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Next Division 14 Meeting Saturday, January 19, 2019
St Augustine Airport Conference Center,
4730 Casa Cola Way, St Augustine FL 32095
Board Meeting: 0900-1015 General Meeting: 1030-1200
In this Issue:
• DCDR & VCDR Reports…......…..2&3 • Helo Exercises & Rescue..……...…..7 • HAZWOPER……………..………….11 • Meeting Minutes..……..…..…...17&18
Also, on various pages, you will find reports and/or articles from Flotilla Commanders and Staff Officers
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY District 7, Division 14 XXXIX Volume 1 Editor: David Patrick, SO-OP Division 14 January 2019
Helo Exercises with Flotilla 12-6, East Cooper River, Charleston SC (see article on page 6)
Photo courtesy Robert Miller
2
Division
Commander
Vic Aquino
Division
Commander
Jon Hunt
As we begin 2019, it is an inauspicious debut, as we are mired in the third week of the government
shut down with no end in sight. Already, we have had to cancel the Division and a Flo�lla Change
of Watch, with the first quarter mee�ng also likely to be canceled as well. Nonetheless, when the
government is re-opened, we need to be prepared to resume all ac�vi�es at a moment’s no�ce.
For some, 2019 will be a year full of new challenges. Of the sixteen Division Staff posi�ons, eleven
of the posi�ons will have new officers. I’m looking forward to working with all of them all as they
become familiar with their responsibili�es and their parallel Chain of Leadership for their
respec�ve offices.
We have a great deal of con�nuity with our Flo�lla Commanders this year, as four of the five will
be comple�ng their second year as Commanders this year. They are a dedicated group, all of
whom do a fine job and we will rely on their experience a great deal in the coming year.
One of our greatest challenges remains our shrinking membership. We are down five percent in
Division membership from this �me last year, a trend that con�nues na�onally. Despite that, the
need for our par�cipa�on in assis�ng the ac�ve duty remains high. In addi�on to our regularly
scheduled Auxiliary ac�vi�es, there is a constant need for direct support of the “gold side” to
include radio watch standing, food service, gate guards and clergy support, just to name a few.
While we have several volunteers working in all of these areas, there is always a need for more.
Lastly, as we will not have a Change of Watch this year, I would like to thank you for the honor of
elec�ng me Division Commander. It is not a responsibility that I take lightly and I will do my best
to maintain the standards of the finest Division in District seven. We have an outstanding group of
members and I will be ready to support you in all of your endeavors.
Semper Paratus!
Jon Hunt, DCDR 14
PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE DIVISION MEETING THIS SATURDAY.
DESPITE THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WE ARE AUTHORIZED TO MEET
AS LONG AS THERE IS NO COST TO THE USCG OR AUXILIARY FUNDS.
3
I would like to say how honored I am to have been
elected as Division 14’s Vice Division Commander for
2019. I look forward to suppor�ng and working not
only with all of our appointed Staff Officers but also
the members of our en�re Division.
As I write this we have all recently received the L2 message about “CONTINUING AUXILIARY
OPERATIONS DURING THE LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS.” This was very good news and will allow the
Auxiliary to once again be ac�ve in many, but not all, of our missions. While having to curtail a lot of
our programs is never pleasant, I was very impressed with the resiliency and dedica�on of our
membership. Throughout our period of shut down all I heard was posi�ve comments and planning
for what we would be doing. I believe it is this dedica�on and effort that goes a long way to
achieving one of our goals, “to have its people be the best trained, most valued mari�me volunteer
organiza�on in the world.”
I realize that I have not been in this Division as long as some of you so I wanted to take a minute and
tell you about myself. I joined the auxiliary in 2011 with the Palo Alto CA Flo�lla. While there I held
assorted staff posi�ons at Flo�lla and Division levels, including Vice Flo�lla Commander and two
Years as Flo�lla Commander. I was selected as Auxiliarist of the year by my Flo�lla and Division. In
2015, we moved to Florida and I joined the Jacksonville Beach Flo�lla 14-4. I have been serving as
both Flo�lla and Division Human Resource Officer. During my �me at Jacksonville Beach, I was
selected both as Auxiliarist of the Year and Instructor of the year. For the past few years I have also
served on the Na�onal Staff, currently as Director of Response (surface, air and telecom opera�ons).
I look forward to mee�ng more of our members and being of service to our Division and our
members.
Rick Saunders, VCDR 14
Well folks, it looks like 2019 starts off with a
whimper but we can’t let that dissuade us. At
least we have more �me to plan and
brainstorm for upcoming events. I for one,
and I am sure I am not alone, find this “slow
�me” to be anything but that!
With the 2018 audit due, new officers to install, a 50th Flo�lla Anniversary to plan and execute, a
fishing tournament with a million dollar purse to support, and NSBW here before we know it, the
year has barely begun and I am overwhelmed. Paul Tynda told me, “wait �ll you make FC”, how right
he was.
