2013 Winter

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 7th District
Breeze Volume LVIII
http://www.cgaux7.org/
Number 3
Winter 2012
Is the official publication of the

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
7th District
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

District Commander:
RADM William D. Baumgartner, USCG
Director of Auxiliary District 7
CDR Jose Quinones
Operations Training Officer
CWO Christopher W. Acklin
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

District Commodore
COMO Walter Jaskiewicz
District Chief of Staff
John Tyson
Immediate Past District Commodore
COMO Donald L. Frasch
District Captain North
Robert Weskerna
District Captain West
Melvin Manning
District Captain East
Judith Hudson
BREEZE is the official and educational

tool of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 7th
District and is intended as a publication
to keep the membership apprised of the
activities of the Auxiliary. All articles and
photographs submitted must be consistent
with the policies of the Coast Guard and
the Auxiliary and may not be returned.
Electronic submissions are encouraged.
Personal information of members is
protected by the Privacy Act of 1974.
The use of these rosters, addresses
and telephone numbers on any
computer or online service including
the Internet is prohibited by the Act.
Comments are encouraged and may be sent
to Dorothy Riley, Editor (District OfficerPublications) at: dottieriley1@verizon.net.
Articles in the BREEZE may be reprinted
provided credit is given and a copy is sent to
the above Editor and Publications Officer.
Do not send changes of address to the
BREEZE. You can obtain a change of
member information report (7028) from
your Materials Officer and submit it
through channels.
http://www.cgaux7.org/
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
Auxiliary Sector Coordinators
District Staff Officers
ASC Sector Charleston

Reginald B. Hollar
Prevention Department
Lyle E Letteer .................................DSO-MS
Frank R. Lann ......................DSO-MT
Ronald D. Foreman...............DSO-PV
Grethen Bacon .......................DSO-PE
William S. Griswold..................DSO-SL
Chuck Kelemen ....................DSO-VE
David Cawton ....................DSO-NS
ASC Sector St. Petersburg

Donald C. Hoge
ASC Sector Jacksonville
David C. Cawton
ASC Sector Key West
R. Dewey Jackson
ASC Sector San Juan
Osvaldo M. Catinchi
ASC Sector Miami
William V. Tejeiro
Division Commanders 2012

Division 1...........Angel Benero
Division 2................. Loren R. Emery II
Division 3............. Samuel E. Duda
Division 4..........William J. Sorrentino, Sr.
Division 5................. Gary P. Barth
Division 6............Thomas R. Walker
Division 7..................... J. Michael Shea
Division 8........................... Paulette Parent
Division 9............ David C. Crockwell
Division 10...............Warren M. Wilson
Division 11................ Jimmy R. Ryder
Division 12.............Vito W. Giardina
Division 13.............. Jeffery A. Bronsing
Division 14..................Henry T. Hayden
Division 15............... Craig Elliot
Division 16.......................... Lee E. Elvins
Division 17....................... Carl D. Motes
Response
Department
Ken Plesser...............................DSO-AV
Harry S. Reynolds......................DSO-CM
Dudley W. Davis ........................DSO-OP
Jerry Henderson.........................Chief QE
Logistics
Department
David Hastings.........................DSO-CS
Susan Z. Hastings......................DSO-IS
Constance O. Irvin...................DSO-PA
Dorothy J. Riley. ................DSO-PB
Angela Pomaro ......................DSO-HR
Terry Barth ....................DSO-MA
Richard J. Leys...................DSO-DV
Other
Lillian G. GaNun .................DSO-SR
James Roche ................................DSSO
Dick Petrucci ........................DFSO
Andrew Anderson...............DSO-LP
Antoinette Borman..................D-LL
James Mayer.........................DSO-FN
Richard Leys.......................PPDCPA
COMO Donald Frasch................Plan Coordinator
Thomas Brickey .......District Materials Center
District Administrative Assistant & Aide
Carolyn R. Hooley .............................D-AD
Elaine J. Cornell ..................D-AA
Barbara Jaskiewicz.....................................D-AA
COMO Mary T. Larsen ...............Advocate
District 7 Directorate Chiefs

