By Carolyn Brown Treadon
This past week, we celebrated multiple things within the Flotilla.
On August 2, the Coast Guard celebrated its 235th birthday! The Coast Guard published the following by ADM Kevin Lunday Acting Commandant, and MCPOCG Phillip Waldron, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard:
As we celebrate our 235th birthday, we reflect on pivotal moments throughout the Coast Guard’s history that defined our legacy and forged our future. On August 4, 1790, Alexander Hamilton’s vision became reality when President George Washington signed the Tariff Act, authorizing ten revenue cutters to defend our young Nation and enforce tariff laws: one cutter in each port, built by American workers and operated by our first crews. On January 28, 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service and Life Saving Service merged to form the modern Coast Guard. During World War II, Coast Guard heroes bravely fought for our freedom, cementing our role as a military service and vital instrument of national power. Each of these transformational moments – and so many others – built the foundation for today’s unprecedented opportunities.
We will look back on this 235th birthday as a defining moment in Coast Guard history. There has never been a more exciting time for our Service. We have unprecedented support from President Trump, Secretary Noem, our civilian leaders, Congress, and the American people. Through the historic $24.59B investment in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Force Design 2028, we will execute the President and Secretary’s direction to renew the Service to become a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force.
For 235 years, the American people have depended on the Coast Guard to ensure our nation’s economic prosperity and national security. We control, secure, and defend our borders and maritime approaches, facilitate vital commerce in the physical domain and cyberspace, and respond to crises or contingencies that come with little or no warning. Our crews conduct these missions in a dangerous and unforgiving maritime environment, often against those who would do us harm. We do so because the American people are counting on us.
We are proud to stand with you as we write the next chapter of Coast Guard history. Thank you for your service and for standing a vigilant watch. Your courage, professionalism, and dedication ensure we will meet tomorrow’s challenges. The security of the American people we serve depends on it. Semper Paratus.
The Flotilla also held its monthly meeting where several members were recognized.
Wade Olson received a Sustained Service Award for over 4,500 hours served.
Bravo Zulu to all!
Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident.
Norma Hill received a Sustained Service Award for over 4,500 hours served.
Phil Hill received certification for recreational boating safety program.
Linda Olson received instructor certification.
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.