class to learn how to
write and speak English very fluently. He very proudly braced back his shoulders and
in a strong voice and not missing one correct pronunciation of any word said, My
fathers name and grandfathers name was Jaskiewicz and my name is Jaskiewicz.
I come to America to be part of this Great Country, and if it is required of you to change my name,
than I will return to the boat with my family. The officer, whose English hinted of a European accent,
then said with an expression of some loss, I wish I would have said that Mr. Jaskiewicz. Welcome
to America.
As 7
th
District Chief of Staff (e) let me share four thoughts for increasing our capabilities and ac-
countability as part of Team Coast Guard that are stated in our Auxiliary Pledge.
The Pledge you are about to take is your commitment to support The United States Coast Guard.
WE all took this pledge to accept membership in the Auxiliary to assist the Coast Guard and Our
Country as all of those first members did over 69 years ago.
You have offered your Talents and Services in the interest of a better Coast Guard Auxiliary. WE
all raised our right hand to offer our value for a better Auxiliary. Let us all provide our value in a posi-
tive way and let no negative discussions side track our course.
Be prepared to accept certain obligations as well as the Administrative and Supervisory Responsi-
bilities of your office. WE all, regardless of office, have a duty to this pledge. It is as simple as
wearing our uniform properly and understanding the image we present to the public. This is every
members Administrative Responsibility.
With the full realization of the demand of your office, time and dedication. WE all must respect
the dedication and investment of time that each of our members provides to be part of our team
every day, and honor the value they bring by not taking it for granted.
Notice that I have underlined and capitalized WE above to illustrate an important part of my adminis-
trative definition of a Team. WE together are a team. As a person of value I bring to our team my
professionalism, my past Auxiliary experience, and the investment of my Coast Guard training to
accept current and future challenges. I say: Yes, WE can and Yes, WE will be ready to perform
as part of Team Coast Guard, and WE will keep the Light of Integrity and the Spirit of The Auxiliary
Burning Brightly as it was first ignited in 1939. This requires the support of each member to become
part of the web of wisdom, experience and knowledge of our past, present and future leadership.
Remain positive to your Pledge of Membership -- its responsibilities and the purpose of the Auxiliary.
Let it be your GPS to keep our purpose of integrity on course in 2009.
Semper Paratus
Walter Jaskiewicz, Rear Commodore
District Chief of Staff (e)

Page 11
I consider it a special privilege to serve District 7 as the District Captain - West. This
position was formerly known as the Rear Commodore, West. The last three people
holding that position have unknowingly served as role models for me. I value their
friendship very much and will do my best to carry on their excellent leadership.
Just as the title for this position has changed, we must prepare ourselves for further
change in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. To better serve the U S Coast Guard, we need
to realize how we can best meet our responsibilities. First we must know where we
are needed and how we can have the greatest impact upon the Coast Guard mission.
Prior to 9-11, Flotillas focused on Safety Patrols. As new members enrolled, they
were trained for Operations. Since 9-11, our emphasis has shifted to Maritime Secu-
rity. We have trained fewer Instructors for Public Education and Vessel Examiners to conduct Vessel
Safety Checks. Similarly, our Marine Dealer Visits, now known as Program Visits, have also suf-
fered.
The former Captain of the Port, Sector St Petersburg, Florida, was asked how the Auxiliary could
best serve the Coast Guard. He answered: Perform those duties that we do not carry out. He was
referring to Recreational Boating Safety (RBS), Public Education for recreational boaters, Vessel
Examinations on recreational boats, and visitations by our RBS Program Visitors to keep boating
safety information before the general public. He further emphasized that the Auxiliary owns 90% of
the Recreational Boating Safety duties.
We recognize that change happens in any organization and the successful organization responds to
change. We must intensify our efforts where we can have the greatest impact upon recreational
boaters. Our Public Education Instructors lay the groundwork for boating safety upon the water.
Vessel Examiners emphasize boating safety as they perform the Vessel Safety Checks (VCS). Boat
owners, as well as their guests and children, benefit from the interpretation of boating regulations
applied to their vessels. Program Visitors keep current information on Boating Safety readily avail-
able in our recognizable literature racks. These vital areas must be better served.
Let us accept change as a chal-
lenge for us to better serve the
Coast Guard, and lets have fun
doing it.
District Captain West
Raymond Paysour, District Captain West (e)
Kevin Yeaton, FC 7-16, Cortez Lake,
and Don Rimel, FSO-PV, are three
Program Visitors from Flotilla
7-16 in Gulfport, Fla. The three
members lead their division with 637
Program Partner Dealer Visits and
272 Vessel examinations recorded
by the end of October. Of these, 508
visits were completed by Don Rimel.
They are getting the boating safety
materials to the Recreational Boating
Safety Program Visitor partners and
to the boating public and firmly
believe this will improve boater
awareness and minimize risk of
accidents.
Photo provided by Don Rimel,
Gulfport, Fla.
Page 12

Rear Commodore East
This will be my last article for the Breeze as Rear Commodore East (RCO-E). I
would first like to thank all the members of Team East for their support over the
past two years. You have done a tremendous job of supporting Team Coast
Guard, and I only ask that you keep the momentum going.
The best part of the position has been the opportunity I have had to meet new peo-
ple and make lasting friendships. I am extremely grateful for that.
What I will miss the most is traveling to all the Divisions of Team East. I enjoyed
having the opportunity to listen to what each of you has accomplished and your in-
put as to what we can do to improve things.
With that said I say to each of you, may you have, Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Report from East Area
The Auxiliary Sector Coordinators from the three Sectors supported by the east area have had an
ongoing dialogue with their respective Sector Auxiliary Liaison Officers (AUXLOs). They established
meetings with the Sector Command cadre on a monthly or bi-monthly basis with the inclusion of the
East Area Division Captains.
A number of commands underwent a change. This included the Command of Sector Miami in June,
the Command of Sector San Juan in July, as well as a change in the Command of Station Ft.
Lauderdale and multiple Coast Guard Cutters that support the East Area.
Our members support both Sectors Miami and Key West, with Hawkeye Watchstanders covering
over 50% of the watches at times. At our small boat stations we have members performing the du-
ties of Officer of the Day (OOD) both at the Stations and on Cutters. Members also replace Active
Duty personnel as radio watchstanders, including Rescue 21. Some members are working as initial
pollution investigators for the Marine Safety Units within the three Sectors.
Despite the geographic diversity of the East Area which extends from Key West north to Ft. Pierce
and Vero Beach and includes the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, our divisions have been
working together on public education and public affairs to educate the public in boating safety. The
Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) programs are active with program visitors increasing their num-
ber of visits and vessel examiners performing a larger number of vessel safety checks. Many vessel
safety check blitzes have been held at local marinas and boat ramps.
A major focus this year was on recruitment and retention and our membership continues to grow. In
the public affairs arena we know that the East Area is out there, in front of the public. We have been
fortunate to have the BATPAK at numerous functions. Every division has participated in one or more
boat shows in their area and/or assisted in open houses at the Stations they support. The Fit to
Float campaign was a huge success at the Bass Pro Shops.
Support of the Active Duty Coast Guard in the Seventh District will continue through the end of the
year and beyond by Team East, as new Auxiliary leadership takes the helm to promote the mis-
sions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Richard J Leys, Rear Commodore

Page 13
As your District Captain East 2009, I am more than proud to serve all Division
Commanders from the East as well as District leaders and DIRAUX personnel.
We will work together to find new opportunities for our members and focus our
efforts on increasing operational support, which help us to align ourselves with the
Sectors.
We are in the process of modernization. This starts next year with new titles at
Division and District levels. We encourage everyone to maintain high standards
during the integration process and to support our Seventh District.
We need to maintain a positive attitude. This is one of the most important attrib-
utes that we can have. It will help us to develop better relationships and function
more harmoniously, which will benefit everyone. We will make better decisions
and will transmit our energy and enthusiasm to the entire TEAM. Attitude is impor-
tant; make it a priority in your life to have a good attitude and it will both change your thoughts and
improve your communications with others.
My plan is to support Division Commanders from the East to establish a strategic plan in their re-
spective areas. I will encourage them to maintain a balance between Recreational Boating Safety
and Coast Guard missions in order to cover all boating needs. I will maintain constant communica-
tions with Division Commanders and help them through the Chain of Leadership and Management
to transform differences into opportunities and to find new solutions to any problem.
Im looking forward to an extraordinary year. Im very proud to be a member of the best District in the
Nation. I will be working in line with our District leaders to maintain our commitment to excellence,
and remember: The sky is the limit!
Diana Figueroa, District Captain East (e)
District Captain East
Richard Leys, RCO-E ,
Judith Hudson, Vice
Captain, Division 6 and
Eduardo Burbank, Captain
Division 6, Miami-Dade,
Fla., at the D7 Fall
Conference in
Jacksonville.
Photo by Christopher Todd
FC 6-11, Bayshore, Fla.
Page 14

