HEARTLAND GUARDIAN

Volume 3 Issue 6

June 2013

D I S T R I C T E I G H T E A S T E R N C O A S T G U A R D R E G I O N

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PAGE TWO

PAGE THREE

PAGE FOUR

Semper Paratus

Fifty Years of Service

Wear It Ohio

PAGE FIVE

River Bend

River Bend Photos

PAGE SIX

Reader’s Letter

PAGE EIGHT

AUXILIARIST RETIRES

WITH FIFTY YEARS SERVICE

Dateline Division 16: Mr. James Gribble retires with

fifty years service to his Country and the United States

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Story and more photos on Page Three

PAGE SEVEN

New Online Store

2

SEMPER PARATUS (Always Ready)

Rick Schal - Chief of Staff

On Monday, May 20, 2013, an EF5 tornado devastated the town of Moore, Oklahoma. The 210 mile per hour

winds killed 24, including 10 children, injured 377, and destroyed over 1200 homes. The tornado was on the

ground for 50 minutes, cut a path 17 miles long and up to 1.3 miles wide.

Why am I rehashing a story that everyone is aware of? Moore, Oklahoma, is in the Eighth Western District,

which is the district just west of our district. We all know from past experience that we are also venerable to

similar devastation. The time to prepare for such a catastrophe is before it happens and not afterwards. The

question we need to ask ourselves is how well are we prepared for such an event?

The first step after such an event is assessment. We must know immediately after the event if all of our

members are accounted for, if they require any assistance, and if so, what type of assistance is needed. In

order to perform this initial assessment, we as Auxiliary members in the Eighth Eastern Region have two

primary tools.

The first is the Calling Tree program which should be handled by each individual Division. It is the Division

Commander‘s responsibility to insure that he or she has an effective calling tree program and that it is kept

up-to-date. Most Division Commanders delegate the responsibility to either their SO-HR or SO-CM. To date,

most Divisions have responded that they have a current up-to-date working program in effect.

The second is the Everbridge program. This is an automated system that can make mass automated calls with

specific messages to Auxiliary members’ home phone numbers. It can also make mass calls, send voice

messages or send e-mails to cell phones. Messages can also be sent to home computers. This system can be

filtered to target different geographical areas, skill groups or Auxiliary member ranks. In order for this system

to be effective, each member must ensure his or her contact information is current in AUXDATA, since this is

where Everbridge gets its contact information.

Neither of these two programs is difficult to maintain and keep updated. We pray that we will never need

them for emergency situations; however, it is prudent on our part to have them ready to be used if the situation

should ever arise.

District

Chief of

Staff,

Rick Schal

File Photo

Photo Left: Moore Elementary School, Moore,

Oklahoma.

Photo Supplied by DCOS Rick Schal USCGAUX

3

AUXILIARIST CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Mr. James Gribble, 082-16-07, celebrated his 50th anniversary as an Auxiliarist on 22 April 2013, having

joined the Auxiliary in 1963. Mr. Gribble earned a Purple Heart while serving in the USAF in WWII as a

member of a B-24 crew.

DCDR Don Moak presented Mr. Gribble with his 50-year plaque at the Division meeting on 6 June. His

Flotilla provided a cake decorated in USCGAUX colors in honor of the event.

Photo Above Left: Left to Right, David Maul, Vice

Division Commander, James Gribble, and Don Moak,

Division Commander

Photo Above Center: Left to Right, Ray Veldman,

James, and Rudy Achata

Photo Above Right: Left to Right, David Maul, Ray

Veldman, James, and Don Moak

(Note) James Gribble is wearing the original uniform

issued to him when he came into the Auxiliary.

Cover Photo and accompanying photos taken by Dave Cox USCGAUX

Article by Don Moak Division Commander, Division 16

4

DISCLAIMER: The Heartland Guardian is an official publication of 8th Eastern Region of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The information provided here is for the edification and convenience of members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the

readers of this publication. The Heartland Guardian staff reserves the right to use or reject articles and photos; edit

submitted articles and photos for clarity, space, and or other concerns. Reprints of articles in this publication may be used

by other publications provided proper credit is given and a copy sent to the Staff of the Heartland Guardian.

Photos will be accompanied with caption and proper credit given to photographer. Articles from other publications shall be

accompanied by documentation authorizing reproduction with credit given to author and source of article.

Please direct any comments or constructive criticism to:

Publisher: Randy Ventress ADSO-PB (randyv19@comcast.net)

Editors: Thom McQueen DSO-PB (kyhoops1@fuse.net)

Valerie McQueen ADSO-PB (thebeacon@fuse.net)

INTER-SERVICE MEMORIAL DAY EVENT

Joining with Major Andy Addison USAF, David Cox, Division 16, had the opportunity to present Echo Taps

at a Memorial Day Service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga Tennessee.