David Howells, FC 14-8
Division
Commander
Vic Aquino
Vice Division
Commander
Rick Saunders
David Howells, FC
14-8 Jacksonville
4
Flo�lla 14-1 Elected Leadership introduc�ons:
Flo�lla Commander Report
John Herald FC
14-1 Amelia Island
BMC Ehrhart, 14-1’s Sta�on AUXLO, receives a le�er of
apprecia�on from John Herald FC at their recent Change of
Watch for all the support he has provided to the flo�lla.
Flo�lla Commander - John Herald:
John has been a member of the USCG Auxiliary since March 2015. He has served as FC, VFC, FSO-PV and
Division 14 SO-PV and is qualified as a Coxswain, Boat Crew Member, RBS Partner Visitor and Vessel
Examiner. John is a re�red Chief Warrant Officer (W4) in the U. S. Navy. He is Qualified in Submarines,
Surface Warfare Officer and Officer of the Deck. John re�red in July 1995 a,er comple�ng thirty-two years
of service. He is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University and Valdosta State University with degrees in
Business Administra�on and General Educa�on.
Flo�lla Vice Commander—Walt Lavender :
Walt joined the USCG Auxiliary in July 2014. He has served as FSO-SR and FSO-MS and Division 14 SO-MS
and is qualified as an Instructor; Program Visitor, Vessel Examiner and Boat Crew. He also serves as Auxiliary
Pollu�on Response for USCG. Walt served in U.S. Naval Reserve, re�red from Dow Chemical, working in
Environmental, Health, & Safety, as an Emergency Response Coordinator and Security Supervisor, and has
been a First Aid/CPR/AED instructor. Walt received Doctorate in Theology from Landmark Bap�st Bible
College and a PhD from Bap�st College of America. He also volunteers with the Nassau County Sheriff Office.
Photos courtesy Louie Casey
Tom Pippin receives the Order of the Megalodon
from John Herald FC
5
Happy New Year everyone!
Flo�lla Commander Report
Bill Candeletti, FC
14-7 Saint Augustine
Photos courtesy Dylan Cadwalader/Sean Flynn
Thankfully 14-7 was able to enjoy our Change of Watch prior to the Government shutdown.
As Flo�lla Commander and FSO VE, I have begun contac�ng all of our local dry storage facili�es and marinas
to give them more of an insight into exactly what we, as the USCG Auxiliary, do. In speaking to the
managers of Cats Paw Marina (Dry storage), Ship Yards (dry storage) and Rivers Edge Marina, they have all
agreed to allow us to set up a Public Affairs tent and offer their customers courtesy vessel examina�ons in
the next coming weeks or months. I set up a date, January 19, to conduct the first event at Rivers Edge
Marina since it will be in coordina�on with a barbecue they are planning, however this event may be
cancelled due to the shut down. It is also the same date as the Division mee�ng!
St. Augus�ne 14-7 Vessel Examiners will strive to exceed the number of Vessel Safety Checks we conducted
in 2018! That number was 159.
Flo�lla Commander - Bill Candele> (2nd yr)
Vice Commander - Carmen Gau�lle
Bill Candele explains his
2019 vision for Flo�lla 14-7
Karen Gau�lle applies new shoulder
boards to Carmen’s uniform.
6
Kevin Holbrooks, FC 14-4 Jacksonville Beach
Flo�lla 14-4 Change of Watch
Photos courtesy
Bailey Holbrooks
Gary Gray was recognized as
Instructor of the Year
Kevin Holbrooks Fc & Andy Koenig VFC
are sworn in..
New Staff Officers being sworn in at the Change of Watch
From the le&:
Drew Chase, Mark Vitry, Elizabeth Filippelli, Gary Gray, Bill
Vaughan, Ken Jacobs, San�ago Castrodad, Mike Christnacht,
Judy Davis
Bob Cook presents 14-4 Auxiliarist of the
Year to Mark Vitry
7
Helo Exercises & Charleston Harbor Rescue
I had something interes�ng happen on a Friday
night in October last year, October 26 to be exact.
I was on patrol with Flo�lla 12-6 East Cooper,
Charleston SC. The flo�lla regularly provides
target boats for the helicopter crews at Air
Sta�on Savannah and I went along to shoot some
Public Affairs photos to give to the Air Sta�on.
We finished well aBer dark and on the way back
across Charleston Harbor, no�ced a strobe light in
the air a short distance away from what looked
like a sta�onary small boat on the far north side
of the harbor. We approached slowly, as we
were very close to the Hog Island shoals and
found a shrimper waist deep in the shoal water
(out in the harbor off the mouth of Shem Creek).
He was waiving his strobe over his head to try to
aCract the aCen�on of the diners in the
restaurants that line Shem Creek, but without any
luck. His partner was standing a short distance
away holding onto a small john boat, in which
they had their shrimp bai�ng gear. They had
suffered engine failure and had been out there
for only about 45 minutes when we found them.
We took them back to their marina using a side
tow.
The incident was a great reminder why it's important to have standardized, trained crews and all of
your gear ready and in good shape. The Coxswain was Walter Runck (Flo�lla 12-6 East Cooper), who
I think logged over 250 underway hours during 2018.
Robert C. Miller, AUXPA1
Division Chief for Publica�ons, Public Affairs Directorate
Thanks to Robert Miller, Flo�lla 14-4, for this interes�ng ar�cle and photos, here and on the front page.
In less than five years in the Auxiliary, Robert has amassed a very long list of Auxiliary qualifica�ons
and is an integral part of Team Coast Guard - see his other contribu�on elsewhere in this newsle&er.
He does all this while being a member of the medical staff at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville!
Thank you Robert for all you do for the Auxiliary and the Ac�ve Duty Coast Guard - Editor.
8
Right Whale Fes�val
Jacksonville Beach on November 3, 2018
Staff Officer Reports
Marine Safety Mark Vitry, SO-MS
As many of you know, Right Whales are a severely endangered species. They receive their name from the
fact that decades ago whalers would target these animals for two reasons; 1) they contained more cooking
and fuel oil for lamps and other consumer needs; 2) and because they would float near the whaling ship
a,er they were killed and thus they earned the name the Right Whale to kill for their oil. Whalers hunted
these creatures to near ex�nc�on. Today, less than 400 – 500 are es�mated to survive in the wild.
Incidentally, some of the Right Whales migrate to the waters off the coasts of Georgia and Florida annually
during this �me of year and people on our
beaches have reported seeing their dis�nc�ve
water spouts during exhala�on. While off our
ocean waters, they give birth and mate but
this puts the adults and calves in danger to
injury from humans and preda�on including
entanglements in discarded nets, impacts by
large fast moving vessels, and possibly sharks
aBacks. As the female produces only one calf
at most per year, care is needed to ensure the
survival of this unique species.
Usually, once per hour during the Right Whale
calving and ma�ng season, the U. S. Coast
Guard Sector Jacksonville broadcasts on very
high frequency (VHF) channels 16 and 22A a
no�fica�on to mariners in our offshore waters
to remain vigilant for whales in the area. Specific informa�on is provided to mariners on what ac�ons to
take if a whale is spoBed and to assume any whale sighted is a Right Whale unless otherwise iden�fied and
are further reminded to stay at least 500 yards from any whale observed as this is the law. If you seek
addi�onal informa�on about Right Whales see:
hBps://www.navy�mes.com/news/your-navy/2018/11/15/navy-will-help-save-right-whales/.
Julie Albert, and others from the Northern Right Whale Monitoring Program as part of the Marine Resource
Council, visited Flo�lla 14-4 and explained their program for helping to save the Right Whales. Their hotline
for any sigh�ngs is 1-888-97-WHALE. Their program was insighDul and informa�ve.
Marc Lang (14-2) and I staffed a booth at the Right Whale Fes�val held annually at the Pavilion Grounds at
Jacksonville Beach, FL. I enjoyed par�cipa�ng in the fes�val that was well aBended. Bravo Zulu to Marc
for making annual arrangements for our ac�ve par�cipa�on in this event. Make plans to aBend next.
Photo courtesy Mark Vitry
9
With surface opera�ons shutdown for the moment I thought I’d detail the fantas�c numbers our
42 Division 14 coxswains and crew members have complied in 2018:
Mission Categories:
• Search and Rescue
• Marine Observa�on
• Safety and Security Perimeters
Events:
• Rowing regaCas
• Familiariza�on patrols for Coast Guard
• Sailboat RegaCs
• Christmas tree ligh�ngs
• Fireworks displays
• Boat parades
• NAS Jacksonville Air Show with the Blue Angels
Currently the Division has ten facili�es, but we could use many more. That increase would be a
result of recrui�ng through flo�lla Human Resources and word of mouth. Adding coxswains and
crew members would come from promo�on of Opera�ons to flo�lla members and having
Instructors hold member training sessions. But a great resource in the effort to gain facili�es and
personnel will be through promo�ng Auxiliary membership in Public Educa�on classes and during
Vessel Safety Checks.
I will make it a priority to promote these ideas in this new year.
Staff Officer Report
Total hours on the water 3,052
Search and Rescue incl. within total hours 253
Number of Missions 156
Surface Operations Bill Sekeres, SO-OP
10
Happy 2019, (Not So Happy Shutdown)
The Division 14 website and the Division Calendar have been updated. Please look them over and
report any errors to me so I can fix them.
Some things to look at and access from our Division 14 Website, while you are idle in some of your
Auxiliary ac�vi�es:
Uniforms - Check out the new Uniform PowerPoint, which you can access from the homepage leB
menu. It’s the best and most complete guide to our uniforms ever released, and it is well worth your
�me to review. It’s is an outstanding tool to mentor new members, or those in your flo�lla that
aren’t properly dressed for ac�vi�es.
AuxInfo – Also accessed from the leB menu. You can s�ll see how your ac�vity repor�ng measured
up to your peers. Ask the ques�on, “Did I really get credit for everything that I did in 2018?” Point
out to your fellow flo�lla members that you know have put in the hours, however, their report card
doesn’t measure up compared to how it could have been had they turned in their �me. (Again, I’m
encouraging mentoring to your fellow flo�lla members, new and old.)
7029 Ac�vity Form – Easily accessed from the Division website leB menu. This is how we get paid, and
this link is how you get there. Get your January 7029s sent in, so everyone knows that we’re not
quiCers.
Aux LMS & Core Training – If we can’t leave our homes to work in our communi�es, then we have
more �me to train online. Encourage new flo�lla members to gain a new qualifica�on. Update your
Core Training (especially those who completed it 5 years ago). In 2019, a lot of our members are
going to need to re-qualify for the 5 year courses. Get it done now.
The Basic Qualifica�on Course II (BQII) - Auxiliary members who are familiar with the customs,
tradi�ons, and history of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, understand our Missions and Programs, the
organiza�onal structure, the policies and regula�ons that guide us, and understand the protocols and
uniform wear will be far beCer prepared to serve the Coast Guard than less knowledgeable members.
This course is required of new members and those wishing to serve at the District level.
Follow this link to access the Basic Qualifica�on Course within the Auxiliary Classroom
So, my message has been, “Don’t let the Government Shutdown shut you down” AND encourage your
fellow flo�lla members to remain ac�ve at home and online. The first quarter of the year is no �me
to be idle, and we have mul�ple means of communica�on to mentor our fellow shipmates.
Staff Officer Reports
Computer Services Paul Burns, SO-CS
11
HAZWOPER
The purpose of teaching HAZWOPER (Hazard Waste Opera�ons & Emergency Response) to Auxiliarists is to
provide “first responders” with the capability to respond to hazardous incidents in a safe and competent
manner at the “Awareness” Level for hazardous material response. As first responders at the "Awareness"
level, Auxiliarists in an opera�onal role may be likely to witness or discover a hazardous substance release
and may need to ini�ate no�fying authori�es but should take no further ac�on.
Robert Miller, Flo�lla 14-4, instructs both the USCG and Auxiliary members throughout the year. In 2018, he
instructed a total of six classes at Sector Jacksonville (see photo below), Sta�ons Mayport, Ponce (see below)
and Canaveral. The total par�cipa�on at these classes was over 120 and included Ac�ve Duty, Auxiliarists
and three civilian employees. Editor
Photos courtesy USCG
HAZWOPER Class at Sector Jacksonville
12
MEMBER REMINDER:
AUXILIARY TRAINING, NATIONAL TESTING CENTER
MISSING COURSES:
Members taking NTC Tests on line from 29 OCT 2018 to 05 JAN 2019 need to send the following to
their Flo�lla FSO-IS for inpuLng:
NTC Problems – As you know there has been a problem with courses taken through NTC since the end
of October. Based on informa�on from Na�onal, members have been encouraged to submit their
completed cer�ficate through a District 7 Help Desk Ticket for any NTC or AUXLMS since
October. This has caused confusion. Actually, the missing NTC courses are from 29 October. We
have found that the AUXLMS courses are flowing into AUXDATA (except some of the mandated
workshops that have been a con�nuing problem). Hopefully, this situa�on will be resolved soon and
the courses will start to flow from NTC to AUXDATA.
If asked, the cer�ficate needed can be printed from member's entry in AuxDirectory.
In addi�on, if a member has taken the AUXCT, Core Training (except BCQ II courses), the member
should complete the Self-ACesta�on form and give a copy to the FSO-IS or inpuCer to enter into
AUXDATA. Again, check the member’s Training Report to make sure that the course has not already
been entered. InpuCers, remember to put AUXMT for the Opera�ons Code. Encourage members to
use the Self-ACesta�on instead of entering comple�on in NTC for these mandated courses. 2019 is
the year that many members will have to update their 5-year recer�fica�on of these courses.
ACCORDING to AUX NATIONAL, the NTC Problem has been addressed and corrected, as of 05 JAN
2019.
To date this month reserva�ons and monies collected
for the Change of Watch have been received. All
monies were paid by check. With the cancella�on of
the Change of Watch dinner, all par�es were no�fied
checks received were NOT deposited and the checks were destroyed.
The financial part of the ANSC 7025 for Division 14 was completed and forwarded for endorsing
signatures on January 10.
The 2019 budget is being developed at this �me.
Staff Officer Reports
Information Services Bob Cook, SO-IS
Finance Bill Hall, SO-FN
13
Staff Officer Ar�cle
Human Resources Mark Vitry, SO-HR
Recently, I received this thank you card from a
dear friend of mine in the Auxiliary who just
wanted to thank me for doing what any other
friend would do for someone. Then I started
thinking, which is always dangerous for me!
Perhaps we in the Auxiliary and our Division
should try to take just a few minutes
periodically to thank those Auxiliarists who
work with us and for us to say a simple “Thank
You Very Much “ for all we do for each other,
for the members of our respec�ve flo�llas, for
our leaders who spend more countless hours
than we can imagine processing forms, wri�ng
memos, aBending mee�ngs, and the list goes
on ad infinitum.
Thank You Very Much - A common saying but so important; a simple Thank You Very Much with meaning
goes much further in promo�ng fellowship, encouraging Auxiliarists to stay in our organiza�on, and
encouraging new members to become more ac�ve within our organiza�on. A simple Thank You Very Much
does more, in my opinion, to promote fellowship than terse orders from someone to complete this or that
assignment by a certain date. We must all remember that we are a diverse organiza�on filled with veterans
from many branches of the service who have served our country when requested and we have many
members who have no military experience who desire to do something posi�ve for their country and the US
Coast Guard but may not know how to properly wear a uniform or what insignia goes wear. I suggest we
take �me to help each other on a one-on-one basis and show new members how a uniform is worn, what
insignias mean, how to properly wear them, and what a gig line is. Yes, members can go to a 900 page
manual and try to memorize everything contained therein but a few minutes of our �me helping rather than
lecturing a new member will go much further than telling them to go read a military type manual that has
put me to sleep more �mes than I can count.