Logistics
James Dennen, DDC-L
Prevention
David M. Fuller, DDC-P
Response
Donald A. Zinner, DDC-R
http://d7materials.org/index.php
The center is now open
Monday & Thursday 1000-1600
You can reach the center by phone
during these hours at:
(727) 535-2593
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
Click on the title below to read an

article. Click the Home symbol
anywhere in this document to
return to this table of contents.
In this issue:
Commodore Walter Jaskiewicz ....................................................................................................2
Commodore John Tyson, DCOS ....................................................................................................3
Commodore Donald Frasch, IPDCO...............................................................................................4
Auxiliary Division Receives U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation ..........................5
Thomas Loughlin, Staff Officer-Public Affairs, Division 11
An Example to Us All ....................................................................................................................6
Auxiliary Mass Rescue Operations Specialist: District 7 Pilot Program ........................................7
William Hanlon, Flotilla 38 Plantation Florida
District Captain West....................................................................................................................8
Melvin Manning, DCAPT-W
District Captain North.................................................................................................................10
Robert Weskerna, DCAT-N, DCOS (e)
District Captain-East ...................................................................................................................12
Judith Hudson, DCAPT-E
Breaking Barriers ........................................................................................................................14
Irwin Fried, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs, Flotilla 54
Auxiliary Assists in VOSS Deployment Training ..........................................................................15
Auxiliary Assists With U.S. Army Parachute Jumps on Lake Murray ...........................................20
Photo journal by James Andrews, Flotilla 12-12 Edisto, S.C.
Prevention Department .............................................................................................................22
Dave Fuller, DDC-P
Vessel Safety Checks: Coast Guard Officer Sets Example ...........................................................23
Logistics Department ..................................................................................................................24
Guest Author: Connie Irvin, District Staff Officer-Public Affairs
The Great Portage Race .............................................................................................................26
Barbara Burchfield, Flotilla 12-6 East Cooper, S.C.
New Teaching Aid for Water Wise Program ...............................................................................30
2012 District 7 Training Conference............................................................................................31
COMO John Tyson: Leadership With a Focus .............................................................................36
Dorothy Joan Riley, DSO-PB D7
District 7 Sweeps National Public Affairs Awards .......................................................................38
Cover Photo: TAMPA BAY, Fla.Auxiliary vessels from Division 7 head into open water to conduct a
safety and training patrol. Participating vessels and crew include the Sandi Cay with coxswain Dave
Perillo and crewmembers Gene Keller and Jim Desanto; the Nu Life with coxswain Louis J. Curcio and
crewmembers Greg Horst, Casey McCormick, and George Papabeis; and Miss Marla with coxswain
Rick Short and crewmembers Marla Short, David Langdon, and Barry Porter. All except Papabeis are
from Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg. Photo by George Papabeis, FSO-PA Flotilla 74.
U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
District 7
Breeze
From the Bridge

Commodore Walter Jaskiewicz
District Commodore D7
Uncommon Strength Unwavering Service

Shipmates,
The last two years have passed by extremely fast, and it is time for the new District
7 Bridge to step forward. It would take too many pages in our Breeze for me to
mention all the accomplishments that you, the members of District 7, have achieved
during my watch.
As the Olympics Torch is passed from runner to runner, so each of you has been handed the Torch that
represents the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. It was first lit in 1939, and carried with fervor and
compassion by Auxiliary volunteers during the dark War years, the Cold War years, and the Post-9/11 years.
As I traveled throughout our 17 divisions during my watch, I witnessed your spirit, as you reached out, with
equal fervor and compassion, to accept the Torch from our Auxiliary founders to insure that it will be kept
burning just a brightly as it did in 1939.
Similarly, it is now time for me to pass the torch of leadership to the next generation. Let its flame shine as
brightly for them as it has for me. Let it light the way for our incoming Bridge to keep our District the Flag Ship
of the Auxiliary, so that they will continue to recognize the future challenges that they will without question face
as opportunities for new missions.
Just as we must reboot our computers now and then either by choice or by necessity so we must, at
appropriate times, do the same with our lifes direction. It is now time for me to reboot. As I do, I say to each
member for what you have accomplished, and for your support and your dedication to our District, Thank
You, and God Bless this Great Country.
Semper Paratus
V/r,
COMO Walter R. Jaskiewicz
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

Fun Night at the District 7
Training Conference Sep.2023, 2012, in St. Petersburg,
Fla., a more relaxed COMO
Jaskiewicz and wife,
Barbara, appear dressed as
50s Rockers to match the
evenings Rock and Roll
theme. Photo by D. Riley.
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
From the Bridge

John Tyson
District Chief of Staff
District Commodore (e)

Thanks to you this has been a most successful year for the District Seven
Auxiliary. Collectively you completed many thousands of hours of service while
performing a multitude of activities in support of Coast Guard and Auxiliary
missions. I can say without hesitation that the Coast Guard is absolutely
delighted with your 2012 performance! Importantly, all divisions contributed to
this success, and your participation in several large-scale operations that helped
maintain maritime and waterway safety and security was unprecedented. The
districts successful development and implementation of an Auxiliary Mass Rescue
Operations Specialist training program will have many long-term benefits for the
Coast Guard and maritime safety.
There were many smaller, but equally important events that were supported by all divisions. But success in
operational missions was just one area of success. Thanks to program staff officers at flotillas, the district had
tremendous growth in the number of new Vessel Examiners, Program Visitors, Public Education Instructors
and Marine Safety Specialists. The increase is significant because it enhances the likelihood of success in
accomplishing the strategic plan for reducing boating accidents and fatalities by two percent a year.
There were also important gains in other strategic areas. Thanks to your outreach to friends, associates and
persons interested in serving their country, the districts membership continues to rise, marking early success
in the districts four year goal of increasing diversity and the size of its membership by a net two percent a
year. In leadership development, a training team conducted workshops across the district early in the year,
and again at DTRAIN in the fall. There were also surveys during the year to determine unit leaders views on
training needs, and the responses to those surveys helped bring greater focus to district training. And starting
April 1, performance data from six core mission activities was provided on-line in a dashboard format so all
units could better assess their progress against goals.
Those successes were only a small number of the many noteworthy achievements this year. There were
many others I wish I could highlight in this note, including several spectacular search and rescues by Auxiliary
surface and aviation units. But none of our success would have been achieved without your dedication to
excellence, staying true to core values in the performance of your duties, and enthusiastically supporting our
shared vision of being the premier volunteer organization supporting Coast Guard maritime safety and security
missions. You and your shipmates are an extraordinarily talented and awesome force within the Coast Guard,
and I look forward to the honor of serving as your
Commodore for the next two years.
Have a wonderful holiday season and a joyous new
year!!!
Semper Paratus,
John
John Tyson
DCO-7 (e)
TAMPA, Fla. -- COMO John Tyson (far right) and
COMO Walter Jaskiewicz pictured with Darren
Hart, member of Flotilla 79, during the flotillas
70th anniversary celebration held Nov. 17, 2012, in
Tampa. Hart was one of the event organizers and
planners. Photo by D. Riley.
From the Bridge
District 7
Breeze
Commodore Donald Frasch
Immediate Past District Commodore
Deputy National CommodoreRecreational

Boating Safety
First, a personal note: As many of you know, I sought election to the office of
Vice National Commodore at NACON this year, but I didnt get elected. Since
then, Ive had several phone calls and e-mails from members expressing their
regrets and asking how I am. I totally appreciate your concerns and support.
You all need to know that Im doing great, and am actually happy about the
outcome.
Ive always said that I would continue to seek the next higher office until the
electors decided that someone else should have the job. Here, that someone
else is both very qualified and a very good friend. COMO Mark Simoni will be
our next Vice National Commodore (VNACO). Be assured that Im not seeking
any National Office. Rather, my intent is to come home to D-7 and do whatever I can to contribute again to
our Districts success. So, here I am.
Moving forward, I would ask you all to focus on our primary mission of Recreational Boating Safety (RBS). At
NACON, the first words from our new Chief Director, CAPT Dave Rokes were, We need you to focus on RBS.
Similarly, the first words from our Commandant, Admiral Bob Papp, were, I need you to focus on RBS.
During the last two years, Ive seen Districts put a special Spot Light on their RBS misssions. That generally
resulted in a dramatic improvement. Although general economic conditions have been a negative factor, that
doesnt mean we stop trying or stand by to see if things improve. The first and foremost thing we can do is dig
down and get the word out about our RBS activities. Advertise our classes, double the number of VE blitzes we
do, and find any venue which people visit that will let us set up a PV information site. The issue isnt that there
are no customers; the issue is that we are not getting to them. That we can fix by simply making the effort.
A year and a half ago, COMO Vass set up a Public Education Committee to study and recommend changes
we should make to reinvigorate our entire Public Education program. The committees final report was
presented to the NEXCOM at our meeting in Washington, DC, last May. As a result of that meeting, COMO
Vass established a team to implement those recommendations that NEXCOM believed would work well to
achieve our goals.
Today we have already begun to implement that new plan, called Operation New Horizons. It includes
developing a program for the continuous professional development of our instructors; moving our course
offerings into the electronic distance learning environment, while we continue to offer our traditional classroom
products; creating a centralized customer database and student tracking system; and adding seminar short
courses to our offerings.
We have already begun to implement instructor development, using Webinar-based sessions, for our District
Staff Officers in Public Education and Member Training. A continuous professional instructor program is
currently being defined. The functional specification for the new student tracking system is being put together,
and a market research effort should begin very shortly to determine what the market needs in course content
and delivery methods.
We have been busy, and Im sure you will like the direction we are taking. However, the key to our future
success isnt in the programs, by themselves. Success is totally dependent on your support and involvement.
We need each of you singing the praises and promoting the benefits of Safe Boating. Hopefully, we can make
that fun for you to do.
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
Auxiliary Division Receives

U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious
Unit Commendation
By Tom Loughlin, Staff Officer-Public Affairs Division 11
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 11 was
recently awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation
in recognition of its exceptional service from January 2007 to December
2011. Division 11s award is especially notable since this is the first time
an Auxiliary unit received the award based solely on its own individual
accomplishments rather than by participating along with active Coast
Guard missions.
The Division is comprised of six flotillas located in Madeira Beach,
Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey and Hudson,
Florida. These units are extremely active in their support of Coast Guard
Station Sand Key in Clearwater, Coast Guard Cutter Vise, Coast Guard
Air Station Clearwater and Headquarters, Coast Guard Sector St.
Petersburg
The U.S. Coast Guard awards the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit
Commendation only to units that have distinguished themselves by
either valorous or outstanding achievement or service in support of
Coast Guard operations not involving combat. Since the inception of the
award in 1973, there have only been five occasions when Auxiliary units
received this award, with the last previous award made in November
1996.
The award is also unique because of the presentation venue. In an
unprecedented action, Chief Warrant Officer Morgan B. Dudley, then
Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station Sand Key, chose his formal
Change of Command ceremony to present the award to the members of
Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 11.
Division 11 members, using their own boats, patrol the 128-mile
shoreline area of responsibility on a daily basis. Division boat crews
fulfill primary search and rescue duties at Coast Guard Station Sand
Key two days every week, allowing station personnel to perform
other operational duties. They are also very visible during many local
events such as sailing regattas, and the numerous water parades and
celebrations throughout the area. The Division assisted the Coast Guard
Research and Development Center in the planning and conducting of
two separate research and development exercises, which tested new
search and rescue radar equipment. This support saved the Coast
Guard hundreds of thousands of dollars and resulted in the development
of air and surface radar performance criteria which is currently in use
throughout the Coast Guard. Members of Division 11 volunteered more
than 100,000 hours in support of Coast Guard missions the most in
the southeast United States. The Division was also highly visible when
providing over 50 percent of the support boats for the International OffShore Boat Races held in the Gulf of Mexico off Clearwater Beach,
Florida.
Division 11 was credited by Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater in saving
them over $525,000 for contracted boat expenses by providing the target
Continued on page 6
District 7
Breeze
Continued from page 6

and recovery boats for over 700 sorties for C-130 airdrop training. Additionally, some Coast Guard Auxiliary
members own private aircraft and are active in the Auxiliary air program. These members flew many hours
transporting critical aviation parts to destinations throughout the southeast United States and the Caribbean.
They also donated hundreds of hours, providing critical air support for search and rescue missions. Several
members are qualified as Auxiliary chefs and form a cadre that supplements the dining hall staff at various
Coast Guard stations and cutters and provides support for special Coast Guard functions.
The activities of the members of Division 11 exemplify the missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary as a Force
Multiplier for the Coast Guard. The award of the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation is formal
recognition of these efforts.
The award was signed by Rear Admiral W.D. Baumgartner, Commander, US Coast Guard District 7, on behalf
of Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, and was presented by Captain Sheryl Dickinson, Commander, Coast
Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. Receiving the award and the accompanying pennant on behalf of the
over 330 members of Division 11 were Jim Ryder of Safety Harbor, Florida, current Division 11 Commander,
and three past Division 11 Commanders: Commodore Don Frasch of Hudson, Melvin Manning of Belleair
Bluffs, and Karen Miller of Palm Harbor.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- Members of the Coast
Guard Sector St. Petersburg
and Coast Guard Auxiliary
Division 11 display the U.S.
Coast Guard Meritorious Unit
Commendation banner on July
20, 2012. From left are CWO
Morgan Dudley, COMO Donald
Frasch, Melvin Manning, Karen
Miller, Jim Ryder, Captain
Sheryl Dickinson, Commander,
Sector St. Petersburg. Photo by
Deborah Mallory, Flotilla 11-1
Clearwater, Fla.
An Example to Us All
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-- One member of Division 11 who
exemplifies the divisions contributions to the Coast Guard is Don
Hoge, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, St. Petersburg. At the District
7 Training Conference held September 20-23 in St. Petersburg,
Don Hoge was presented the Auxiliary Commendation Medal.
Hoge was honored for his numerous services, including but
not limited to assisting with planning Auxiliary support to the
Coast Guard and coordinating that support. The recent safety
and security patrols and other support provided by the Auxiliary
to the Coast Guard during the Republican National Convention
in August 2012 serve as one instance of his contributions.
Shown from left are COMO Don Frasch, Immediate Past District
Commodore D7; CDR Jos Quinones, U.S. Coast Guard, Director
of Auxiliary District 7; Don Hoge, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator
Sector St. Petersburg; Walter Jaskiewicz, District Commodore D7;
and John Tyson, District Chief of Staff D7, on the podium behind
them. Photo by Vickie Aponte, Flotilla 6-11 Miami, Fla.
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
Auxiliary Mass Rescue Operations Specialist:
District 7 Pilot Program
Miami-- In 2010, two major, Type 1 events,

unprecedented in scope and complexityan
earthquake in Haiti and the Deepwater Horizon
explosion/oil spill in the Gulf of Mexicotested the
U.S. Coast Guards response capabilities like never
before.
In both cases, as always, the Auxiliary stood Semper
Paratus, ever ready, providing much needed support
to the Unified Command during those two large
scale disasters. The Auxiliary was repeatedly cited
for its exemplarily response supplying much
needed personnel and facility resources. However,
comprehensive after-action reports also identified
significant shortfalls in the Auxiliarys overall
deployment efforts.
Consequently, Auxiliary leadership has been asked
to remedy the identified performance gaps. District
7 accepted that challenge. In September 2011,
Commodore Walter Jaskiewicz and his Executive
Committee, including immediate past Commodore
Donald Frasch, authorized a unique endeavor
titled Auxiliary Mass Rescue Operations Specialist
(AMROS). Sector Miami was
selected as the initial venue for the
pilot programs roll out.
Thereafter, qualified AMROS will receive additional

targeted training, specifically designated in one of four
distinct mass rescue disciplines:

Contingency Planner and Community Liaison

On-Scene Coordinator
Landing Site
Reception Center
In the event of future large-scale incidents requiring

an All-Hands response, the USCG certified AMROS
members are likely to be deployed on short notice for
extended periods of time and most significantly for
the first time, in an operational ICS Division/Group
supervisory role.
This AMROS pilot program presents a win-win
opportunity to expand the Auxiliarys role as a force
multiplier in support of Team Coast Guard, and this is
a challenge that District 7 welcomes.
For more information on this topic, please contact
William Hanlon at whanlon3@aol.com.
A select committee of Auxiliary

members with various backgrounds
was assembled for an informational
workshop at Air Station Miami. This
committee reviewed more than 60
applications and recommended 25
Auxiliary members for initial AMROS
training consideration.
Upon approval of Commodore
Jaskiewicz, the AMROS candidates
began attending specific intermediate
level Incident Command System
(ICS) educational classes. Other
advanced ICS courses and
Coast Guard-specific emergency
management supervisory level
classes are scheduled for 2012-13.
Before any Auxiliary member will be
designated an AMROS, s/he will be
required to demonstrate a series of
demanding proficiencies contained in
the U.S. Coast Guard - Performance
Qualification Standards for Division/
Group Supervisors.
MIAMI, July 18, 2012--In a meeting room at United States

Coast Guard Miami Air-Station, several Sector Miami Auxiliary
members discuss Auxiliary Mass Rescue Operations Specialist
(AMROS) opportunities and tasks involved with Reception Center
operations. COMO Walter Jaskiewicz (left, rear) was in Miami to
participate in an AMROS informational workshop. Photo: Bill
Hanlon, AMROS D7 Coordinator
District 7
Breeze
District Captain West

Melvin Manning, DCAPT-West
For the past two
years, I have had the
honor of serving as
the District Captain
in the West Region
of District 7, during
a time of noteworthy
events and significant
changes. During my
tenure, I had the
pleasure of working
with distinguished
Division Commanders
Craig Elliot, Amos Johnson, Mike Shea, Jim Ryder,
Braxton Ezell, Paulette Parent, Lou Conti and David
Crockwell. We have shared the exuberance of seeing
our operations programs achieve our
goal of becoming increasingly valuable to
the Coast Guard Stations at Yankeetown,
Sand Key, St. Petersburg, Cortez and
Fort Myers Beach. Our regular joint
training missions with the Stations,
increasing utilization during search and
rescue missions, participation in Coast
Guard support operations such as Dry
Water, and service as stand-by facilities
at the stations all mark this achievement.
Auxiliary members are now working in all
the stations, at Sector St. Petersburg and
on Coast Guard surface vessels in varied
assignments, including Auxiliary Chefs
(AUXCHEFs), Pollution Investigator
Assistants, Marine Safety Assistants,
Officers of the Day and Watchstanders.
region Auxiliary members perform, Division 11

was awarded the prestigious U.S. Coast Guard
Meritorious Unit Commendation during the Change
of Command Ceremony at Station Sand Key on
July 20th. The award was signed by Rear Admiral
W.D. Baumgartner, Commander, US Coast Guard
District 7, and presented by CAPT Sheryl Dickinson,
Commander, Sector St. Petersburg.
The U.S. Coast Guard authorized the Coast Guard
Meritorious Unit Commendation in 1973 to recognize
an Auxiliary unit that has distinguished itself by
either valorous service or meritorious achievement in
support of the Coast Guard operations not involving
combat. Since its inception, only five Auxiliary units
were awarded this distinction, the last being in
November, 1996.
(Click on image to view video.)
CLEARWATER, Fla.-- The crew of the Salty from Division

11 participates in an HC-130 Hercules aircraft drop training
excercise. Photo by Zach Lessin, ADSO-PB D7
Continued support of Air Station

Clearwater has expanded to include
HC-130 Hercules
aircraft night training
missions by surface facilities
and participation in the Flight
Publications Update by members
from several divisions. Auxiliarists
from all divisions in the West
region often serve in a variety
of positions at the Air Station. In
short, Auxiliary Air (AUXAIR) has
regained traction, serving the St.
Petersburg area of responsibility
and beyond.
In recognition of the increasingly
valuable service that West
Even more remarkable, Division 11s award marks

the first time an Auxiliary division received the award
based solely on its own, individual accomplishments.
Off the water, the West region is equally proud
of its members who earned the 2011-12 National
Awards for the following: Publications - 1st Place
Division: Division 7 Intercom, Editor: Dorothy Riley,
Staff Officer-Publications; 1st Place Flotilla: Flotilla 79
Intercom, Editor: Dorothy Riley; Flotilla Staff OfficerPublications; Photography - 1st Place Public Affairs:
George C. Papabeis, Flotilla 74; Photography - 1st
Place Public Education: Albert Bidwick, Flotilla 86;
Video - 1st Place, Judi Bidwick, Flotilla 86.
Continued on page 9
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012