Photo Right: Major Andy Addison

(on left) and David Cox (on right)

Photo Left: Our Fallen Heros

Photos: Trish Cox

“Wear it Ohio”

Event at Indian Lake

Flotilla 082-06-08 at Indian Lake, Ohio had a perfect setting to demonstrate inflatable life vests on Saturday,

May 18, 2013 for the start of National Safe Boating Week. Flotilla members manned a booth at the Showcase

of Indian Lake sponsored by the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce. Set on the edge of the beach looking out

over the open water of Indian Lake, flotilla members Steve Daniel, FC, Shelly Jones, Justin Daniel and Anita

Daniel covered the benefits of various types of life jackets with visitors to the event. With the sounds of the

Air Force Band floating on the breeze, visitors were able to experience the comfort of an inflatable over a

standard vest and activate the vests to see how they worked.

Flotilla members also answered questions about boating safety and state and federal regulations. It was a great

opportunity to encourage attendance at a boating safety class and provide information about vessel safety

checks. There was something for boaters of all ages with stickers and interactive materials given out to

children at the event. Hopefully it was a day that encouraged everyone to “Wear It Ohio”.

Photo Left: Flotilla display at Indian

Lake Event

Photo Right: Unidentified customer

Article: Anita Daniel USCGAUX

Photos: Steve Daniel USCGAUX

5

From: Emmons, Matthew D LRN

Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 8:37 AM

To: 'patrick.j.grizzle@uscg.mil'

Subject: Thank you note: Riverbend Support @ Chickamauga Lock (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

LT Grizzle,

A quick note of thanks to start the week for us. Your USCG Safe Boat crew did a tremendous job working the

control point underneath the RR Bridge after the fireworks on the last night of Riverbend. My lock operators

really appreciated their efforts a great deal. They really engaged the public in a positive manner, which really

helped to get boaters in the right frame of mind as they were instructed to proceed up through the lower

approach into the lock chamber. They got compliance through positive engagement with boaters that

impressed everyone. Their presence on site really facilitated a safe and efficient process to start things off for

boaters. As a side note, this crew spoke very highly of you and your/their Commander as well and expressed

regret that he was rotating out this week or next week.

The USCG Auxiliary also deserves a great deal of recognition. Their heroics began on Friday afternoon, when

a crew, led by Steve Adams, the crew retrieved a man who fell from his boat in the lock chamber. Chris

Adams was able to reach the man just prior to being struck by the prop from his own vessel. After three days

of thinking about it, it still amazes me that this incident occurred as Steve and Chris were entering the lock in

their vessel right behind the vessel that the man fell out of. It was divine intervention in my view.

On the final night of Riverbend, there was a 6 or 7 person USCG Auxiliary crew that was assembled out here

at the lock as well. This tight knit group of folks was motivated and was able to quickly grasp the concept of

our operations. They took the concept and plugged in their capabilities across all their crew members and

forged a new process for handling the many issues that come with trying to lock through the mass of boaters

after the fireworks. Their work on the lower guide walls, around the lock chamber, and their ability to quickly

integrate themselves and get good communication going with the lock operators was a real key to the success

of the entire operation.

My sincere thanks for a job well done by both USCG units out here this past weekend to finish off another

injury free Riverbend at the lock. Given all the challenges the Corps is facing with the fiscal constraints and so

forth, it was really a relief for me to have these (2) groups lean forward to help fill a critical void for us.

Respectfully,

MATT EMMONS

Supv. Facility Management Specialist (Lockmaster)

Chickamauga Lock

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Nashville District

Photo Right: Chickamauga Dam,

night view

Photo David Cox USCGAUX

(text edited for correct information,

editor)

6

Photo Above: Front-David Cox

Left to Right-Lisa Holland, Eddy Smith, Chris

Adams, Clay Kissner (with the Sun to his back)

and Teresa Smith

Timed Photo by David Cox

EVERY

PICTURE

TELLS A

STORY

All photos

David Cox

USCGAUX

PHOTOS TO ACCOMPANY STORY LETTER ON PAGE FIVE

Clockwise from Photo Above:

MSD Nashville vessel inside lock

Rafted up and waiting

David Cox standing vigilant

Eddy Smith left and Chris Adams

WELL DONE

DIVISION

SIXTEEN!!

“It is not the amount of metal on the shoulders, but rather

the mettle in the man that makes the difference.”

Commodore Steve Reams

(Speech at D 8ER Spring Conference 2004)

7

To: ALAUX

From: CHDIRAUX

Subj: COAST GUARD EXCHANGE ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE STORE AVAILABLE FOR

USCG AUXILIARISTS -04/13

1. The following release was issued earlier today by the Coast Guard Community Services Command which

oversees management of Coast Guard Exchanges (CGX). It announces a well-deserved and valuable change

to Auxiliarists' CGX privileges: COAST GUARD EXCHANGE ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE STORE AVAILABLE FOR USCG

AUXILIARISTS

As volunteer shipmates, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has been vital in the Coast Guard's ability to provide

safety and security for citizens, ports, and waterways. With nearly 32,000 men and women, the Coast

Guard Auxiliary is a unique volunteer organization that carries out an array of responsibilities, touching

almost every facet of America's maritime environment as we continuously balance our missions that

emerged as a result of a post-9/11 era.