Finally, our division’s diversity makes us a more effec�ve and useful unit because we all bring different
educa�on levels, different backgrounds, and different skills. Let us all make a sincere effort to help exploit
the gi,s, backgrounds, experiences, talents, and diversity that we have in our Division and use that diversity
to make us a more effec�ve team that can and will assist the US Coast Guard; and please let us all take more
�me to use and mean that common but so important phrase, the simple but sincere phase of “Thank You
Very Much.”
14
Staff Officer Report
Diversity Harry Tipper, SO-DV
It’s a new year, and the Auxiliary will face a series of
challenges – some new and some old. For example,
as I write this ar�cle the country is in the middle of a
par�al shutdown of the USC government, which
means that we Auxiliarists have to stay home. We
can do things on our computer (which means that
this is a good �me to take a course to learn a new
skill) but nothing else unless the “Gold-side” tells us
to do it. Yet, this shutdown will end some�me. And,
we will have to get everything done in 2019 that we
planned to do, just with less �me to do it.
What, you may ask, does the Shutdown have to do with diversity? It underscores the point that
new challenges can present themselves at any�me and from any direc�on. We already know that
the “Gold-side” is asking us to assume more responsibili�es as it concentrates the focus of its
scarce resources on its principal homeland security missions. To meet those challenges, we need
members with a wider array of experiences and capabili�es than ever before.
I was reading an ar�cle from the Wharton School of Business that was looking at the “gig”
economy. In this passage, discussing Uber and its future with the advent of autonomous vehicles,
the Wharton professor was making this point about the role of an Uber driver in the not-too-
distant future:
“We will need someone there [in the Uber vehicle], but the driver might be very different
than what we have now, and the set of skills they will need will be vastly different.
Imagine geng into a taxicab, and rather than having a driver whose main skill is the
ability to get you to where you want to go, he is [instead] a concierge who knows the city
well, who can advise you where to go, who can give you comments on how to prepare for
your next mee�ng. The set of skills will change.
The USCG already is asking us to do new tasks, assume new roles, for which we need a new set of
skills. Can we find the people who have them just like Uber will need to find a new type of
“driver?” Or, we will do the same old things and end up like Sears?
The choice is yours!
15
Shipmates, I must confess I’ve been feeling out of
sorts of late. Our Flo�lla Staff mee�ng was
cancelled, the Division Change of Watch was
cancelled, now the Division Mee�ng has been
cancelled (Ed – now on as of January 11). I haven’t
been in uniform in a month. I don’t know when I can
proceed with the scheduling of our joint QE mission for 14-4 and 14-7.
Yesterday I finally figured out what is bothering me. I miss my shipmates!
O,en �mes, we are so busy running this organiza�on that, I think we forget about how much fellowship is
involved. We greet one another, we work together, and we catch up on what is happening in our units and our
lives. We are really more connected to each other than we realize.
This year I will con�nue to help with Member Training while we search for someone to officially take the
posi�on, because my primary efforts will be as the District Staff Officer for Diversity and Inclusion. I am so
pleased that Harry Tipper is con�nuing as our SO-DV.
Our efforts this year are not only with the NACO Three Star Award but to coordinate with all staff officers to
help “on board” (as Harry says) our new members. To get people thinking about how Diversity/Inclusion
officers are a vital resource in recrui�ng and retaining members.
As I thought about my reac�ons to the current situa�on and the lack of contact with valued shipmates, I found
myself thinking, “Is this what it is like for a new member?”
At some point we will resume our regular ac�vi�es and have the opportunity to greet one another in person.
When you do, remember those new members, and those who have been absent. Greet them enthusias�cally
and help them integrate into the fabric of your unit.
This is really what it is ALL about. We have one mission with many facets. There are so many ways we can be
involved, not just on the water. Let’s work together to welcome all who have so much to give to this
organiza�on and its mission.
At this �me, we only have two Auxiliarists standing radio
watches at Sta�on Mayport. We need you if you are involved
in this area.
Bravo Zulu to ScoB Debrauwere from 14-1 for con�nuing to
stand watches at Sta�on Mayport a,er a number of years.
I will once again be looking for more members to fill these important posi�ons.
There will be a Division-wide VHF drill in the March �me frame.
I'm looking into having another Telecommunica�ons Operator (TCO) qualifying session in the second quarter of
2019. Please let me know if you are interested.
Staff Officer Reports
Member Training Gary Gray, SO-MT (acting)
Communications Joe Colee, SO-CM
16
Allow me introduce myself. I’m
the incoming Staff Officer for
Partner Visitors (SO-PV) and I’m
very excited to be working with
the Division 14 Partner Visitors
(PVs). Last year, I was FSO-PV for Flo�lla 14-4. My USCG Auxiliary career began back in 2010 at Flo�lla 11 in
Fajardo, Puerto Rico. From 2011 to 2014, I held several posi�ons at the flo�lla level including the Materials
Officer, Secretary of Records, Public Educa�on instructor, Aids to Naviga�on (ATON) Verifier, Vessel Examiner
and Partner Visitor. I was also the SO-PV for Division 1, Puerto Rico, which includes seven flo�llas. In 2013, I
received a District 7 Auxiliary Recogni�on for the member with the highest number of PVs. During 2014 I
moved to Jacksonville where I was a member of two flo�llas.