James Dennen, D-CL D7, ASC Sector Key West
Logistics Department
Congratulations to the incoming District 7 Bridge of: Don Frasch as District Commo-
dore (DCO), Walter Jaskiewicz, District Chief of Staff (DCOS) Diana Figueroa, Dis-
trict Captain East, (DCAPT-E), Reggie Hollar, District Captain-North (DCAPT-N) and
Raymond Paysour, District Captain West (DCAPT-W). We look forward to working
with them in the upcoming year.
Lots of exciting things are happening in the Logistics Department.
The Materials Department under Terry Barth, District Staff Officer for Materials
(DSO-MA), is now part of the Logistics group. Terry has taken some major initiatives
to make certain that new resources in the Materials Department are made available
to all of our individual members. Every Coast Guard Exchange in the country has
moved all of its Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) stock to the Uniform Distribution
Center (UDC) to more closely monitor availability. There are some very good deals right now on the
existing ODUs with the roll out of the new un-tucked version of this uniform. There is a four for one
pricing special on certain sizes still available on the internet at: http://www.uscg.mil/uniform/
ordering.asp
Roy Savoca, District Staff Officer for Communication Services (DSO-CS), and Nestor Tacoronte,
our new D7 Webmaster, have done some amazing work on the new District 7 Website. http://
cgaux7.org/. There are two new option buttons: Whats New and Newsworthy Items on the main
member page. These buttons will inform members of the current activities that are occurring in Dis-
trict 7. We now have the capacity to showcase videos and all sorts of other cool new linking options
available to us.
Our next goal will be to get all of the Bridge and Staff information accurate and current. In order to
do this, we have appointed Diane Berman as an Assistant District Staff Officer (ADSO-CS), to work
on getting the information up to date and maintaining its currency. We were thinking of giving her
the title of ADSO-NAG because we hope that she will nag people, if necessary, to keep our infor-
mation accurate and up to date. Please help her in this process. Sue Hastings, District Staff Officer -
Information Services (DSO-IS) has done a great job keeping AUXINFO and AUXDATA current and
will no doubt be a great resource for Diane.
We are attempting to relieve the Coast Guard of the task of maintaining their external web-
sites. Often this is an ancillary task for a junior grade officer. In some cases, they relish this
job; in others, they do not. On July 31, 2008 all websites under the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) umbrella were required to adhere to a new compliance standard.
DHS Chief Information Officer, Steve Cooper states on the DHS website, Making electronic
and information technology accessible for people with disabilities is good business manage-
ment strategy and, Complying with Section 508 ensures our information technology will be
more capable of responding to technology changes in future years. This state-of-the-art
program ensures that electronic and information technology is accessible for employees
and consumers with disabilities. It also insures that the websites will be uniform in function
and design. Roy Savoca, DSO-CS, has been encouraging all Auxiliary Webmasters within
D7 to also work at standardizing their websites and making them 508 Compliant as well.
Sector Key Wests website http://www.uscg.mil/d7/sectKeyWest/, is the first 508 Compliant
website we completed. The website was designed and will be maintained entirely from a
remote location by Roy Savoca using a Coast Guard RAS TOKEN. We have appointed
Dave Hastings as an ADSO-CS. His specific task will be to design and maintain Coast
Guard websites. Our goal will be to expand this service to other Sectors, if they so choose.
Our new D7 Auxiliary website, designed by Nestor Tacoronte, D7 Webmaster, is also 508
Compliant.
Caption de-
scribing pic-
ture or graphic.
Logistics:
Communication
Services
Information
Services
Materials
Public Affairs
Publications
Personnel Services

Page 15
The year 2008 has been a banner year for recruiting under Rhonda Hebert, District Staff Officer for
Personnel Services (DSO-PS), and Angela Pomaro, Assistant District Staff Officer (ADSO-PS
eResponder). Our increase, according to AUXDATA to date, is 828 members. This brings us to a
total of 5236 members. We should be very pleased with our efforts.
The D7 Connection, the online publication for the Personnel Services Department, has just pub-
lished its third online magazine. It has been a huge success. We have made it available to the entire
D7 membership, providing that they have an accurate email address listed in AUXDATA. The D7
Connection is also available on the D7website under the Publications button. http://cgaux7.org/
pdf_files/d7pub/2008-D-7-Connection-Fall.pdf. Rhonda has decided that she will not continue on as
DSO-PS for this coming year. Angela Pomaro has agreed to become the new DSO-PS. She knows
the system completely and will be a great District Staff Officer.
Rob Westcott District Staff Officer Public Affairs (DSO-PA) has done an outstanding job on behalf
of the Public Affairs Department. As a personal favor to me, he has agreed to extend that same ef-
fort to get the Aviation Department better exposure from a Public Affairs standpoint. There is no one
in the country better prepared to kick this off than Rob. He has been running C-Schools all over the
United States to train more Auxiliarists in this important specialty.
With his National Staff duties continuing to grow (Division Chief for all PA Production), Rob will be
passing the torch on as DSO-PA. Tom Loughlin has agreed to become our new DSO-PA. Tom has
been Robs protg over the last two years and I am confident that he is up to the task. In addition,
we are tasking Tom to head up National Safe Boating Week (NSBW). This is a natural fit for the
Public Affairs Department.
Karen Miller has agreed to resurrect the Mariner, our online Public Affairs publication. In addition,
she has added her talent in helping us to proof all of our publications including the Breeze.
This publication speaks for itself. Our last issue received rave reviews from all over the country.
Dottie Riley, District Staff Officer for Publications (DSO-PB), and her team have done an out-
standing job. We hope that you enjoy this edition as well.
Page 15
Aboard the C.G. Cutter
Maria Bray
Jacksonville, Fla.
From left:
Coast Guard Auxiliary
ARCO-AE
Peter Fernandez,
NACO Steven Budar,
Angela Pomaro,
ADSO-PS, eResponder,
RADM Steve Branham,
Coast Guard District 7
Commander,
James Dennen D-CL,
D7, ASC Sector Key
West, and
Donald Zinner, DFSO
Photo provided
By Angela Pomaro,
N. Palm Beach, Fla.
Page 16

Philip Merril, D-CP D7
Prevention Department
The Fit to Float campaign is a Bass Pro Shops promotion in conjunction with
Stearns. The customer can bring unserviceable life jackets into a Bass Pro Shop
and exchange them for a coupon which will give them a discount on a new life
jacket ranging in value from $5.00 to $50.00, depending upon the cost of the new
life jacket. On May 17 18, 2008, the second Fit to Float event was held in nine
cities within District 7. The event was a resounding success.
The Super 7th was again at the forefront by naming a Point of Contact (POC) for the
Bass Pro Shops in each of the participating cities by March 31, 2008. The cities and
POCs were the Flotilla Staff Officers Program Visitor (FSOs-PV) and Division Staff
Officers - Program Visitors (SOs-PV) named below:
Myrtle Beach, S.C. - Frank Fersch, FSO-PV 12-2
Atlanta, Ga. - Milton Laudermilk, FSO-PV 29
Macon, Ga. - Wendy Clayton, FSO-PV 28
Savannah, Ga. - Jack Marvin, FSO-PV 10-2
Orlando, Fla. - Carleta Wilson, FSO-PV 4-11
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. - Howard Blair, FSO-PV 34
Miami, Fla. - Mario Gutierrez, SO-PV 6
Ft. Meyers, Fla. - Bill White, SO-PV 9
Islamorada, Fla. - Cathie Welty, FSO-PV 13-8
The local Flotillas were able to organize, publicize and participate in this campaign by providing
knowledgeable members to answer customer questions about life jackets and hand out appropri-
ate literature during the promotion. Our members did not get involved in the trade in or in promot-
ing any products. The event provided us with a venue for education about local, state and federal
life jacket regulations, Vessel Safety Checks, and other boating education programs. Nationwide,
over 1,500 unserviceable life jackets were removed from public use while the public received rein-
forced messages from the District 7s Public Education, Vessel Examination, Sea Partners and
Americas Waterway Watch programs. Way to go Team!
Written by Cathie
Welty, DSO-PV D7,
who will succeed Philip
Merril in the role of
D-CP D7 in 2009.
Prevention:
Marine Safety
Member Training
Public Education
Program Visitor
State Liaison
Vessel Examinations
Nancy Joe and Dewey
Jackson from Flotilla 13-8
in Islamorada setting up
the display for the Fit to
Float campaign.
Photo by Cathie Welty,
FSO-PV Flotilla 13-8 in
Islamorada, Fla.

Page 17
Response Department
Casey Jankowski, D-CR D7
The United States Coast Guard was created in 1915 through the merger of two agen-
cies, the Revenue Cutter Service formed in 1790 under the U.S. Treasury Depart-
ment and the United States Life-saving Service formed in 1871. The United States
Lighthouse Service was merged into the Coast Guard in 1939.
Volunteers are not new to the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Volunteers per-
formed many services in all three of these early agencies. In 1939 Congress officially
recognized these volunteers by establishing the Coast Guard Reserve, the volunteer
civilian component of the USCG. Later, with the creation of the military USCG Re-
serve in 1941, the volunteer component was renamed the U.S. Coast Guard Auxil-
iary.
We honor all of our volunteers both past and present through the words of Joseph
Lincoln who dedicated this poem to the United States Lifesaving Service.
The Life Saver
When the Lord breathes his wrath above the bosom of the waters,
When the rollers are a-poundin on the shore,
When the mariners a-thinkin of his wife and sons and daughters,
And the little home hell, maybe, see no more;
When the bars are white and yeasty and the shoals are all a-frothin,
When the wild notheasters cuttin like a knife;
Through the seethin roar and screech hes patrollin on the beach,-
The Govments hired man fer savin life.
Hes strugglin with the gusts that strike and bruise him like a hammer,
Hes fightin sand that stings like swarmin bees,
Hes listnin through the whirlwind and the thunder and the clamor-
A-listnin fer the signal from the seas;
Hes breakin ribs and muscles launchin life-boats in the surges,
Hes drippin wet and chilled in every bone,
Hes bringin men from death back ter flesh and blood and breath,
And he never stops ter think about his own;
Hes a-pullin at an oar that is freezin to his fingers,
Hes a-clingin in the riggin of a wreck,
He knows destructions nearer every minute that he lingers,
But it dont appear ter worry him a speck:
Hes draggin draggled corpses from the clutches of the combers-
The kind of job a common chap would shirk-
But he takes em from the wave and he fits em fer the grave,
And he thinks its all included in his work.
He is rigger, rower, swimmer, sailor, doctor, undertaker,
And hes good at every one of em the same:
And he risks his life fer others in the quicksand and the breaker,
And a thousand wives and mothers bless his name.
Hes an angel dressed in oilskins, hes a saint in a souwester,
Hes as plucky as they make, or ever can;
Hes a hero born and bred, but it hasnt swelled his head,
And hes jest the U.S. Govments hired man.
Photo by Jerry Edelman, FL 36, Boca Raton, Fla.
Response:
Aids to Navigation
Operations/
Qualification
Examiners
Aviation
Communications
Page 18