Just like Coast Guard active duty and reserve, Auxiliarists are deserving of the best we can offer.

Shopping at the Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) offers savings directly to the pocketbook of Coast Guard

Auxiliarists. More than just tax-free shopping, price comparisons show that CGX offers an average

savings of 20% or more when compared to private sector retailers "outside the gate."

Recognizing that many Auxiliarists don't live near a CGX and aren't able to take advantage of what they've

earned, CGX is proud to announce the opening of its online store at www.shopCGX.com. Shopping

online brings the savings and tax-free values of Coast Guard Exchange to every Auxiliarist, and it's as

close as your computer, tablet or smart phone.

To place orders online, Auxiliarists will click on the "Checkout" tab on the upper right hand corner of their

computer screen after they've selected all the items that they wish to purchase. A welcome window will

appear inquiring if the customer is a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist. Auxiliarists are to check the box "If you

are a USCG Auxiliarist, please check this box." The window will then show two boxes, in which

Auxiliarists are to enter their member number in one box and their Auxiliary member zone password (the

same password that is utilized for Aux Directory/Aux Officer) in the other. After their identification and

membership has been entered and verified, they'll be free to make purchases at their convenience!

There are over 500 individual products now available at www.shopcgx.com including computers, tablets,

headphones, ipods and mp3 players and other small electronics, sunglasses, fragrances, and of course

Coast Guard apparel and gifts. And when you shop on line at shopCGX.com, a portion of every sale

supports your Coast Guard Morale, Well-being, and Recreation (MWR) programs. In fact, over the last 10

years, CGX has contributed over $22.7M to Coast Guard MWR programs.

More products will be continuously added to shopCGX.com, but we need your feedback to keep growing.

Contact us directly on Facebook www.facebook.com/coastguardexchange or by email at customerservice

at shopcgx.com. We want to hear from you.

As CGX stores continue their mission to remodel and renovate their existing stores, we've invested over

$22M over the past 10 years to provide our Coast Guard shipmates and their families the shopping

experience they want and deserve. It's our way of thanking you for your service and dedication to the Coast

Guard.

CGX is part of the United States Coast Guard Community Services Command with a vision to be your

destination of choice for Exchange and MWR benefits. Our mission is to deliver outstanding value,

service, and convenience to the Coast Guard family and support the readiness and retention of those who

protect and defend the homeland.

2. The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other interested parties abreast of current devel-

opments, policies, manuals, etc. All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and

information.

3. Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

4. CG-BSX-1 sends NOTE: Original Message layout slightly modified

for space considerations.

8

READERS’ EMAIL

Randy,

Thank you for the Heartland Guardian. While I have never heard of John Vigor, I really like the Black Box

Theory and believe it is so true and applies to all boaters, exempting no one. It has been so true on my many

travels to the Bahama Islands and local boating as well. You can never have too many points and will never

loose or waste any. I can see points being needed and used while boating with others, again with none being

wasted. I feel the Silver Box Theory is just as important, picking up everything that may not seem important at

the time from jumping into your vessel, starting the engine and taking off, not checking your boat, safety

equipment, fuel, and weather. It is and should be a boaters responsibility to learn and know all forecasted

weather conditions before and during boating as well as knowing the mechanics and capabilities of his or her

vessel, making sure that all maintenance and upkeep are current at all times. I feel safe boating begins with

knowledge, and a great way to obtain that is through the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The knowledge you gain will

enhance your enjoyment for safe boating, the knowledge you pass on will be passed on many times, creating a

much safer and enjoyable boating for all.

Jim Brown

Flotilla 11-5

Submission Requirements for Heartland Guardian

The following requirements are suggested for consideration of any articles and photos submitted to Heartland Guardian.

Photos should be .jpg format and minimized for use on websites

NO cellular phone photos unless the quality of the photo is clear and crisp

Articles previously published in another newsletter should be noted as such and reprinted with permission

Credits for photos are required with Name and Unit

Photos not taken by an Auxiliary member or copied from outside sources should be labeled as such

Please send a caption with the photo, not embedded in the photo itself

NO facial photos of minors

Articles should be original unless credit is given to the author and permission has been acquired

Articles with photos should be no larger than one page due to space limitations

Articles should be noted with name of Author and Unit

No Personal Identifying Information will be printed in the newsletter, so please do not submit this. Examples are Employee

Identification Numbers, Social Security Numbers, phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses. If including an email address

is important to the article, please have member send via United States Postal Service a letter authorizing use of the email

address to the Staff of Heartland Guardian.

Editor’s Note: Jim Brown refers to the article in last months’

Heartland Guardian, “The Silver Box Theory”.

“Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor who created the memorial to the American Presidents at Mount Rushmore, was

asked if he considered his work to be perfect. It is said he replied, ‘Not today. The nose of Washington is an

inch too long. It’s better that way, though. It will erode to be exactly right in 10,000 years’. Now that’s

patience”!

From The Maxwell Daily Reader

(quoted from Talent is Never Enough)

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of

deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is

marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again,

because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who

knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in

the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so

that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt