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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

District Eight Eastern Region Recruiting Generationally

Making Writing Easy

The Inclement Coxswain

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Early Monday afternoon, February 16, 2015 I got a call from my Marine Safety Duty Officer (MDO) at Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Huntington that there had been a crude oil train derailment and fire “that could be big” along the Kanawha River near Mount Carbon, West Virginia.

Darting from the YMCA that snowy afternoon to get to the site of the incident, I soon realized that the Coast Guard had an advantage that no other State or Federal response agency had during the initial notification phase...the Coast Guard already had trusted “eyes on scene” through the presence of Auxiliarists Mark Farley and John Frizby of Flotilla 2-12 that live near the site of the derailment. In fact, it was not from traditional notification hubs like our Sector Command Center in Louisville, Kentucky or the National Response Center in Washington, DC that my MDO was getting his initial reports; it was from Auxiliarists Farley and Frizby standing next to the Montgomery Police Chief! Auxiliarist Farley explained that he was sitting at his home in Montgomery

Auxiliarists Play Key Role in WV CSX Train Derailment Response

Fire shoots high into the evening sky as 29 cars loaded with crude oil, derail from a CSX train in Fayette County, West Virgina on February 16.

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Investigators have not determined what caused 27 cars of the 109-car CSX train to go off the tracks during a snowstorm. A fire sparked by the Feb. 16 derailment in Mount Carbon prevented investigators from gaining full access to the crash scene for several days.

just a few miles away when he heard the derailment and explosions. After helping his Mother and Father as well as Sister and Brother-in-law evacuate from Mount Carbon to his house in Montgomery, he immediately got in touch with Auxiliarist Frizby and contacted MSU Huntington to let us know of the situation.

This early notification, as he was taking action to protect his own family, aided in the Coast Guard’s in-depth understanding that this was a maritime response issue for which we’d play a vital role. The information that Auxiliarist Farley passed to the MDO kicked MSU Huntington and Sector Ohio Valley’s response protocols into high gear which eventually led to bringing in additional Coast Guard resources from around the country including from the Atlantic and Gulf Strike Teams, Incident Management Assist Team (IMAT), as well as Atlantic Area and District Eight.

As I and MSU Huntington’s initial response team were making our way on icy roads to the scene, Auxiliarist Farley shared text messages, photos, and videos to keep us up to date on what was occurring in Mount Carbon, including the size and scale of the fire and explosions, evacuations that were ordered by the local fire department, and assessments of the developing situation. Having an existing relationship with the Montgomery Fire Chief, Auxiliarists Farley and Frizby were also able to keep local responders updated of our progress in arriving, and our intent to set up an Incident Command Post (ICP).

These early coordinating actions not only helped the Coast Guard efficiently set up a response organization at the Montgomery Fire House, but also helped other State and Federal response agencies integrate easily into it. Auxiliarists Farley and Frizby were in fact the first to sign in at the ICP and attended the first meetings of

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Auxiliarist Mark Farley briefing the Unified Command on the current situation during the morning Operations Brief at the Incident Command Post at the Montgomery Fire House.

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responders from the Montgomery Fire Department, CSX and the Coast Guard, a group that would soon become a Unified Command (UC) under the National Contingency Plan (NCP).

The NCP provides organizational structure and procedures in preparing for and responding to discharges of oil and releases of hazardous substances into the environment. The NCP establishes Federal On Scene Coordinators (FOSCs) from the Coast Guard and EPA, and provides for the efficient, coordinated, and effective response to a discharges and releases. Contingency Plans are great of course, but many times it is personal relationships that fuel their implementation and success. In this case, it was Auxiliarists Farley and Frizby that set the initial tone for what would soon become a successful response organization of over 400 people.

Even after I arrived and established the UC, Auxiliarists Farley and Frizby continued their assistance well into the wee hours of the morning helping document UC decisions and objectives, and planning for the next

day’s response activities. Going even further beyond the call that night, Auxiliarist Farley selflessly offered his home, already filled with evacuees, to MSU Huntington response personnel so that they could get some sleep without having to navigate icy roads late at night.

Auxiliarist Farley stayed involved in the response organization for the next week in the ICP, assisting the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) and Planning Section Chief (PSC) further refine the Incident Command System (ICS) organization, and develop plans and strategies

for the response. In this capacity, Auxiliarist Farley gave situational updates during morning operations briefs, imparting invaluable local knowledge and insights into everything from evacuee access routes and behaviors, to the composition of river and creek beds. (He also got a significant portion of his Situational Unit Leader (SITL) ICS qualifications signed off! See homeport.uscg.mil/ics for how you, too can do this!)

Auxiliarists Farley and Frizby’s can-do and selfless attitude in offering their immediate assistance when the Coast Guard and their community needed them most are a shining example what members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary can bring to the table to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to protect people, property and the environment. In this case, these outstanding Auxiliarists were so integrated into the response organization’s efforts, many Federal and State response partners were not able to distinguish them at all from active duty Coast Guardsmen trained specifically to perform this type of response. They not only made the Coast Guard Auxiliary look good, but they made the entire Coast Guard look good! Bravo Zulu!

CAPT Lee Boone, USCG

Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the CSX Mt Carbon Train Derailment

Train Derailment Continued from page 2

CAPT Lee Boone briefing the Acting Administrator for the Federal Railway Administration, Sarah Feinberg, and the Acting Administrator for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Timothy Butters on the status of response efforts at the Incident Command Post.

Cleanup and investigation continues at the CSX accident site

Page 1 photo courtesy of Matt Heckel, WSAZ Charleston, WV Page 2 large photo courtesy WVSN TV Bluefield, WV.All other photos courtesy of CAPT Boone

RECRUITINGIt’s Every Member’s Responsibility

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I WANT YOU!For the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

The Human Resource Officer and members actively recruiting for the Coast Guard Auxiliary must draw on all avenues of possibilities when recruiting new members and retaining older ones.

There have been studies taken, papers written, and surveys conducted on the recruiting of a multi-generational citizen base. The groups have been carefully defined and delineated. Models have been developed defining specific attributes, values, and the likes and dislikes of each group. Recommendations abound on the “right” and “wrong” ways to interact with the generations. This is valuable information, but recruiters who work this to their advantage know that every possible enrollee is a unique individual with specific goals and needs no matter what the age.

To successfully recognize and engage enrollment prospects of any age, a successful human resource officer or Coast Guard Auxiliary member doing recruiting will take into consideration these helpful hints.

1. Know your product. A Human Resource officer or member doing recruiting must be well informed about all aspects of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and working knowledge of the Coast Guard.

2. Be well-informed on generational generalities. Know the different approaches to take when recruiting a 17-year-old candidate as compared to a Baby Boomer candidate.

3. Share and embrace the candidate’s commonalities.

4. Attempt to focus on the individual personality of the candidate.

5. Learn and master communications skills to relate more readily to the person being recruited.

6. Convey simply and to the point what the Auxiliary can do for them and what the Auxiliary will expect from them.

7. Evaluate the candidate’s potential to be an active member as opposed to the “card carrying” member.

8. No matter where leads come from, boat shows, ramp days, dock walking, or public affairs booths, if you are not well-versed on the above, get the contact information to your SO-HR or FSO-HR who are trained in the enrollment process of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

9. Remember! A Human Resource officer is more than an “application taker”.

Accepted Listing of Generations and their traits:

Silent Generation (1927 – 1945)

• Attitude: Pay-your-dues, work hard

• Likes: Security, stability

• Dislikes: Debt, borrowing, upstart kids

• Reputation for hard work, conflict resolution (via compromise), romanticizing, being friendly and accommodating

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EDITORIAL STAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Every Auxiliarist is a Recruiter Continued from page 4

Curt PrattDSO - PBDivision 18

Norm ArbesADSO - PBDivision 7

Geri McKeeADSO - PBDivision 8

Bill SmithADSO - PBDivision 12

Raymond ‘Skip’ Nunweiler - SO-CS

Thom McQueen, BA-QITA

Captain Lee Boone - USCG

Baby Boomer Generation (1946 – 1964)

• Attitude: If you have it, flash it

• Likes: Shopping, winning, leading, vision

• Dislikes: Paying off debts, aging

• Reputation for being “in-charge,” innovation, “bigger is better,” believing they do have all the answers, and perfectionism

Generation X (1965 – 1985)

• Attitude: “Whatever . . .” (They’re reacting to a hurried childhood)

• Likes: Now, being with friends, change

• Dislikes: Bossiness, corporate culture, getting up in the morning

• Reputation for cynicism, taking risks, pragmatism, and non-affiliation

Generation Y or the Millennial Generation (1986 – 2006?)

• Attitude: Let’s make the world better

• Likes: Labels, family, friends, technology, the environment

• Dislikes: Dishonesty, unbalanced lifestyles

• Reputation for text messaging, optimism, inclusiveness, being clean-cut

Exploring the next generation of retirees: The Baby Boomers. Members of the largest generation in the history of the United States, the Baby Boomers, are just beginning to retire. If you think of this generation as a giant bell curve, the beginning edge to the curve are those people approaching 55 years of age. Over the next 20 years this generation will surge into retirement. This generation has been known for breaking with tradition and charting new courses. This is the 60’s generation that rebelled against authority, organized movements and changed the workplace. Now they give every indication of being a new breed of volunteer.

• Baby Boomers expect to live longer and they are planning for financial, mental and emotional security.

• Baby Boomers believe they have far more choices in terms of activities and lifestyles.

• Baby Boomers plan to travel, explore new places and spend periods away from home.

• Baby Boomers do not view retirement as the end of a career, but rather as an opportunity to seek new opportunities.

References: Generational Generalities, (2005). Generational Imperative: Meet Americas 5 living generations, (2006)

Story by Norman Arbes ADSO-PB

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MESSAGE FROM The Commodore

N-TRAIN 2015During the week of January 26th, I attended the National Training Conference in St. Louis, MO. Also in attendance from the District were Chief of Staff Randy Ventress, DSO-IM Bob Bruce, DSO-PA Mike Heid and DSO-MS Terry Siler. N-Train is one of two National Conferences held each year to conduct National Auxiliary Business as well as conduct

various training sessions for the National and District Staffs. This year at N-Train there were three National Recommendations that were voted on and approved by the National Board. The most significant of these recommendations was to raise National Dues effective 2016. Below is a detailed explanation of the need for this change from National Commodore, Mark Simoni:

“The vision of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is to be the best trained, most valued maritime volunteer organization in the world. In order to achieve that vision, it is necessary to maximize resources to improve recreational boating safety, provide a diverse array of specialized skills, trained crews and capable facilities to augment the Coast Guard and manpower to support Coast Guard operational, administrative, and logistical requirements. While working towards this vision, the challenges we have been dealing with include:

• Shrinking Coast Guard budgets that support National level Auxiliary activities

• Effects of sequestration

• Reduced DIRAUX resources

• Decreased revenues from sales of Public Education materials

The Auxiliary National Board has carefully considered its role in achieving our vision and mission. In an effort to continue our support of service to nation, duty to people, and commitment to excellence, guiding principles of the Commandant of the Coast Guard; the board adopted a motion to provide an annual increase in National dues of $12.00, effective in the 2016 dues cycle. The last increase in National dues was enacted 10 years ago.

While some of the funds from the dues increase will go toward capital expenditures needed to move the Auxiliary into the future, the majority of the funds will be used to increase opportunities for training and enhancing each member’s experience. Anticipated benefits include:

Over one third of the dues increase is targeted to fund items currently funded by district DIRAUX. This will free up those DIRAUX funds for programs needed to support all members.

• Greatly improved IT services, and enhanced member participation through

• Member interest forums

• Improved Web site design

• Improved search functionality

• Increased funding for member and staff training including

• Higher quality training videos

• Improved training materials

This forward looking action on the part of the board will enhance the readiness of the Auxiliary and continue to make it the best trained, most valued maritime volunteer organization in the world.”

It should be noted that this increase amounts to one dollar per month per member starting in 2016 and that we have not had a National dues increase in the last ten years.

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MESSAGE FROM The Chief of Staff

In virtually every aspect of the Auxiliary’s business, we need to have goals. In order to formulate our goals, we need to have a vision on what we want, and how we plan to get to our goals.

Our National Leadership has given us this vision.

“The Coast Guard Auxiliary will continue to meet America’s ever changing

needs through increased attention to recreational boating safety, security of America’s waterways and improved methods of educating the boating public”

What does this mean to us as members of this organization? Almost daily changes come about, whether these changes are in practices, technology, and the methods we use. Being mindful of our ever-changing Auxiliary world and how this relates to our Primary Mission of Recreational Boating Safety is of utmost importance.

We see statistics constantly of accidents, deaths, and injuries on our waterways by recreational boaters. Are we doing enough to do our part to prevent this? Do we reach enough of the boating public to bring those numbers down? How effective are we in our classroom presentations? How effective are we when we are educating a boater while doing a Vessel Examination? Are we spending quality time with a business owner that is participating in the Program Visitor Program?

These are tough questions to answer because we may never really know how effective we are when we are performing our missions. We can measure by the rise or fall of statistics but this is not really a good yardstick to use. However, keeping abreast of changing rules and regulations & improving our own knowledge base are 2 ways to help our effectiveness. We have to work at it.

My personal vision for District 8 Eastern Region is laid out on our on the District Website, and I quote in part. “As America’s “Heartland Guardians” We serve proudly as a Force Multiplier by taking ownership of the Coast Guards’ Recreational Boating Safety Mission”.

How effective we are in this mission depends on each and every member of this organization stepping up and doing what we took a Pledge to do.

Randy Ventress, DCOS 8 ER

BUILDING OUR DISTRICT VISION

The second recommendation was to add the AUXLAMS course as one of the options for the AUXOP qualification. This recommendation gives an Auxiliarist working on his or her AUXOP qualification another choice as to which courses he or she chooses to obtain the AUXOP Device.

The third recommendation was to “specify under what conditions boat shoes are authorized to be worn with the Operational Dress Uniform or ODU’s”. This recommendation will generally allow boat shoes on Operational Facilities for safety reasons only. Generally, all other situations in ODU’s require the 8-10 inch black safety boot. This will enhance the Auxiliary’s public image and give us a more consistent professional look in line with the Coast Guard.

These three recommendations will all appear as revisions in the electronic version of the on-line Auxiliary Manual.

Commodore Rick Schal, 8ER

Commodore’s Message Continued from page 6

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The Flotilla Commander, for reasons known only to him or her, has asked you to serve as the Staff Officer for Public Affairs or Publications. Somehow the FC has gotten the idea that you can write, or maybe just needs to fill that position on the staff. Either way, being a dedicated Auxiliary member and a good sport, you have said yes and will take on the task of making the public aware of the great things the flotilla is doing.

Wait just a minute!

You just realized you haven’t written anything in years, and the thought of becoming an FSO-PA or PB sounds like a crazy idea. You have the feeling that you may just be in over your head but “Not to worry,” the FC says, “writing is like falling off a log, anybody can do it.”

OK… that might not be the best analogy. Falling off a log isn’t all that much fun. But, writing for Team Coast Guard can be fun. It can also be extremely rewarding. There is real satisfaction in writing a good story, and the Coast Guard is a great story. Writing an article is not that hard, really! In an effort to take some of the angst out of the process, here are a few tips gleaned from years of putting words to paper. First tip, paper is only what the article may, or may not, end up on. In the digital age the computer is not only necessary, it is your friend. Anyone who remembers a wastebasket filled with crumpled up typewriter wreckage loves the ability to cut, paste, save and spell check writing. Use the word processing program that you are familiar with, get comfortable, pour a cup of coffee and let the words flow.

So Who, What, Why, Where, When and How to begin? Those are the famous Five W’s and an H that are integral to the beginning of just about any article. Most articles begin with a lead paragraph that in journalism is called a lede. Really, it is. That lead paragraph will be your first, and we hope, not last, opportunity to grab the reader’s attention. One way or the other, the first couple of paragraphs need to draw the reader into the rest of the article.

After the story’s basic facts have been presented in an interesting, compact and engaging lede, it becomes the writer’s job to get the reader to continue reading the article. Long before computers made typesetting obsolete, the inverted pyramid style of journalism was developed so that typesetters could lop off the end of an article if it did not fit the page. Remember, they were working with lead and nobody argued with them. Writers tried to get the most important things they wanted said into the front, or top, of the article so that the pressroom didn’t chop off the good stuff. That concept is still valuable even though the technology has changed. Put your most important information first when you are writing articles for publication because space is still at a premium in any publication and the editor may have to make cuts. An additional tip in this regard is: when the event is in the future, called an advance, always include a paragraph at the end of the article that restates the event name, where it is happening, when and how the reader can

Have to Write a Story For the CG Auxiliary?Don’t Panic, Here’s a step by step way to get to make it fun and easy

Don’t sweat it, this guide will make writing a story for the Auxiliary a snap!

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Writing Stories Continued from page 8

photo courtesy of ThinkStock.com

Story by H William Smith, ADSO-PB

6 Keys to Fun and Easy Story Writing

1. Use the 5 W’s and an H in the lede of your story.

2. Write in the Inverted Pyramid approach, so the most important information comes first.

3. Think about the Style of your writing for each story (e.g. straight forward and newsy, light and fun, somewhere in between).

4. Try not to write stories in the 1st person. Using “I” in the story can make the emphasis on the person not the event.

5. Add Quotes to spice up a story.

6. Have Fun!

get more information. Your readers will appreciate you for it and your editor will hopefully move that paragraph up if cuts need to be made.

Now that you have the basics of structure, let’s talk about style. Every writer has one, or more, styles of writing. The trick is to fit the style to the material. Over time, writers develop different styles to suit a variety of needs. A technical manual is usually written in a very direct, no-nonsense, manner that serves the needs of the project. An article about a flotilla social function can be much more personal and light hearted. And, a column by an experienced writer can be down right funny and still get a message across. Think of some of the great columnists, Dave Barry comes to mind, and you get the idea. One thought, though, journalists typically write about other people and save their own opinions for the editorial page. The use of the word “I” in an article can make the article about the writer and not the event. It is usually a good idea to use “I” very sparingly.

Hopefully, this article has been a bit lighter in its tone. If you look back through it there was a quote inserted by the mythological FC. That is one style of writing a quote, of which there are many. Quotes always add spice and give a voice to what is going on. Just be sure you get the quote exact when you put quotation marks around someone’s words. If you kind of remember what they said, don’t directly quote them. There are different forms of attribution that do not need quotation marks and signal that you are paraphrasing what was said. A phone call from the Admiral about something you said that he, or she, said is not a call you want to get.

When questions about grammar and punctuation do arise, get help. The manuals noted in the “Writer’s Toolbox” (p.10) are excellent places to start, and return to, when questions regarding basic usage, abbreviations, acronyms and other grammar and style problems arise. Different forms of punctuation have intentionally been included in this article as have several forms of grammar. There is no exactly right or wrong way to use grammar and punctuation. But, reference books such as the Coast

Guard and Associated Press style books will answer many of your questions.

DO NOT BE AFRAID! Play with words and have fun with writing. Always remember one important thing - “The Word Police Never Come.” Well, that’s not completely true… Sometimes the word police come in the disguise of an editor. Be nice to your editors, my best one is my wife. They are your friends with an extra set of eyes and the experience to keep you from getting into trouble. I, (there I finally used I) do remember one editor who I (again with the I) called Attila the Editor when they couldn’t hear me. That one was not my wife and it was a long time ago… Honey… please put the knife down!

A final thought before turning you loose to conquer the written page. A long time ago an excellent writing teacher gave me some great advice. Have fun writing but don’t fall in love with your words, he said. The first editor of any piece of writing is the writer. Do not be afraid to revise, cut, paste or otherwise edit your own work. Your writing will be better for it. Storytelling is a craft that always can be improved and the Team Coast Guard story is a great one that we all want to tell in the best way we possibly can.

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Announcing the

Good Luck, We Look Forward to All Your Contributions!

Communication is the art of exchanging information and having it understood. In the Coast Guard Auxiliary we do this in many ways. We are announcing a celebration of one of those ways by introducing the “Silver Quill Award” recognizing excellence in the form of contributing to the Eighth District, Eastern Region newsletter, the Heartland Guardian.

For the newsletters to be successful, they require contributions from the members, by way of articles and pictures of interest to the readership - in this case the Coast Guard community. A contributor does not have to be an accomplished author or front line reporter. What’s most important is that the contributor successfully capture in story and photo interesting and compelling portraits of Auxiliary members and assets in action.

We want to encourage and reward those contributions made by our members, and the Silver Quill Award allows us to recognize a significant story or article that displays the very best of what the Coast Guard Auxiliary represents.

Stories should be centered upon Auxiliary functions such as Fellowship, Marine Safety, Member Services, Operations, Public Affairs, Public Education, Vessel Exams & Program Visitors, and Missions or Events.

Each entry shall be identified with the name of the contributor and each photo identified with caption. The article must have appeared in the Heartland Guardian newsletter during the calendar year of the award. The entries will be judged on content, timing, relevancy to Coast Guard Auxiliary, impact, and supporting photographs that bring the reporter’s story to life. Remember that a good photograph is worth a thousand words as long as it does not take a thousand words to explain it. The contributions will be judged by Director

of the Auxiliary, the District 8ER Commodore, and the District Chief of Staff, among OTHERS. The Heartland Guardian Quill Award will be presented at the annual Spring D-TRAIN. Since we are just implementing this award it, the first winner will not be presented until the Spring D-Train of 2016 for work accomplished in 2015.

Submission Requirements for the Heartland Guardian Quill Award:

The following are suggested for consideration of any article and photo submitted for the contest:

• Photos should be .jpg format (NO cellular phone photos).

• Credits for photos if not the authors.

• Please send a caption with any photo, not embedded in the photo itself, with correct names, ranks, or office.

• NO facial photos of minors without permission waiver signed by parent or guardian unless a public event.

• Articles should be original, any additional information must be sourced.

• Byline should include name of Author, office, and Unit

• No Personal Identifying Information will be printed in the newsletter, (e.g. Employee ID’s, phone numbers, addresses, etc. Email can be included only if it is substantive to the article as a whole).

Tools to help build and polish a perfect story:

• The Coast Guard Public Affairs Style Book

• The U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs Manual

• The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Publication Guide

• The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs Guide

There are also helpful items on the USCG Aux PA website: www.auxpa.org

The Writer’s Toolbox

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Gregg McKee, FC 08-11, Commodore Rick Schal, 8ER, and Rob Sorg, 08-05 IPFC, DSO-IS (rear), conduct a winter patrol on Kentucky Lake, Tennessee River, in a facility vessel.

Semper ParatusA Good Boat Coxswain is Prepared to Work in Good or Inclement WeatherIt is cold, snowy, windy and downright ugly to be in an open boat on a patrol mission this February. During the winter months most Coast Guard Auxiliarists who are operations qualified have pulled their vessels out of the water and winterized them, not expecting to be called to launch in bad weather, much less freezing temperatures. We all know bad things do not happen in good weather and warm temperatures. Bad things happen in bad weather.

It is February 16, and you get a call from the Marine Safety Unit saying there is a sunken barge at mile marker 156. The Unit Commander requests a crew to help run a safety line. You have trained for this, your crewmates have trained along side of you, your dry suit has been tested, Hell yes we can be there in 3 hours. All the training, all the studying, all the practicing have paid off.

This could happen, to any one of the crews in District Eighth Eastern. It may not be likely to happen, but it did in Paducah a couple of years ago. The facility vessel and crew were on standby for four days. They would not have been asked to help out had lots of training, practicing and more training not taken place. This training was not only alongside the active duty, but with the members of the division. When a group of people work together as a team they become specialists, skilled and proficient. This level of experience also gains the trust of other people you may be patrolling alongside.

Operations in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary are a big part of how we support the Coast Guard. It is one of the four corner stones and it is part of our mission. So……

What does it take to be a coxswain? Webster says this “The coxswain /‘käk-sǝn/ is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The etymology of the word gives a literal meaning of “boat servant” since it comes from cock, a cockboat or other small vessel kept aboard a ship, and swain, an Old English term derived

Continued on page 12

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Mark Draskovich, FC 7-3 and Crew Coxswain, with Boat Crew John Franko, DCDR, and Jeanne Joye patrol during a very rainy Regatta at Lake Arthur.

Story by Geri McKee ADSO-PBPhotos by Geri McKee and Norman Arbes

Semper Paratus Continued from page 11

Our district has many different ways they train. They practice communications, and line handling, knot tying and radio protocol, all during the winter months. Classes are given in different Flotillas and Divisions on specific topics. Groups get together to help new members decide if they are physically able to handle lines and balance on a boat. There are mentoring programs in a couple of divisions and other divisions hold regular Crew and Coxswain academies. The many different ways each group works together, has proven District Eighth Eastern is ready for any call to help patrol - no matter how bad the weather is.

Remember, Anyone can boat in good weather!

We Need Your

HELP!!Next Issue we’re going to do a story on ways to make your ramp days even more successful by taking about performing effective Vessel Safety Inspections. We need you for that. For all those certified VE’s Send Us Your Best Stories From doing Inspections. Send them to: HGsubmission@gmail.com by March 15.

from the Old Norse sveinn meaning boy or servant.”

In the United States Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary the coxswain has the authority to direct all boat and crew activities during the mission and modify planned missions to provide for the safety of the boat and the crew. Before a person can be assigned to be a coxswain, they have to go through a qualification procedure, and upon certification, they are awarded the Coxswain Badge. This qualification procedure requires a significant amount of practice in boat handling as well as previous experience as a boat crew member.

A coxswain always requires good crew with him or her. A Boat Crew member must meet these qualifications: • having a basic level of boating knowledge, • physical ability to perform task, • completion of task in the crew qualification guide with

mentor sign off and QE sign off of last two tasks oral exam and check ride.

• Complete or challenge a boating safety course. • Complete swim task• Operations workshop, ICS 100 & ICS 700 and 4 hour TCT class.

The person must log twelve hours underway on orders. Requirement may be satisfied while on any operational or training mission. After completion of training and having knowledge and skills approved by a Qualifications Examiner, a member may be certified by the District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) as Crew in the Boat Crew Program. Boat Crew members perform their duties under supervision of a Coxswain. They stand helm, lookout, towing watches and anchor watch as well as other tasks that may be directed by the Coxswain.

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What’s in a Name?The answer to the debate about what to call someone in the Coast Guard

THE QUESTION: “Is there an official term for coast guard members? Like in the U.S Army, army members are called “soldiers.” In the Navy they are called “sailors”. In the Air Force, “Airmen,” and in USMC, “Marines.” But I can’t seem to find any official label for active duty Coast Guard. In most news articles they are referred to as Coast Guard Members. A lot of people say “Coastie,” but I am guessing that is not the official label? Is there an Official Label for USCG members? Or is it just the same as the Navy, sailor?”

Good question, and one often fielded by mentors from new members to the Auxiliary. I imagine an in-depth article going back to the historical significance of the name for one of the nation’s military branches would be appropriate, but in this case not necessary.

“The formal name for a uniformed member of the Coast Guard is “Coast Guardsman,” irrespective of gender. ”Coastie” is an informal term commonly used to refer to current or former Coast Guard personnel. In 2008, the term “Guardian” was introduced as an alternative, but was later dropped. Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. stated that it was his belief that no Commandant had the authority to change what members of the Coast Guard are called as the term Coast Guardsman is found in Title 14 USC which established the Coast Guard in 1915.“ Team Coast Guard” refers to the four components of the Coast Guard as a whole: Regular, Reserve, Auxiliary, and Coast Guard civilian employees. “

-- WIKIPEDIA Source “Coast Guardsmen not Guardian” - MCPOCG Michael P. Leavitt

The Coast Guard is moving away from the term “Guardian”. Senior Leadership is in the process of reviewing all material within their AORs (web, printed material, etc.) and replacing the few remaining uses of “Guardian” with “Coast Guardsman.”

The Coast Guard does not claim ownership to the word Guardian realizing it is used by many organizations both military and commercial including the National Guard. “Coast Guardsman” is backed by almost 100 years of history and tradition.

“I use the term ‘Coast Guardsmen’, not ‘Coastie.’ It is the only term that never changes. I didn’t create it. It is based in Title 14 USC which in 1915 gave our service the title ‘Coast Guard.’ We worked hard over the years to get included when other services chiefs and senior leaders refer to the FIVE armed forces. All the Joint Chiefs and the SecDef always refer to the Services as: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. When they talk about the people, they say: Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen. I’m proud to be I included in that way...and I think it’s presumptuous and improper for any Coast Guardsman to come up with new labels/names, and an insult to our heritage. I do use the term ‘Coasties’ from time to time, but only as a shorthand term of endearment, just like I use ‘shipmates.’” -- Admiral Papp, Jr.

It is important to note that the terms Coast Guardsmen, Guardsmen, Guardsman, or Guardian cannot be found in the Auxiliary Manual. The exception is when listed with the Guardian Ethos or the DOT Guardian Medal. The term “Coastie” is only found in reference to the public affairs outreach robotic tugboat tool used for water safety education. The term AUXILIARIST proliferates the AUXMAN but yet cannot be found in dictionaries. The word “Coastie” is not on the pages of any dictionary.

Story by Norman Arbes , ADSO-PB

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DIVISION 1

DIVISION 4

Left - Instillation of Division 1 officers and staff

Below Lt - Guest Speaker VADM (ret) Terry Cross

Below Rt - (l-r) CDR Eric Denley; Randy Ventress, DCOS; Rick McFall, DCDR; VADM, Terry Cross

All photos by Russ Beaver

Right - Guest Speaker Captain Richard Timme, Commander Sector Ohio Valley

Below Right - Jack Banister (L) was presented his Thirty Year Certificate by Bill Seymer (R)

Below Left - Commodore Rick Schal was presented with the Coast Guard Operational Support Award for 577 Operational Hours. (l-r) Jack Banister, Bill Seymer, Commodore Schal, and Cam Miller

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2015 Dates for

AUXLAMS6-8 March 2015 (Part A), Lisle, IL (Lisle / Naperville Hilton) POC: Tom Mullally tomm344462@aol.com