During mid 2015 I received a job offer and moved to Lemoore, California, spending seven months at a flo�lla in
Visalia and eventually transferred to another flo�lla in San Diego, Ca. Finally, in 2017, I transferred to
Jacksonville to Flo�lla 14-4. Last year a,er a few years of training in different flo�llas, I successfully completed
Boat Crew training as another step in my Auxiliary career.
Last year, our Division 14 totaled over 1,100 marine dealer visits. This year, I’m looking forward to increase by
at least 10%, the number of PVs we complete at the Division level.
I’m looking forward to working with all our
Division 14 Vessel Examiners this year as soon
as the Government Shutdown ends.
2019 Vessel Safety Check (VSC) decals were
mailed to flo�lla commanders on 19 December
before the 21 December Shutdown.
Thanks to those who responded to the on-line ‘I Want a VSC’ requests to conduct a,er Shutdown ends.
Let’s try to assist Chuck Truthan with his annual Bassmaster VSC Blitz Event on 6 February in Palatka. Flo�lla 14-
8 will be involved with their elected leadership and Chuck Whipple and Kathy Fisk who live near Palatka.
Also, it’s not too early to start planning for NSBW.
Staff Officer Report
Partner Visitors Santiago Castrodad-Rodriguez, SO-PV
Vessel Examinations Phil Tallon, SO-VE
17
The Division honor is proud to be called upon to present the Colors at many events during the year for civic
organiza�ons, the City of Jacksonville, businesses and sports teams. In 2018, we were pleased to have been
asked through the City’s Military Affairs to present the Colors at four of the nine Jaguars home games.
Unfortunately, I was not able to get photos of the first pre-season game or the last home game on December
16th
. At that game the Jaguars asked us to come back out at half �me to present the Colors for the first ever
NFL game for a naturaliza�on ceremony for about 100 new ci�zens. I remember the Jags fans giving a
tremendous ova�on for our new brothers and sisters when the Judge, who was presiding at mid-field,
announced at the end of the ceremony: “Congratula�ons, you are now American ci�zens.” It was also very
moving to see some of those being sworn in wiping tears of joy from their eyes.
Photos courtesy NFL Publica�ons
Division Honor Guard - Bill Sekeres
US Army Band and Joint Services color guard, created by the Division Honor Guard at the request
of the City’s Veterans and Military Affairs Department, during Na�onal Anthem pre-season game.
2019 Upcoming Winter Events:
• Annual Propeller Club annual State of the Port luncheon,
• Daytona 500
• Annual conference American Associa�on of Occupa�onal Health Nurses
Above - CWO Fealy, CO Sta�on Mayport was invited to
salute the Colors during the Na�onal Anthem.
Above - No 78, Alejandro Villanueva of the Pi�sburg Steelers
Came over to the Colors as we were wai�ng to enter the
field to shake the hand of every member - a class act!
18
I’ve recently had the honor of accep�ng the responsibili�es of ASC for the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of
Sector Jacksonville which includes the Auxiliary Divisions 4, 14 and 17.
Since they have become aware of my appointment, some long �me Auxiliarists and new members have
said they really don’t know what the ASC does so I’ve included herein a par�al list of edited items from my
job descrip�on:
• Establishing a construc�ve rela�onship between the Auxiliary and Sector.
• Monitoring and improving Auxiliary performance and readiness in support of Sector needs.
• Coordina�ng the full range of con�ngency and readiness planning and execu�on among all
Auxiliary components to address opera�onal requirements in support of sector.
• Taking the lead on the GAP Analysis Program, including communica�ng with Sector leadership
and the AUXLO(s) to obtain informa�on on what and how the Auxiliary can assist in
emergencies at the Sta�ons* and Sector.
• Educa�ng the Auxiliary on the GAP Analysis Program and coordina�ng recrui�ng, interviews,
training and assignments.
• Partnering with the Auxiliary Liaisons (Sector AUXLOS) on joint events, support the Coast
Guard and keeping the Auxiliary Standard Opera�ng Procedures current and communicated.
• Ensuring (�mely) recogni�on and awards of appropriate Auxiliary performance and
accomplishments in support of Sector programs requests.
• Communica�ng with DCDRs to understand how the Coast Guard can support the Auxiliary
Divisions within the Sector.
* Sta�ons Mayport, Ponce De Leon, Canaveral
RespecDully,
Bill Sekeres
Area Sector Coordinator (ASC)
Area Sector Coordinator (ASC)
Above - Members of Air Force 125th
Fighter Wing and who
performed pre-game fly-over are recognized during half
�me.
