Thank you to Phil Hill for the following article and image.
Members of Flotilla 12 had the opportunity to attend the 8th Coastal District’s annual training meeting on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (23-25 August) in New Orleans. Auxiliarists from the Panhandle of Florida to New Mexico made their way to the Higgins Hotel for the conference. If the name sounds familiar, it may be due to its connection with the National World War II Museum located in New Orleans.
The business meeting was called to order on Friday morning at 9 a.m. In attendance was the newly elected NACO Mary Kirkwood. She will be our new national leader, the highest elected position in the Auxiliary and her Chief of Staff, Pat Feighery. Others in attendance were Capt. Callaghan, Sector New Orleans, Capt. Moore, Prevention, Commander Vacco, DIRAUX 8CR, and BOSN Smith, OTO 8th CR. The meeting was led by Commodore Scamardo, the outgoing auxiliary leader of the 8th CR.
During the meeting, the district board elected new district auxiliary officers. These officers will help give direction to both our division and flotilla during the upcoming year. We wish them well in the year ahead.
With the business meeting completed, training began. Classes were held on many subjects. There were classes on the proper wearing of the uniform, proper completion of meeting minutes, emergency management, human resources, marine safety, communications, operations, and legal updates. Members could attend classes of their choice. After classes ended, there was even time to see parts of the museum.
On Saturday evening the Commodore’s Banquet was held. The keynote speaker was Admiral Berata, Commander of the 8th District. This was a terrific way to end DTRAIN.
Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident.
If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.
Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.