MIAMI: When Station Miami requested the Auxiliary ves-
sel Padre to assist with searching for a missing swimmer
off the beach in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, September
14
th
, the boat and its crew were already four hours into
their patrol. They had just finished training with another
Auxiliary vessel performing stern and side-by-side tows.
Channel 16 was pretty busy with lots of traffic from Sta-
tion Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The Auxiliary vessel
was calling in their 30 minute communications update
when the station requested their assistance.
Fortunately, the Padre, an Auxiliary facility from Flotilla
36 in Boca Raton, Fla., was close to the Boca Inlet and
responded immediately. The crew, consisting of Gail and
Jerry Edelman, Art Makenian and Richard Tepper, was
quickly briefed by Coxswain Marc Brody and told to se-
cure themselves for the ride over the ocean. Station noti-
fied them to make contact with Coast Guard vessel CG
41424 when they arrived on scene.
The search area was already congested with Ft. Lauder-
dale Police and Fire Rescue Vessels, a US Customs
Newsletter Title
Caption de-
scribing picture
or graphic.
boat, a Sheriff helicopter, and two vessels from Station
Fort Lauderdale along with a Coast Guard (CG) Rescue
helicopter. The Auxiliary vessel and its crew were re-
quested to do a parallel search pattern for several miles
off the beach to look for the missing person in the water
(PIW), reported to be a male wearing red shorts. They
did as requested with two crewmembers on the bow and
two crewmembers looking both port and starboard. The
three to four foot swells were close together and within
150 to 200 feet off shore; they were bounced around
quite a bit.
After completing 12 legs of the search pattern they were
given permission to halt their search and return to Boca.
Coxswain Marc Brody added his compliment of, Job
Well Done, to the Stations thanks for their participation.
Next, he pronounced the warning, Coming up, and the
vessel headed home. The team was tired from searching
in rough seas for two hours and ready to relax for the ride
home, yet remained alert as they were still on patrol.
Ten minutes into the ride home Coxswain Marc Brody
Marc Brody and Auxiliary crew members aboard the Padre preparing to do side by side tow training with a vessel from Coast Guard
Station Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Jerry Edelman, FL 36 Boca Raton, Fla.
Fruitless Search Ends In Unexpected Rescue.
By Marc Brody and Richard Tepper

Page 19
noticed an overturned boat with survivors clinging to the
vessel 45 degrees off starboard. Relaxing was now over
and their hearts started pumping fast in response to the
new situation. Radio traffic was still heavy with the CG
Rescue helicopter and CG boats reporting position of
search patters from the PIW case they had just left off
the beach in Fort Lauderdale.
Break, Break, Station Fort Lauderdale, this is Auxiliary
vessel (number), with an overturned vessel and two per-
sons in the water. All other radio traffic silenced as they
gave their position and further information. The seas
were still at four feet so their bow had to stay into the
swells. Within seconds the crew was briefed on how they
were all going to stay safe and get the people out of the
water. They performed a text book rescue of the two men
clinging to their capsized 17 foot power boat.
Once the two men were safe on the Auxiliary vessel, it
was apparent that both were close to being in shock and
showing signs of the beginning stages of hyperthermia.
They both had cuts and abrasions from hanging on the
overturned boat while trying to stay alive. The two men
told the crew that had they not spotted them, they
thought that they were going to die.
The crew immediately went about administering emer-
gency medical treatment and wrapped the men in blan-
kets to keep them warm. A salvage vessel approached
as they were debriefing the survivors.
When making their report to Station Ft. Lauderdale, Sec-
tor Miami, crewmembers split up the tasks needed to
complete the Search And Rescue report using both radio
and cell phone communications, which included an
evaluation of the survivors medical conditions. Except for
a few minor cuts and bruises, they appeared to have sur-
vived their ordeal pretty well. At the survivors request,
they obtained permission to allow the men to transfer to
the salvage vessel to make the trip back to shore with
their boat.
Both Stations Ft. Lauderdale and Miami acknowledged
the rescue by thanking Auxiliary vessel Padre and its
crew for their accomplishment in effecting the rescue and
for their professionalism while committed to the SAR mis-
sion miles away from the capsized vessel. They were in
four foot seas all that time, and their Auxiliary training
paid off.
Coxswain Marc Brody directed each crew member to the
task he or she was to perform; there was no panic or sec-
ond guessing by either the coxswain or crew resulting in
the saving of two lives. Needless to say, they all went
home with a good feeling of accomplishment and camara-
derie after a hard days work.
HIALEAH, Fla. : Spero
Canton, host of the televi-
sion program Comcast
Newsmakers in South Flor-
ida interviews Christopher
Todd, National Safe Boating
Week Chairperson, Division
6, Miami - Dade, Fla., about
the principles of safe boating
and safety equipment. The
episode aired in South Flor-
ida this summer.
Photo by Robert Evans,
FL 36, Bayshore, Fla.
Our Coast Guard Auxiliary public educa-
tion mission directs us to get our youth
involved in Boating Safety. Flotillas are
getting this job done with many unique
programs, and we can all learn from shar-
ing the experiences of others. When we
share ideas, we all benefit. Mostly, we are
proud that our efforts will influence the
youth of America.
Some of these ideas were promoted dur-
ing National Safe Boating Week. Others
were used at various times and events
throughout the year. The time of year
doesnt really matter. What does matter is
that we look at various methods of getting
the word about Boating Safety out to our
youth. We need to recognize when a new
or different method might work for us.
During National Safe Boating Week, Auxil-
iarists Randall Moritz and Toni Borman
(Flotilla 84) instructed over 425 students
at Bashaw Elementary School, Bradenton,
Florida on the different styles and types of
life jackets and proper life jacket wear. In
support of the Wear It campaign, each
Kindergarten through third grade class set up and con-
ducted a mock life jacket drill where they were given one
minute to retrieve and secure their life jackets while on a
simulated vessel. The event created its own amount of
chaos and confusion as classmates cheered
on their friends who hurried to don their life
jackets. In dramatic fashion, they witnessed
90% of their classmates who had said they
knew how to properly don a life jacket fail to
secure it within the one minute time standard.
All classes enjoyed the event and most stu-
dents were surprised that they were not able
to complete the drill successfully. They prom-
ised to properly wear their life jackets and to
ask their parents to do the same. To highlight
the event, a student was allowed to discharge
an inflatable life jacket worn by Randall Moritz
to see how the unit works and to dispel the
fear that it would be loud and scary. That
was awesome! exclaimed one member of the
group.
The Bashaw Elementary School program also
included information from the Clean Marina
program. After the exercise in life jacket wear
and safety, Toni Borman introduced the Daisy
Dolphin program. She discussed how materi-
als we use every day can contaminate our
oceans and how to properly dispose of them. It
was an excellent hands-on training exercise
Page 20
Getting Our Youth Involved in Boating Safety
By Gary Barth
Toni Borman from Flotilla 84 in Sarasota introduces the Daisy Dolphin program
to children at Bashaw Elementary School in Bradenton. She is accompanied by
Officer Snook (Peter Sullivan). Photo by Randall Moritz
Doug Donovan from Flotilla 98 in Charlotte Harbor and James Hamilton from
Flotilla 92 in Northport, Fla. at the Kids Safety Day event held at the Town
and Country Mall in Port Charlotte. Flotilla 9-10 from Cape Coral also
participated in this event.
Photo by Pat Donovan
which included monofilament collection containers and
an explanation of how to do our part to keep the oceans
clean and safe. She really captured the students imagi-
nations with fantastic props to demonstrate the causes of
trash in the ocean. Officer Snook (Peter Sullivan), the
special guest of the day, created quite a stir roaming the
hallways and classrooms. The
event was so successful that an
invitation from the School Principal,
Mrs. Minnie King, was extended to
return again next year.
Flotillas 98 in Charlotte Harbor, 92
in Northport, Fla., and 9-10 in Cape
Coral teamed with Mustang Sur-
vival, Inc., to bring the boating
safety message to an event at the
Town and Country Mall in Port
Charlotte, Florida. At the request of Auxiliarist Douglas
Donovan, Division 9 Staff Officer - Public Affairs, (SO-PA
98), Mustang Survival agreed to loan five of the latest
designs in Life Jackets for this public education event.
They provided their three basic life jackets for children,
as well as a new self-inflating hydrostatic activation (HIT)
model and a life jacket especially
designed for fishermen. The Fish-
erman Model had all the bells and
whistle that anyone would dream
of having on a life jacket. It in-
cluded places to put hooks, flies
and fishing pliers. A lot of people
wanted to take the Fisherman
Model with them. The Mustang
Company had the foresight not
only to provide them with the new
HIT model, but they also made
sure that the back said COAST
GUARD AUXILIARY and the front
had the Auxiliary Logo.
Flotilla 9-10 arranged for Coastie
to attend the event and visit for
five hours. That really drew the
crowd to the life jacket display.
Not only were the youth trained,
but several people expressed in-
terest in joining the Coast Guard.
This reinforced the idea that re-
cruiting for both the Coast Guard
(Continued on page 38)
Page 21
Randall Moritz from Flotilla 84 in Sarasota demonstrates the proper fit of Life Jackets to
pupils at Bashaw Elementary School in Bradenton.
Photo provided by Randall Moritz
Left: This is one cool coat!
Stickers, coloring books, posters and
crayons, and in this instance, trying on
Tom Loughlins float coat all convey the
safe boating message to the children
who attended the Touch-A-Truck
event in Largo, Fla.
Photo by Tom Loughlin, ADSO-PA and
member of FL 11-10 in Dunedin, Fla.
Page 22