More Honor Guard photos courtesy of NFL Publica�ons
Above -Fireman Appren�ce, Alex Johnson, Sector Annex,
carries the Coast Guard flag during hal&ime swearing-in
ceremony of recruits of every military branch.
19
Commander DCDR Jon Hunt
Vice Commander VCDR Rick Saunders
Immediate Past Commander IPDCDR David Patrick
Flo�lla Commander 14-1 FC 14-1 John Herald
Flo�lla Commander 14-2 FC 14-2 Chuck Hayes
Flo�lla Commander 14-4 FC 14-4 Kevin Holbrooks
Flo�lla Commander 14-7 FC 14-7 Bill CandeleL
Flo�lla Commander 14-8 FC 14-8 David Howells
Staff Officer - Communica�ons SO-CM Joe Colee
Staff Officer - Communica�on Services SO-CS Paul Burns
Staff Officer - Diversity SO-DV Harry Tipper
Staff Officer - Finance SO-FN Bill Hall
Staff Officer - Human Resources SO-HR Mark Vitry
Staff Officer - Informa�on Services SO-IS Bob Cook
Staff Officer - Materials SO-MA Mark Vitry
Staff Officer - Marine Safety SO-MS Mark Vitry
Staff Officer - Member Training - Ac�ng SO-MT Gary Gray
Staff Officer - Naviga�on Systems SO-NS Robert Ethier
Staff Officer - Opera�ons SO-OP Bill Sekeres
Staff Officer - Public Affairs SO-PA Ken Jacobs
Staff Officer - Publica�ons SO-PB David Patrick
Staff Officer - Public Educa�on SO-PE Vacant
Staff Officer - Partner Visitor SO-PV San�ago Castrodad– Rodriguez
Staff Officer - Secretary/Records SO-SR Mike Christnacht
Staff Officer - Vessel Examina�on SO-VE Phil Tallon
Honor Guard Bill Sekeres
Staff Officer - Food Services SO-FS Vacant
2019 Division Staff
20
Division 14 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes St Augustine Airport Conference Center
October 20, 2018
Presiding: DCDR David Patrick Attending: VCDR Jonathan Hunt DCPT-N(e) John Holmes OTO CWO Perry Flt 14-1 John Herald FC FC 14-2 Charles Hayes FC Flt 14 -4 Kevin Holbrook FC Flt 14-8 Whatley Law IPFC Flt 14-7 William Candeletti FC SO-FN Klaus Baumann SO-SR William Hall Visitors: Rick Saunders 14-2, Harry Tipper 14 -4, Gary Gray IPFC 14-4, Libby Rattrie ASC, OTO Perry
DCDR: • Called the meeting to order at 0900. • Welcomed DCPT-N(e) John Holmes to the meeting. Mr. Holmes presented a letter of authorization to represent the D-7
COMO in overseeing the meeting, voting and to cast a vote, if required. Introduced CWO Perry, our OTO stationed in Miami.
• Asked for discussion of the July minutes, distributed and published in the Nor’easter. No discussion, motion for approval unanimous.
• Asked SO-FN Baumann to review financial report. No corporate support to the Division this year and none likely in future years. Necessary considerations in the future are required. Income has exceeded expense by $70 this quarter. Motion to accept with unanimous approval.
• Reviewed Division election procedures to include instructions for a secret ballot at the General Meeting for positions of DCDR and VCDR. If necessary, the COMO representative will cast a vote according to procedures. Members Bob Cook, Bill Hall and IPCDR Vic Aquino have been the Election Committee. Today, Whatley Law, will replace Vic Aquino, who is ill.
• Addressed the disenrollment process. The process is specific and with time constraints. File forms properly with DCDR. • Commented on and reviewed select subjects from DTAIN Conference in September – Paddle-craft Program (some money
available in 2019), encourage taking of BQII by all, new security check procedure coming soon, changes to Auxdata, re-negotiating PE contract to save money, Everbridge, new applicants must keep taking ICS 100/700 until dropped from CT and a general review of potential alliance with Sea Scouts, nothing is to be done until so directed by National and District.
• Led discussion on development of leadership qualities that included setting goals for 2019 (model the way), greater member participation (share your vision), challenge the process (changing the status quo), learn from mistakes and encourage others through recognition.
• Ribbons, Medals and other recognition items should be available soon as a problem we have had with the supplier has been fixed.
• Announced that the NACO 3 Star Award was presented to 14-1, 14-4, 14-7 & 14-8 for continuing excellence in diversity activities.
• D-14 2019 meeting dates and locations will be announced shortly. • Harry Tipper will present a Safe Boating project “I’ve Been Caught Wearing My Life Jacket” at the General Meeting. • 2019 Change of Watch will be held at Allegro-Fleming Island, January 12, 2019. Uniform will be Tropical Blues after
discussion & motion that carried unanimously. • Thanksgiving Dinner at Station Mayport has had to be cancelled due to Galley renovations. • Recent Everbridge test had 99% success. Two people did not respond. One was away and the other had a Post Office box as a
contact address. The latter has been corrected. • Award lead time is shrinking. Allow 90 days to completed award review process. Flotilla Commanders should begin
immediately if they wish to include awards in their COWs. • Next D-14 Board meeting at St Augustine Airport Conference Center, January 19, 2019. • FC Hayes suggested the Division and Flotillas work with the JAX US Power Squadron in Boating Safety activities.