13-15 March 2015 (Part A), Dallas, TX (Recovery Healthcare Corporation) POC: Ann Beecher abbeech53@gmail.com

20-22 March 2015 (Part A), Salt Lake City, UT (State of Utah DNR) POC: Michael C. Thompson themaniam1@comcast.net

20-22 March 2015 (Part A), Dunkirk, NY (Clarion Hotel & Conference Ctr) POC: Robert Scofield scofield@cit-tele.com

20-22 March 2015 (Part B), Lisle, IL (Lisle / Naperville Hilton) POC: Tom Mullally tomm344462@aol.com

27-29 March 2015 (Part A), Knoxville, TN (McGhee Tyson ANGRC) POC: Dave Roberts dcr5@att.net

27-29 March 2015 (Part A), San Diego, CA (Sector San Diego) POC: Mark Bates carlsbadsurfer@roadrunner.com

27-29 March 2015 (Part A), Alameda, CA (CG Island)POC: Mary Kirkwood divermary@comcast.net

10-12 April 2015 (Part B), Salt Lake City, UT (State of Utah DNR) POC: Michael C. Thompson themaniam1@comcast.net

17-19 April 2015 (Part B), Alameda, CA (CG Island)POC: Mary Kirkwood divermary@comcast.net

17-19 April 2015 (Part A), Pensacola, FL (CG Station)POC: Lynn Mott beachrun49@aol.com

24-26 April 2015 (Part B), Knoxville, TN (McGhee Tyson AN-GRC) POC: Dave Roberts dcr5@att.net

24-26 April 2015 (Part B), San Diego, CA (Sector San Diego)POC: Mark Bates carlsbadsurfer@roadrunner.com

1-3 May 2015 (Part B), Dallas, TX (Recovery Healthcare Corporation) POC: Ann Beecher abbeech53@gmail.com

1-3 May 2015 (Part B), Pensacola, FL (CG Station)POC: Lynn Mott beachrun49@aol.com

15-17 May 2015 (Part A), Pittsburg, PA (CG MSU)POC: James Feeny birdog704@aol.com

22-24 May 2015 (Part A), River Bend, NC (River Bend Town Hall) POC: Susan White susanwhite06@yahoo.com

11-15 June 2015 (Resident), Honolulu, HI (USCG Base)POC: Jason Snellings js.uscgaux@gmail.com

19-21 June 2015 (Part B), Pittsburg, PA (CG MSU)POC: James Feeny birdog704@aol.com

26-28 June 2015 (Part B), River Bend, NC (River Bend Town Hall) POC: Susan White susanwhite06@yahoo.com

26-28 June 2015 (Part A), Curtis Bay, MD (CG Yard)POC: John Sill johnesill@verizon.net

11-13 September 2015 (Part B), Curtis Bay, MD (CG Yard)POC: John Sill johnesill@verizon.net

18–20 September 2015 (Part B), Wyomissing, PA (Inn @Reading) POC: Ken Kendall lbi42@comcast.net

25-27 September 2015 (Part B), Dunkirk, NY (Clarion Hotel & Conference Ctr) POC: Robert Scofield scofield@cit-tele.com

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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary District 8, Eastern Region D-Train

Since 1939 The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has been serving our country through marine & recreational safety and fellowship – Semper Paratus!

Location: Holiday Inn Dayton, Fairborn I-675 2800 Presidential Dr. Fairborn, Ohio 45324

Education: Class schedule to be announced

Ancillary: General Raffle, Hospitality Suite, USCG-Related Contests

Uniform: Friday Daytime - Tropical Blue, Friday Evening - Casual with jewelry or clothing representing black cats or 4 leaf clovers, Saturday Training - Tropical Blue or ODU’s Instructors wear Tropical Blue, Saturday Evening - Dinner Dress Blue; Dinner Dress Blue Jacket; Auxiliary Blue Blazer or Civilian Attire, Sunday - Casual

March 12-15, 2015 Dayton, Ohio

Schedule:Thursday March 12:Executive Meeting

Friday March 13:General Registration

District Board Meeting“Feeling Lucky?” on

Friday the 13th

Saturday March 14:Educational Sessions

Commodore’s Banquet

Sunday March 15:Wrap-up

Check Out

Enjoy all aspects of the greater Dayton area. Whether it’s our world class shopping at The Fairfield Mall, or The Greene, or visiting our United States Air Force Museum, we have something for everyone.

Also, make sure you plan to join our Fellowship Night with the theme “Feeling Lucky?” on Friday the Thirteenth.