sion 6 in the underway tasks.
Officers commented that these patterns and the use of a
datum marker buoy would have made previous searches
more effective and insured that they searched in the right
places. All said they would continue to practice the pat-
terns.
Following the training SGT Robert Randazzo, Sunny Isles
Beach Marine Patrol, and Officer Michael Hayton of the
Aventura Marine Patrol reported that they responded to
an overturned vessel three miles offshore from Bakers
Haulover Inlet. Arriving on scene they deployed a Datum
Marker Buoy (DMB) noting the time and Global Position-
ing System (GPS) coordinates and conducted a VS
search pattern without results. They then retrieved the
DMB, noted the time and GPS coordinates of the buoy
and reported the information to Sector Miami. They were
complimented on both the use of a DMB and the use of
the correct search pattern. It was later determined that the
overturned vessel had been used in smuggling and delib-
erately scuttled at sea. Both officers called Shea to thank
the Auxiliary for the training and said that they would have
been far less effective without it.
MIAMI: The Coast Guard
Auxiliary has the reputa-
tion of being expert in
Search and Rescue pat-
terns and techniques;
good enough, in fact, to
teach others including
Law Enforcement agen-
cies how to properly plan
and execute search pat-
terns. For this reason,
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Division 6, Miami - Dade,
Fla., partnered with police
offi cers representi ng
Sunny Isles, Aventura,
Golden Beach, North Mi-
ami, Bal Harbor and In-
dian Creek, and life-
guards from Sunny Isles
Beach to provide a
Search Pattern Clinic on
Friday, September 26,
2008, at the Sunny Isles,
Florida Police Depart-
ment.
Following a two and one-
half hour classroom workshop participants practiced the
sector (VM), square (SM) and parallel (PM) search pat-
terns on the water using six police boats from surround-
ing communities. Lieutenant John Corbett, Commanding
Officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach introduced
the event. Auxiliarist James P. Shea, Staff Officer Op-
erations conducted the workshop, assisted by Cal
Gordon, Staff Officer Member Training, Frank Sullivan,
Assistant Staff Officer Operations, all from Division 6,
Bob Bartley, Flotilla Commander 69, Beach, Fla., and
Bruce Farkas, Staff Officer Public Education for Divi-
Division 6 Teaches Search Pattern Clinic.
By Jim Shea
Above: Jim Shea from FL 69, Division 6 Staff Officer - Operations, briefs the SAR Clinic
participants. Cal Gordon from FL 67, Division 6 Staff Officer -
Member Training, is on the vessel facing him.
Using a GPS and a datum marker buoy was one of the skills
taught at the SAR Clinic.
Photos by Michael Hayton, Aventura Marine Patrols

Page 23
PALM COAST, Fla: Anticipating another
routine patrol on Saturday, September
27, 2008, Coast Guard Auxiliary Opera-
tional Facility Dan Jam from Flotilla 14-3,
Palm Coast, Florida, was moving north
on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in
the vicinity of Marker 99 when Robert J.
Pape, Coxswain, and crew members
David M. Triplett and David H. Daniel
witnessed a boating accident.
A small outboard powered boat with a
man and a woman onboard collided with
ICW Marker 99 near Marineland. Neither
person was wearing a life jacket. The
woman was sitting in the bow seat of the
boat and her position may have blocked
the view of the man driving the boat.
During the collision the man was thrown
into the water. The woman, still on board
the vessel, was slumped over and ap-
peared to be unconscious.
The boat, still under power, was now a
runaway and circling, which complicated
the rescue. The boat eventually beached
itself. The man was recovered from the
water by the crew of the Dan Jam, transported to a pri-
vate dock near the beached boat and handed off to
Emergency Medical Services. The woman was trans-
ported by helicopter to Florida Hospital, Flagler, but tragi-
cally lost her life as a result of this accident.
From Routine to Life Saving in Sixty Seconds.
By Hugh Avery
Without a doubt the person in the water, who was not
wearing a life jacket, may have suffered further injury or
loss of life had it not been for the skill and exceptional
competence of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Crew. Cox-
swain Pape and crew members Triplett and Daniel dem-
onstrated outstanding skill in
performing a rescue of the
person in the water, bringing
him on board and tending to
his minor cuts and bruises.
This boat crews dedication,
skill and devotion to duty are
most heartily commended
and are in keeping with the
highest tradition of the United
States Coast Guard and the
United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary.
The Dan Jam sets out for a rou-
tine patrol with Coxswain Robert
Pape and crew members David
Triplett and David Daniel.
Photo by Hugh Avery
Coxswain Robert Pape and crew members David Triplett and David Daniel found
themselves in the right place and time to effect the successful rescue of a boater
tossed from his vessel.
Photo by Hugh Avery
Page 24




Innovative New CG Hardware Comes to Sector Key West
By James E. Dennen ASC - Sector Key West
Change Will Mean Safer Waterways,
Improved Homeland Security
KEY WEST, Fla.: A state-of-the-art new communications
system and a new 45 foot medium response boat were
introduced to Team Coast Guard members (including
Auxiliary leaders) and local dignitaries on October 6 by
Headquarters and District 7 Coast Guard leaders.
Rescue 21 is the new communications system that
should make it easier to find and communicate with dis-
tressed boaters. The new system uses electronic triangu-
lation to accurately locate a vessel once a distress call
comes in. This system will allow the Coast Guard to de-
ploy assets in a much more efficient manner without rely-
ing on voice transmission to assist them in finding a sink-
ing vessel. As many of you know, our present system
required the boater to verbally help us find them. This
was not always an easy task. Its easier to find a vessel
than a person in the water, said Sector Commander,
Key West, CAPT Scott Buschman. The sooner we find
the boat, the less likely the people will be in the water.
When Dewey Jackson, Division 13 Vice Captain prac-
ticed using this technology with Coast Guard Station Isla-
morada, they accurately tracked his every move right up
to his dock. Our Ops and Position Checks responses
while on patrol might change in the future to we know
exactly where you are, Jackson commented. Sector Key
West is the 16
th
Sector to receive Rescue 21 equipment.

Page 25
Rescue 21 will cover more than 95,000 miles of coastline
in the continental United States and its territories.
The new 45 foot medium response boat, or RB-M, is a
major upgrade to the Coast Guards assets. One of the
vessels that it replaces, the 41 foot Utility Boat (UTB-41)
has been in service since the mid seventies. One hun-
dred thirty-four of the original 208 are still in service.
Rear Admiral (RADM) Gary T. Blore, Assistant Comman-
dant for Acquisition & Chief Acquisition Officer for the
United States Coast Guard pointed out that, Taxpayers
can see that we take care of our assets.
The other vessel the RB-M. replaces, the Motor Life Boat
47 (MLB), is more suitable and much needed in rougher
and colder waters where they are rou-
tinely used in heavy surf areas. Bringing
on the RB-M will allow the MLBs pres-
ently in use to be re-deployed where
their capabilities might be more suited.
The new RB-M is a 45 foot, jet drive,
shallow draft vessel that took four years
to develop and costs approximately
$2.2 million dollars per unit. It is fast -
42 knots versus the 26 knots of the
UTB; it is responsive and stops in about
two boat lengths. It is comfortable and
quiet, is air conditioned and has a real
marine head. It has weapons mounts
fore and aft, has Self-Righting Stability
and can handle seas up to 12 feet. Its
amenities will allow our crews to arrive
on scene less fatigued and more pre-
pared to respond to the task at hand.
The attendees of this event had the
opportunity to ride on a 41 UTB and the
RB-M 45 for comparison. The differ-
ence was dramatic. The RB-M turned
on a dime and its twin Diesel Water Jet
Propulsion engines allowed it to in-
stantly leave the UTB 41 far in its wake.
The Sector Key West vessel is the third
one delivered to date. The first vessel
went to Station Little Creek in Virginia,
the second one was delivered to Cape
Disappointment in Washington.
The RB-M 45 is manufactured by Mari-
nette Marine Corp. (MMC) in partner-
ship with Kvichak Marine Corp. (KMI).
Thirty RB-Ms are presently being built
with a goal of one delivery per month
under the present order.
Each time that a vessel arrives at a new location, it is
accompanied by a training team. This team consists of
eight very experienced individuals and is headed up by
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Jim Estes.
CWO Estes was previously the head of the Standardiza-
tion (STAN) Team that examined small boat stations pro-
ficiency with their UTB 41s. Coast Guard Station Islamo-
rada managed to win three Kimball Awards (the highest
award achievable) while Jim was at the helm of the team.
No one could be more qualified to be the head trainer for
our newest asset. It is anticipated that 177 additional
boats will be manufactured over the next seven years.
ADM Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard,
states, We are putting the right tool for the job in the
hands of our people as they conduct a broad range of
vital Coast Guard missions. CAPT Buschman, referring
to a "go-fast" vessel tied to the dock that had interdicted
a vessel the previous week and was overloaded with 22
migrants said, "This vessel will greatly enhance the Coast
Guards ability to stop illegal and reckless activity". RADM
Branham simply said, It is a magnificent vessel. It cer-
tainly is!
Attendees at the event included: Auxiliarists Cathie
Welty, District Staff Officer - Program Visitor (DSO-PV),
Jeff Bronsing, District Staff Officer - Operations (DSO-
OP), Jim Fletcher, Division Captain (DCP 13), Dewey
Jackson, Division Vice Captain (VCP 13), Don Kittsmiller,
Flotilla Commander (FC13-3) and Jim Dennen, Auxiliary
Sector Coordinator, Sector Key West.
Also in attendance were Florida House of Representa-
tives member, REP Ron Saunders, Key West Mayor,
Morgan McPherson, Key West Councilman and retired
Coast Guardsman, William Verge, and many other digni-
taries from state and local government.
If you would like to learn more about the RB-M vessel
and watch video footage of it in action, go to: http://
www. u s c g . mi l / d 7 / s e c t Ke y We s t / RBM4 5 . a s p
or click the Newsworthy Items button on the left side of
the main page of the D7 Auxiliary website at: http://
cgaux7.org/index_member.htm.
Photo: Captain Douglas Rudolph, USCG (Retired) and CWO3
Morgan Dudley, USCG, Commander, Station Key West check
out the interior of the new RB-M.
Photo by James Dennen
Page 26