Meeting adjourned at 1005 HRS.
Minutes - BOD Meeting: October 20, 2018
21
Minutes - General Meeting: October 20, 2018 Division 14 General Meeting Minutes St Augustine Airport Conference Center
20 October 2018
Presiding: DCDR David Patrick Attending: VCDR Jonathan Hunt Lt Ruck, AUXLO OTO Perry DCPT-N(e) John Holmes Flt 14-1 FC John Herald FC 14-2 Charles Hayes Flt 14 -4 FC Kevin Holbrooks Flt 14-8 IPFC Whatley Law Flt 14-7 FC William Candeletti Staff Officers: SR- Hall, FN-Baumann, CS- Burns, MT- Gray, PV-Herald, IS- Cook, NS-Ethier, HR- Saunders, PE/DV-Tipper, ASC- Rattrie, Aux Members: Bill Vaughan, Mike Christnacht, Robert Cook, Mark Vitry, Gary Gray, DCDR: • Called the meeting to order at 1030 Hrs.
• Requested a moment of remembrance for two distinguished past members – John Davis and Don Mooers.
• Welcomed and introduced CWO Perry, our OTO stationed in Miami and DCPT-N(e) John Holmes to the meeting. Mr. Holmes presented a letter of authorization to represent the D-7 COMO in overseeing the meeting, the voting and to cast a vote, if required.
• IPDCDR Aquino is absent due to illness.
• DCDR Patrick addressed the Division election of leadership for 2019. He described the election process and protocols for both D-14 DCDR and VCDR which require a secret written ballot for each position. The Election Committee (SO Cook, Hall and IPDCDR Aquino) certified eligibility of single candidate, VCDR Hunt, for DCDR and three announced candidates for VCDR are former FCs Gray, Tipper and Saunders. The Election Committee will supervise the election and count the ballots. (AUX Member Whatley Law replaced the absent IPDC Aquino on the committee). DCDR asked if there are any nominations from the floor for DCDR. There were no nominations from the floor. DCDR Patrick invited Mr. Hunt to make a presentation to the membership, limited to 5 minutes in duration prior to the casting of ballots. With no nominations from the floor for the position of DCDR or questions on the process, the election Committee distributed, then collected completed ballots for the position of DCDR. The Election Committee retired to count the collected ballots and reported a clear majority of votes were in favor of VCDR Hunt be elected to the position of D-14 DCDR in 2019. D-CPT-N(e) Holmes did not cast a vote.
• DCDR then announced the position of VCDR was to be elected. There are three announced candidates and DCDR asked if there were any nominations from the floor. Being none, nominations were closed. The Election Committee (SO Cook, Hall and IPDCDR Aquino) certified eligibility of three announced candidates for VCDR, former FC’s Gray, Tipper and Saunders. The Election Committee will supervise the election and count the ballots. DCDR invited each of the three announced candidates (AUX Gary Gray, AUX Harry Tipper, AUX Rick Saunders) to make a presentation to the membership, each limited to 5 minutes in duration. Following the presentation of each candidate, ballots were cast. The first ballot was returned without a “clear majority” in favor of any candidate. A second ballot was cast and returned without a “clear majority” for the any candidate. DCDR following the voting protocols, then requested D-CPT-N(e) Holmes to cast a vote in the third balloting. The third ballot was returned with a “clear majority” in favor of Rick Saunders for the position of VCDR D-14, effective January 2019. AUX Rick Saunders was declared the in-coming VCDR, D-14. DCDR declared elections closed and instructed the Election Committee to retain the ballots for 24 hours, should inspection be required and then destroy.
• DCDR reviewed relevant information shared at DTRAIN.
• VCDR Hunt asked for reports from Staff Officers – all reports stand as publish except as noted below: SO-MS Vitry reviewed Camp Blanding seminar, SO-MT Gray reminded all 5 year cycle on AUX CT (MT) is approaching., 14-1 has
a self-attestation training disk available, SO-IS Bob Cook- Core Training certification for many is expiring. • Harry Tipper SO-VE quickly reviewed “I’ve Been Caught Wearing my Life Jacket” RBS program and campaign. Reminded all contract
and agreements must be reviewed by AUX Legal before implementation. The proposed program is approved and pending review and funding (solicitations of money).
• DCDR reported NACO 3 Star Diversity Award presented to 14-1, 14-4, 14-7 and 14-8.
• Announced 2019 D-14 Change of Watch set for Saturday January 12 and Fleming Island Allegro. Uniform of the Day Tropical Blues.
• Thanksgiving Dinner at Sector Galley cancelled due to renovations.
• LT Ruck, Sector AUXLO & Enforcement Chief at Station, commented on fewer calls to AUX and USCG Active Duty for SAR cases. More local municipalities have rescue units available and no longer call upon the USCG for aid or notify USCG of an incident. He suggested we direct our attention to observation of surface vessels for compliance and presented us with a form “Vessel Sighting Log” to be filled in by Auxiliarists on surface patrols.
• With no further business the meeting adjourned 12:12.