ST.CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands: How the island of St.
Croix recovered from Hurricane Omar and the role played
by our members is a prime example of the value of the
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to these islands.
When Omar, a category three hurricane, hit the island of
St. Croix on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, Auxiliary
members from Division 16 in the Virgin Islands quickly
rallied to help the Coast Guard restore communications
and assisted in other tasks.
During the second week of October, little notice
was given to a tropical wave that passed
through the Islands producing rain. Cisterns
were full, the islands remained green with lush
vegetation from previous rains, and Auxiliarists
continued their efforts to fulfill various missions.
The wave, however, stalled just south of the
Dominican Republic over very warm water and
began to grow in intensity. A lack of steering
currents kept the wave stationary until October
13, when it began to wobble back toward the
Islands. The next day it became a named storm,
and on Wednesday, October 15, it exploded into
a Category 3 hurricane named Omar that
crossed the eastern side of St. Croix with winds
over 110 miles per hour. The sudden develop-
ment of this storm tested our preparations and
our ability to react to unexpected circumstances.
While Omar raged over the island, a curfew was
in place from 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday night
until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. Once
the curfew was lifted, Duane Minton, Divi-
sion Captain 16, set out to discover what
needed to be done and who needed assis-
tance. As might be anticipated after a storm
of this magnitude, the islands were without
power.
Minton contacted the United States Coast
Guard Regional Inspections Office (RIO) in
St. Croix and was informed that their radio
antenna was down. The High Gain antenna
on top of Blue Mountain was not operating
due to lack of electricity and the Auxiliary
was asked to find a generator and bring it to
the top of the mountain. This High Gain an-
tenna/transceiver listens for VHF traffic such
as distress signals and serves as the RIOs
main radio connection to Air Station Borin-
quen, Sector San Juan in Puerto Rico and
Sector Miami. While the USCG radio was
down, Auxiliarists Clarence Jones and Allan
Chardon maintained radio watches from
their homes to listen for any distress calls from boaters.
Minton and Lee Elvins spent Friday at the RIO office
making phone calls to FEMA, the National Guard, and
Sector San Juan to find an appropriate generator. Local
Coast Guard forces supplemented by Guardsmen from
Sector San Juan were busy testing the waters for oil pol-
lution from sunken boats and maintaining security around
Surviving Hurricane Omar: How Division 16
Rallied to Help. By Duane Minton
The St. Croix Marina was a jumble of overturned and submerged vessels after
Hurricane Omar raged through the island on October 15th.
Lee Elvins, Flotilla Commander explains the procedure for starting a diesel
generator acquired from the National Guard to two CoastGuardsmen.

Page 27
the refinery and
the commercial
ports. By the end
of the day, a
generator was
delivered by CG
helicopter and
t he Nat i onal
Guard provided
another. Be-
cause the gen-
erator was diesel
powered, ar-
r a n g e m e n t s
were also made
for the delivery
of 25 gallons of
diesel fuel.
Saturday, Octo-
ber 18, Auxiliary
crews took deliv-
ery of the gen-
erator and trans-
ported it up the
mo u n t a i n s i d e
over the washed
out roads using
their personal
over-land vehicles and assisted the USCG active duty
members in the installation of the unit. Here, the me-
chanical skills of the older, more experienced Auxiliary
members, John Harrison, Lee Elvins, and William Dunne
proved a real asset to the team effort. Unfortunately, the
fuse blew before the night was out and the generator
proved to be not strong enough to power the unit, so the
entire process had to be repeated twice over the next
several days.
Flotilla members Kelli Barton and Art Wollenweber sur-
veyed the waterfront and started photographing vessels
that had been cast up on shore and others that went
down at St. Croix docks and marinas. When the Coast
Guard learned the extent of her photographic documen-
tation of these vessels, Barton was charged with running
down their registrations and identifying the boat owners
to have the vessels removed.
Less than a week after hurricane Omar struck St. Croix,
Auxiliary member Lee Elvins, Flotilla Commander 16-1,
facilitated inter-agency meetings held from October 21-
24, 2008. These meetings were attended by several
USCG officers assigned to Sector San Juan and mem-
bers of both private and governmental agencies commit-
ted to cleaning up the islands. The agencies included
Howe Marine Sur-
veys, several ma-
rine towing and
salvage compa-
nies, the Depart-
ment of Planning
and Natural Re-
sources, a mem-
ber of the Legisla-
ture and even a
Senatorial candi-
date. This group
identified and pri-
oritized needs
ranging from the
risks posed to the
environment from
sunken vessels
potentially leaking
oil into the envi-
ronment to the
par t i al l y sub-
merged vessels
obstructing the
channel s and
choking docks
and marinas. Lo-
cal regard for the
Coast Guard Auxiliary has never been higher or so well
deserved.
Despite the storm, the Division is moving ahead with its
plans to charter a new Flotilla in St. John. The Auxiliary at
St. Croix has proved to be an invaluable asset to the Vir-
gin Islands and the US Coast Guard. A flotilla in St. John,
the island situated northeast of St. Croix and east of St.
Thomas, will significantly increase the available re-
sources in an area where boating is a way of life and
where geography and weather impose a different set of
risks.
In the words of Duane Minton, Throughout this experi-
ence and despite the hard work, I couldnt help but smile
constantly as I observed my fellow Auxiliarists approach
each challenge with a can do attitude. As the Coast
Guard revealed each problem, Auxiliarists offered ideas
and energy in pursuit of a solution. I am extremely proud
of my friends, my fellow Auxiliarists, and my Coast Guard
family, as together we provided much needed assistance
in a time when our island community needed so much
help. I am proud to be a member of the Coast Guard
Auxiliary.
Auxiliarists Duane Minton DCP 16, John Harrison, and Lee Elvins, FC 16-1,
St. Croix, share a moment of rest and celebration with Commander Warren from
Sector San Juan and Lt. Marcelino from St. Croix RIO and Guardsmen upon the
successful installation of the generator to power the High Gain
antenna on Blue Mountain.
Hurricane Omar photos by Kelli Barton, FL 16-1, St Croix, V.I.
Page 28




ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands:
Commercial fishing is arguably
one of the most dangerous pro-
fessions in the United States.
The Deadliest Catch, one of
televisions most popular series,
powerfully documents the haz-
ards. Despite the dangers, many
US Virgin Islands commercial
fishermen venture out with mini-
mal safety equipment and often
without radios or a cell phone. As
a consequence, the USCG con-
ducts extensive searches that
cost hundreds of thousands of
dollars and devotes many vital
resources, sometimes without
results. Such an unsuccessful five
day search was conducted for a
Virgin Islands commercial fisher-
man in April 2008.
Early in 2007, members of Flotilla
16-2 in St. Thomas began
discussing this situation and how
best to assist local fishermen. In
most areas of the United States
fishermen set out in large, well
equipped commercial vessels. In
the US Virgin Islands however, the average commercial
fishing vessel is 17 feet in length.
Howard French, owner of Caribbean Inflatable Boats &
Life Rafts, Inc. (CIBL), was contacted for sponsorship.
CIBL, Inc. is a life raft re-packing business that supports
customers throughout the Caribbean from small vessels
to cruise ships. While re-packing life rafts, new survival
supplies are exchanged for expired items (i.e., flares,
water and first aid kits). Most items are still useable but
have expired dates for USCG inspection.
Flotilla 16-2 began collecting and stockpiling these items
to create Commercial Fishermen Survival Kits for distri-
bution in July during license re-registration. Longtime flo-
tilla members Klaus and David Willems transported sev-
eral pick up truck loads of flares, water, first aid kits, and
survival rations from CIBL, Inc. to the St. Thomas Marine
Safety Detachment (MSD). The flotilla received contribu-
tions of backpacks, flashlights, AM radios, and emer-
gency blankets in Florida. Lee Bertman, USCG-Aux Air-
craft Commander, Air Station Savannah, generously do-
nated his time to fly the containers of supplies to St. Tho-
mas. Members of the flotilla experimented with different
types of construction site/police line tape to create
Survival Signaling Tape that can be deployed from
vessel in distress for greater visibility from aircraft.
Flotilla members met during several weekend sessions at
the MSD and formed an assembly line to package the
first 50 kits. COMO Allen Brown and CDR David Allen
participated in the project after the conclusion of the Divi-
sion 16 meeting held in St. Thomas.
These survival kits are the size of a daypack and come
with a waterproof bag to protect them from the weather.
Each kit is valued at approximately $500.
The St. Thomas Fishermans Association (STFA) part-
nered with Flotilla 16-2 to host the distribution of the first
26 kits at the Frenchtown Community Center on July 30,
2008. John Melucci, FC 16-2, demonstrated the thermal
protective apparel (TPA) by successfully climbing into the
gear in 23 seconds. Two TPAs are in every survival kit.
Tim Futrell, VFC 16-2, consumed a portion of the survival
rations to the amusement of the crowd. New member,
Julia Richardson, documented the distribution and was
the last to leave the site.
Duane Minton, DCP 16, flew to St. Thomas from St.
Croix and organized the second distribution at Hull Bay
Hideaway Restaurant in August. Minton and Lee Elvins,
FC 16-1, created a committee to expand the program to
St. Croix. This ongoing initiative is committed to providing
all licensed commercial fishermen in the US Virgin Is-
Virgin Islands Flotilla Distributes Survival Kits to Commercial
Fishermen. By J.R. CC Kreglo
John Melucci reviews the contents of the survival kits with some of the commercial
fishermen on the island of St. Thomas. The program has since expanded to the island of
St. Croix. Photo by CC Kreglo, St. Thomas

Page 29
lands with the survival kits. This is a program that can be
replicated anywhere that smaller boats venture off shore
or into remote areas. Many items can be donated by cor-
porate sponsors.
Julian Magras, Chairman of the Board, St.
Thomas Fishermans Association (STFA),
recently expressed his gratitude in a letter
to the flotilla. Magras wrote, Your donation
of first aid/safety kits to members of our
association was truly appreciated. While I
hope to never use any of the contents,
preparation is invaluable. We look forward
to collaborating with you (Flotilla 16-2) in
the future to promote and insure the safety
of fishermen and boaters traveling these
waters.
Flotilla 16-2 is expanding programming to
include the collection of sea anchors for
the purposes of distribution to commercial
fishermen and to educate them on effec-
tive utilization of the equipment. In addi-
tion, the flotilla is in discussions with the
STFA to introduce a GPS course to its
members.
CC Kreglo is a member of Flotilla 16-2 in St.
Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Vice Captain,
Division 16, U.S. Virgin Islands
CC Kreglo, COMO Allen Brown D7, Duane Minton, DCP 16 and CDR David
Allen, Director of Auxiliary, D7, take a much needed break on the island of St.
Croix. While visiting the island, both the Commodore and CDR Allen took places
along the assembly line and assisted in packing Survival kits for the local
commercial fishermen. Photo provided by CC Kreglo
Pirates of the Caribbean
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.:
Diane Figueroa, District Cap-
tain East (e) from Puerto Rico
and CC Kreglo from St. Tho-
mas at the D7 Fall Conference
Fun Night. All of the
islanders came dressed as
pirates, complete with swords
and a booty of rum.
Photo by James Dennen
Page 30




TITUSVILLE, Fla.: On July 12, 2008, Flotilla 49 held a
surprise birthday party at the Whistle Junction restaurant
in Titusville to honor member Marian Madsen, who
turned 100 years young this year. Marian was under the
impression that she was going out to dinner with Dick
Ruddock, FSO-PV, and her son Eric Madsen until she
walked in the restaurant where 44 members of Flotilla 49
greeted her with, Surprise! Other than reaching the nice
age of 100 years young, what else sets Marian apart? At
the age of 100, this lady has more energy and does more
on a daily basis than most younger men and women.
Marians life of service to the United States military in-
cludes working for Grumman Aircraft during WWII as a
Rosie the Riveter. This company produced the Grum-
man Hellcat, the most successful aircraft in naval history,
destroying 5,171 aircraft while in service with the U.S.
Navy and U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Taking
great pride in her work was nothing new to Marian when
she joined the Auxiliary.
Her long and productive history within the Coast Guard
Auxiliary began when she joined on August 5, 1964. She
first earned the qualification Inspector Examiner in De-
cember 1964 while living with her family in the North Mi-
ami, Florida area. During our 1976 Bicentennial Year,
Marian completed two hundred or more Courtesy Motor-
boat Examinations and was awarded the Distinguished
Service Award by the National Commodore, US Coast
Guard Auxiliary. This was followed in May of 1977 by a
Certificate of Commendation for outstanding contribu-
tions in furthering the purposes and principles of the
Coast Guard Auxiliary for the Outstanding Division of
1976. The awards kept coming. In 1982 she was
awarded membership in the Seventh District Award of
Merit Courtesy Marine Examination Century Club.
In 1976 Marian transferred to the Titusville area and be-
came active in Flotilla 49. She was elected to the position
of Flotilla Commander with a term starting January 1,
1986. After nearly two decades as a vessel examiner
and at the young age of 77, Marian expanded her inter-
ests and qualified as an Auxiliary Boat Crew member in
September of 1985. On August 5,
1989, she was honored for 25 years
of dedication to the US Coast
Guard Auxiliary. That same year
she received the Coast Guard Spe-
cial Operations Service Ribbon
(SOS) for operation Checkmate
from July 1 through September 31,
1989.
In April 1992 Marian once again
earned the Auxiliary Service Award
for outstanding performance in
Courtesy Examinations. Picture an
84 year old woman climbing aboard
recreational vessels for hours in our
sweltering Florida heat and you
may get an inkling of the signifi-
cance of her service. In 1993 the
National Commodore presented her
with a Certificate of Award for her
Marian Madsen: 100 Years and Counting.
By Bob Richmond
Marian Madsen pictured with Murray
Nance, FC and Bob Richmond, VFC,
Flotilla 49, Titusville, Florida.
She did not know it at the time, but
plans were being made to help her
celebrate
her 100th birthday which was only
a few days away.

Page 31
outstanding contributions to the Cour-
tesy Marine Examination Program.
Marians service to the Coast Guard
Auxiliary involved many staff and lead-
ership responsibilities -- Secretary of
Records, Publications Staff Officer,
Vessel Examinations Officer, Flotilla
Vice Commander and as Flotilla Com-
mander. Currently, she continues her
active membership in Flotilla 49, attend-
ing most of the Flotilla meetings and
assisting with Public Affairs events. At
100 years young and after 44 years of
service, Marian Madsen is still going
strong. Bravo Zulu to one of this organi-
zations greatest contributors and role
models.
Robert Richmond serves as Staff
Officer - Personnel Services, Division
4, East Central Florida
Marian Madsen arrives at the Whistle Stop Restaurant to shouts of
Surprise! and Happy Birthday!
Photos by Robert Richmond
Eagle Award of Excellence
By Judy Abbott
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.: Ruth Ann White, District Staff
Officer Public Education District 7 (DSO-PE7), was
presented an Award of Excellence at the District 7
Conference in Jacksonville, Florida in September. This
award is also knows as the Eagle Award.
Commodore Allen Brown, District 7 Commodore,
made the presentation.
This Recreational Boating Safety Award of Excellence is
given by the U.S. Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division.
The award recognizes one of the top contributors to
recreational boating safety missions in each of the three
Auxiliary organizational areas.
Ruth Ann White is a member of Flotilla 87 in Englewood,
Florida.
Page 32




VENICE, Fla.: The Auxiliary members of District 7 have
time and again shown themselves to be innovators and
found new ways to organize and simplify tasks and ser-
vices. Sometimes these expanded services require new
facilities from which to operate, and at other times they
simply need to relocate to get the job done.
On Tuesday, September 23, Coast Guard, Auxiliary and
invited guests assembled at the Flotilla 86 Training Cen-
ter for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of
Venice Detachment (VENDET), formerly known as DIR-
AUX West. The move was necessitated when the Coast
Guard decided to vacate the former DIRAUX location at
the Moorings in Nokomis. The VENDET will occupy a
section of the building and will share some common ar-
eas with the training center.
Approximately 50 persons attended the formal ceremony
including Venice Police Chief Julie Williams and Mr. Clif-
ford Merz from the University of South Florida, each of
whom spoke about their partnership with the Coast
Guard and the Auxiliary.
Steven Hanson, Assistant Director of Auxiliary, who
served as master-of ceremonies chronicled the history of
DIRAUX West from its beginnings in 1988 when a group
of Auxiliary members began assisting the Seventh Coast
Guard District Director of Auxiliary by maintaining the
database for the boat crew program and correcting the
Navigation Rules exams. This group eventually became
known as the Auxiliary Testing and Training Center. In
May of 1992, the group moved to an empty LORAN sta-
tion generator building just a few steps from the new lo-
cation and assumed responsibility for processing all spe-
cialty and open book exams. In 1997 the name was
changed from Auxiliary Testing and Training Center to
DIRAUX West to truly reflect that the operation was an
extension of the Director of Auxiliarys office. DIRAUX
West opened its first website in 1998 and began to offer
online testing.
By 1999, the word had spread to other Districts, which
DIRAUX West, Now Venice Detachment.
By Al Bidwick

Page 33
wanted the same services as those received
by the Auxiliary in the Seventh District. To
meet this demand, DIRAUX West opened an-
other website and added a branch of its own
known as the National Auxiliary Testing Cen-
ter.
The lack of adequate space at DIRAUX West
necessitated a move to the Nokomis Moorings
in August of 2000, where for the next eight
years they rendered services not only to D7
but to the National membership as well.
Sixteen years later DIRAUX West is back to
the property where it all started, but with a
different name. While they still process spe-
cialty exams, they have branched out into
other areas including new member enroll-
ments and ID card processing. They have
also become innovators once more by helping
create the DIRAUX AUTOMATION program,
which automates the input and certification processes for
programs with minimal key strokes.
In his concluding remarks, Hanson praised the Auxiliary
staff for its initiative, creativity, and dedication that truly
represents the highest traditions of the Coast Guard.
Following Hansons introductory remarks, Commander
David Allen, Commodore Allen Brown, and LCDR Timo-
thy Haws representing Sector St. Petersburg each spoke
about the support rendered by the Auxiliary.
Commander Allen called on the Auxiliarists, and in some
cases their wives, who worked so diligently over the sum-
mer to come forward and be recognized. He read a cita-
tion describing the work they performed in renovating
their new location and moving the offices from Nokomis.
He then presented each person with the Coast Guard
Auxiliary Meritorious Team Commendation.
Remarks were followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony, a
tour of the new facility and refreshments.
Photos: Left Page: COMO Brown, Judi Bidwick, FC 86, and
CMDR Allen and cutting the cake at the reception following the
Awards presentation.
Above: COMO Brown, CDR Allen and Venice Police Chief Julie
Williams cutting the ribbon to the
new VANDET in Venice.
Photos by Tom Loughlin,
ADSO-PA-W.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Meri-
torious Team Commendation
Award was presented to Venice
Flotilla 86 members who
cleaned, renovated, built and
moved DIRAUX-West. They are
from the left, Monika Sleichert,
Janice Marmion, Mike Marmion,
Juan Hernandez, Charles Stat-
kus, Paul Corcoran, Mike
Lechky, Joe Floyd, Ruth Bruno,
Jim Sleichert, Harry Bruno, Lou
Magyar. To their right are CDR
Allen, COMO Brown, and LCDR
Haws.
Photo by Al Bidwick, SO-PA,
Division 8
Page 34




CHARLESTON, S.C.: The Coast Guard Auxiliary has a
unique, enthusiastic group of new young members -- ca-
dets at The Citadel, the historic military college in
Charleston.
William B. Riley, Sr., Division Captain, Division 12 organ-
ized and implemented the program that allows cadets to
discover the career opportunities that the United States
Coast Guard provides in either the Reserves or the Offi-
cer Candidate School (OCS) program through member-
ship in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
While attending a parade on the Citadel campus two
years ago, Riley, himself a graduate of The Citadel, was
questioned by CDR Ryan, then Group Charleston Com-
mander, about USCG presence on campus. Learning
that there was no representation, Riley accepted the as-
signment to start a program to develop a better relation-
ship with the USCG. He was advised that an on-campus
organization was needed to reach this goal. Since the
USCG does not have a ROTC program, the next best
venue was the Auxiliary.
Riley first gained approval for an Auxiliary detachment on
campus as an authorized student activity. He then initi-
ated intense advertising on campus and asked Flotilla 12-
8, Charleston, to sponsor the group.
The Citadel detachment is unlike any other unit in many
ways. The unit conducts PT (Physical Training) every
Tuesday at 6 a.m. and a swimming exercise twice
monthly. Sponsoring Flotilla 12-8 has found the unit to be
a self-sufficient, well administrated group. The detach-
ment is an extension of the leadership laboratory that ex-
ists on campus and serves to fine-tune the cadets abili-
ties to lead. Presently there are 21 members in this Auxil-
iary detachment. The enthusiasm of the detachment is
growing, as is the expectation of recruiting many more
new Auxiliarists. Some members of the newly-formed
group attended the Division 12 Change of Watch dinner in
2007 in full uniform. What an impressive sight! A number
of the new Auxiliarists also attended the Division 12 meet-
ing in April at Sector Charleston.
During the last week of February 2008 a Coast Guard
THE USCGAUX CITADEL CONNECTION.
Christine M. Siwirski

Page 35
helicopter from Savannah and a 25 Safe boat from
Charleston were on static display at The Citadel campus
with USCG and USCGAUX officers on hand to discuss
careers in the Coast Guard. Swearing in of the new cadet
CGAUX members took place on February 28, followed by
the campus parade on February 29, 2008.
Bill Riley and the members of the USCGAUX associated
with this group believe that as the cadets graduate, they
will continue to participate in Auxiliary activities. Their
injection of youthful enthusiasm, energy and fresh
thoughts certainly will assist our soon to be 70 year old
organization in getting the job done.
Cadet Stan Kablick was selected to lead the USCGAUX detach-
ment starting with the Fall semester 2008-2009 academic year.
He is shown in the Coast Guard helicopter that was flown in for
the static display in February of 2008.
Opposite page: CWO Tom Gelwicks, tactical officer on campus
and Bill Riley Division Captain 12, with group of cadets.
The guidon was given to the detachment by Mr. Gelwicks and
is carried at the head of the column any time the detachment
members march or run.
Photos by Christine Siwirski, Public Affairs Officer, Division 12
and a member of Flotilla 12-10
The cadets pose proudly with the Auxiliary guidon. Posing with the cadets is Bill Riley, DCP 12, CWO Tom Gelwicks, a tactical
officer with The Citadel Commandant's Department, and Captain McAllister, Commander Sector Charleston, USCG.
Page 36




MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.: Sorry,
Pamela Anderson, did not hit the
beach with this crew!
On Saturday, April 12, 2008, Flotil-
las 12-6 in Mount Pleasant and 12-8
in Charleston participated in
Operation Bay Watch, a joint train-
ing exercise with soldiers from the
3
rd
Brigade of the South Carolina
State Guard (SCSG). The objectives
of this exercise were to ferry a strike
team from 3
rd
Brigade 5
th
and 6
th
Battalion consisting of approximately
24 personnel to Drum Island in the
Charleston Harbor, set up an obser-
vation/communications post and
disperse to various points on the
Island to conduct concealed long
range observations.
This exercise was conducted in ac-
cordance with Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) Inci-
dent Command standards. Flotilla
12-6 provided three facilities to ferry
personnel to and from the island and posted a Deputy
Incident Commander, Edie Adair, Flotilla 12-6 Staff Offi-
cer - Marine Safety at the Mount Pleasant National
Guard Armory to assist with radio/phone communica-
tions. Flotilla 12-8s facility
served as a spotter vessel to
observe and report any SCSG
movements on the island and as
an emergency standby vessel.
Soldiers boarded at Remleys
Point Boat Landing on the Mount
Pleasant, South Carolina side of
the Cooper River at approxi-
mately 9:30 a.m. and returned
from the Island at approximately
4:00 p.m.
United States Coast Guard, Sec-
tor Charleston provided observ-
ers/spotters and deployed an
RB-S and an HH-65C helicopter
to make several passes of the
Island. The SCSG Operations
Officer, Captain Glenn Remsen,
commended the true profession-
alism demonstrated by the
USCGAUX in support of the
SCSG training mission. He
stressed the importance and rele-
vance of these exercises and working together as part of
Homeland Security and in the interest of the safety of
citizens in our area. The SCSG plans to conduct addi-
tional observation/communications training as well as
SAR training exercises with
USCGAUX in future.
Rick Leary is the Flotilla Staff
Officer- Public Affairs for
Flotilla 12-6 in Georgetown,
South Carolina
Operation Bay Watch
Photos and story by Rick Leary
Top: The USCGAUX vessel
approaches the loading area as
they prepare to transport the
South Carolina State Guard to
Drum Island as part of
Operation Bay Watch, a
multi-agency drill.
Left: Soldiers from the 3rd Bri-
gade, South Carolina State
Guard prepare to board the
Auxiliary vessels.

Page 37
KEY WEST, Fla.: Lobster season opens in Key West,
Florida every year in early August. For two days before
the official opening of the season to commercial fisher-
men, the public is permitted to dive for lobster. Without
the right training and preparation this can be a dangerous
sport that often results in boating and diving mishaps,
numerous injuries and even some fatalities every year.
To counter this dangerous trend, several years ago
CAPT Scott A. Buschman, Commander, Sector Key
West, initiated a safety exposition directed towards diving
safety.
On July 27, 2008, members of the
United States Coast Guard, Coast
Guard Auxiliary Division 13, the
Monroe County Sheriffs Office,
National Marine Sanctuary, Florida
State Fish & Wildlife, Florida Keys
Community College, Fishermens
Hospital, Lower Keys Medical Cen-
ter, and the Key West Chamber of
Commerce came together for a
Lobster Rodeo and Safety Exposi-
tion.
Keeping the public aware of safe
diving tips during the first two days
of the lobster season is the exposi-
tions primary goal, however, most
aspects of safety in and on the wa-
ter are addressed by the participat-
ing agencies. Some of their efforts in-
cluded recertifying divers, while USCG
Auxiliary members Don and Jan Kitts-
miller and Brad Miller from Flotilla 13-3
provided boating safety information and
offered free vessel safety checks.
Said Don Kittsmiller, Recreational boat-
ing safety should be first and foremost in
our minds any time we take part in boat-
ing activities. Besides our efforts to in-
crease public awareness about boating
safety, it was a great opportunity to in-
crease our publ i c vi si bi l i ty and
strengthen our ties with local law en-
forcement and other agencies equally
interested in preventing the boating ac-
cidents, injuries and even deaths that
occur in the Florida Keys every year.
Don Kittsmiller is the Flotilla
Commander of 13-3, Big Pine Key, Fla.
Lobster Rodeo
By Don Kittsmiller
Photos- Above: Pictured are the representatives for the spon-
sors of the Lobster Rodeo & Dive Safety Exposition.
Standing from left: Daniel Chu, Monroe County Sheriffs Office,
Capt Scott Buschman, CDR, Sector Key West, USCG, LT Dave
Ambos, USCG, Lynn Mauck, Chief Nursing Office, Fishermens
Hospital, Randy Detrick, Public Relations, Lower Keys Medical
Center, LCDR Michael Herring, USCG, Sector Key West. Kneel-
ing from left: BM3 Shaun Cronk, Station Marathon, USCG, Bob
Guhl, Florida Keys Community College, and
Don Kittsmiller.
Below: Don Kittsmiller and members from FL 13-3 offer Vessel
Safety Checks and Recreational Boating Safety literature.
Page 38




and Coast Guard Auxiliary should be a part of our public
outreach efforts. A Coast Guard recruiter might even be a
good addition to the team if available.
A third approach was the boating safety summer camp
program provided for the past several years at the Mana-
tee Center in Fort Pierce, Fla. by members of Flotilla 58
in the same city. The program started with an overview of
the boating safety program. The youngsters were asked
questions about how they can stay safe both on and off
the water. Auxiliarists explained that we all have a re-
sponsibility for our environment and to the animals that
live in our oceans and streams. They explained the law
requiring children to wear life jackets when in a boat and
demonstrated how to put on the life jackets properly. The
Auxiliarists then showed what happens when the life
jacket is the wrong size. Also discussed was the impor-
tance of staying seated inside the boat and not sitting on
the gunwales or having their arms and legs over the side.
To reinforce the importance of being prepared for emer-
gencies, the Flotilla Members created ocean waves with
a blue tarp and select two different youngsters to attempt
to put on life jackets while being tossed around in the
tarp. Naturally the volunteers couldnt put their life jackets
on. This simulation was a good way for the kids to re-
member that they dont want to fall in the water without
wearing a life jacket. The kids loved this demonstration.
(Continued from page 21) Senior camp counselors were also given handouts for
each of the youngsters entitled Kids for Environmental
Protection. This new program is part of Floridas Sea
Partners Clean Marina Program. Its always fun to see
the enthusiasm of the youngsters and how they really
enjoy learning about safety on the waterways.
When we share ideas, we all benefit. These are only
three of our many efforts to involve our youth through
public education outreach. Adapt them for your situations,
and share your results with others. Remember, habits are
formed at a young age. When children learn safe habits
in their youth, most will follow them as adults. This is
much easier than trying to break bad habits as adults.
Story by Gary Barth, ADSO-PB, D7 and a member of
Flotilla 58 in Ft Pierce, Florida
With many thanks to our contributors:
Randall Moritz, Flotilla Vice Commander, Flotilla 84 in
Sarasota, Florida
Doug Donovan, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs, Flotilla
98 in Charlotte Harbor, Florida
Joseph Lambert, Flotilla Staff Officer Public Education,
Flotilla 58 in Fort Pierce, Florida
Getting Our Youth Involved in Boating Safety
SANTURCE, P.R.: Rafael
Martinez and Alma Sola from
Flotilla 1-12 in Santurce, bring the
Sea Partners Program to the
children at Guaynabo Head Start
Program. Learning the impor-
tance of wearing a life jacket
makes quite an impression on
these young children, who are
never too young to learn about
safe boating practices.
The stickers and coloring books,
together with an age appropriate
presentation that includes trying
on a life jacket and learning how
to fasten it properly is a fun
experience for all of the children.
From their smiles it is evident
that the experience of
introducing the Sea Partners
Program to the children is re-
warding to our members too!
Photo taken by a teacher at
Guaynabo Head Start.

Page 39
SOUTH BREVARD, Fla.: On Sunday August 3, 2008, the
first known auxiliary patrol boat believed ever to visit
Honest John's Fish Camp successfully tied up to their
visitor dock. The historic fish camp was first established
in the 1880s and is deeply tied to the history of this area.
The still existing Florida cracker house was built in 1899
and is located on the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard
County, East Central Florida, about 10 miles south of
Melbourne Beach.
The fish camp began as a government homestead in
1887. Robert and Charlie Smith came from southwest
Georgia seeking a new life after the ravages of the Civil
War. They began farming and raised beans, yams, col-
lards and later introduced citrus to the area. Their pro-
duce was shipped to the White House during the presi-
dency of Franklin Roosevelt.
Honest John was the third of eight children born to
Robert and Bessie Smith. Honest John disliked farming,
so he became one of the early commercial fishermen in
the area. Honest John died in 1994, but his legacy lives
on at the camp.
The Auxiliary mission for the day was to update the local
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) chart for marina facilities, Private Aids to Naviga-
tion (PATON), and water depths on the approaches to
Mullet Creek. It was a difficult mission. None of the crew
had ever been there before and the area is legendary for
many groundings and shipwrecks once boats leave the
nearby Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
The operational facility selected for this mission was the
S/V Nicholaus Copernicus, a shallow draft sailing vessel
capable of operating in such an environment. As the cox-
swain of this patrol, Bockhold needed a very experienced
crew, so he chose Daniel Freitas, the Flotillas Opera-
tions Officer (FSO-OP) and Julius Nagy, the
Communications Officer (FSO-CM). Together
these two men brought over 70 years of Auxil-
iary experience upon which Bockhold could
depend.
As they moved south down the ICW, Dan
navigated with a global positioning satellite
system (GPS) and seaman's eye for their
turn-off at marker 37. He put the coordinates
in the GPS of N 27 56 02 and W 080 30 17
and provided the coxswain with continuous
course, distance and speed information.
Julius assisted as helmsman and maintained
their radio watch with United States Coast
Guard Station Fort Pierce. The entrance into
Mullet Creek took them by the Grant Farm
Island, another historic landmark in the area.
The Nicholaus Copernicus and its crew slowly worked its
way through the shoals and dense mangrove swamps.
The wildlife is abundant in this area and they saw mana-
tees, dolphins, seabirds and fish as they snaked their
way into the camp. Finally the dock appeared and soon
they saw a crowd waiting on the dock to welcome them.
Even some chickens from the farm came out to greet the
visitors.
They had a great time meeting new friends, and every-
one at the camp had many questions. They ate dinner on
the boat and took a few photos. Bockhold mentioned to
the crowd that they wanted to put the camp on the chart.
One man spoke up immediately and said, Wait a minute!
We like it just the way it is. Only real watermen make it in
here to see us.
They all had a good laugh and waved goodbye. Night
was fast approaching and they wanted to be back in the
ICW by sunset. They hoisted their sails and conducted a
night ATON patrol on the way home.
Authors Note: Father Dan Freitas, FSO-OP for Flotilla 42 in
South Brevard, Florida celebrated 50 years of service to the U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary in November of 2008.
Historic Port Call By Flotilla 42 Patrol Boat.
Photos and story by Ron S. Bockhold
Daniel Freitas and Julius Nagy under sail.
District Staff Officers
Prevention Department
Robert A. Weskerna.......DSO-MS
Diane Figueroa..DSO-MT
Cathie Welty DSO-PV
Ruth Ann WhiteDSO-PE
William S. Griswold..DSO-SL
Hebert C. Hanson....DSO-VE
Response Department
Rodney Rocky Reinhold...DSO-AN
Charles "Mike" Renuart.....DSO-AV
Joseph Colee, Jr. ..DSO-CM
Jeffrey A. Bronsing ....DSO-OP
Joseph Lori .ADSO-OP/PWC
Logistics Department
Roy Savoca.. ......DSO-CS
Nestor Tacoronte..Webmaster
Susan Z. Hastings ......DSO-IS
Robert Westcott ....DSO-PA
Dorothy J. Riley. ..DSO-PB
Rhonda Hebert... DSO-PS

Antoinette Toni Borman .DSO-SR

Donald A. Zinner .DFSO
William F. Everill ..DSO-LP
Terry Barth ..DSO-MA
William Malone ......DSO-FN
COMO Guy Markley ...AUXCRC
Gwendolyn S. Leys ....PPDCPA
Karen L. Miller ...Grants
Doreen M. Kordek ...D7 Store
Past District 7 Commodores
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
Walter Jaskiewicz .. ASC Sector St. Petersburg
Richard J. Leys ... .ASC Sector Miami
Robert Funk ... ASC Sector Jacksonville
James E. Dennen .. ASC Sector Key West
Diana Figueroa ... ASC Sector San Juan
District Administrative Assistant & Aid
Carolyn R. Hooley ......D-AD
John D. Tyson .....D-AA
Diane Ayers .. .D-AA
COMO Guy Markley . D-LL