The regions Recreational Boating Safety
programs have also flourished. Clearwater
became the first city in Florida, and only the
thirteenth in the nation, to be designated by
the Commandant of the Coast Guard as a
Coast Guard City.
The Republican National Convention took
place in Tampa during the week of August
26th. The large number of persons visiting
the area, including delegates, protestors,
demonstrators, media representatives, and
commercial supporters estimated to exceed
sixty thousand people made security the
paramount concern throughout the Tampa Bay
area. Maritime Security became the primary
responsibility of the Coast Guard. Auxiliary
support of the Coast Guards mission was the
largest operation ever for the Auxiliary. Despite
the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaac at the start
of the Convention, Auxiliarists participated
in over 70 surface patrols, involving 200
personnel and over 625 facility hours on the
water, using 31 Auxiliary facilities from four
divisions (Divisions 7, 8, 9 and 11) covering
Tampa Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway on the
Gulf, and search and rescue support of Coast
Guard Stations St. Petersburg and Sand
Key. Those divisions located in Tampa Bay
provided operational facilities and land based
facilities as well as personnel. Total operational
and support hours exceeded 3,000.
In return, the support that our divisions have
received from the Commander of Sector St.
Petersburg, Commander Coast Guard Air
Station Clearwater, the Auxiliary Liaisons,
stations and surface vessels, Commanding
Officers and Officers-In-Charge, and all the
Coast Guard personnel has been superb.
Also, the Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, St.
Petersburg, has been outstanding in his
tireless effort as the Auxiliary representative to
the Sector.
In summary, our region West Flotilla members
have responded to the challenges presented
and, in the final analysis, they make the
Auxiliary work.
(Above) TAMPA, Fla.-- The start of the Republican

National Convention on Aug. 26 was cancelled
due to the threat of Hurricane Issac. When the
convention and security patrols resumed on Aug.
27, 2012, it was to rough water with three and four
foot seas. Bouncing on these waves for eight hours
proved quite a challenge for our members. Photo
by George Papabeis, FSO-PA Flotilla 74 Brandon,
Fla.
(Below) Gene Keller (right) and crewmember Tim
Robinson, both from Flotilla 72 in St. Petersburg,
Fla., patrol the Howard Frankland Bridge during
the Republican National Convention held from
Aug. 27-30, 2012. The security for the event was
unprecedented and every bridge leading into
Tampa was under watch 24 hours a day. Photo by
Richard Risk, Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg
10
District 7
Breeze
District Captain North

Robert Weskerna, DCAPT-North
District Chief of Staff(e)
There are nice
people and some
that are our heroes.
Occasionally, the two
groups intersect. This
is the case with both
Auxiliary members
Zoraida Sorrentino
from Division 4 and
Jim Ramsey from
Division 12. Another
feature shared by
Zoraida (known as
Zory) and Jim is their demonstrated volunteerism.
Both took a part in Operation Deep Water Horizon in
2010 -the Gulf Oil Spill.
participating in this mission, including Zory, brought

great credit to the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard
Auxiliary. Her husband, Bill, says, Zory becomes a
perfectionist when it comes to Spanish, and reminds
us that she was a Spanish major at the University of
Puerto Rico. Zory continues to help with translations
through the present day. Thank you Zory, and all of
the members of our Auxiliary Interpreter Corps and
thank you for your thirty-seven years of service with
the Auxiliary.
Jim Ramsey, formerly a member of Flotilla 32 Ft.

Lauderdale, is now a member of Flotilla 12-6 East
Cooper, S.C. Jim is a good friend and a professional
mariner, but his first love is radios (sorry Jean). Jims
deployment as a volunteer with the Coast Guard
for Deepwater Horizon began on July 30, 2010,
Zory Sorrentino is Division 4s goodwill ambassador
and would last for four weeks. Jim became part of
and the first person Jackie and I met while attending a a team of four Auxiliarists assigned to establish a
Division 4 meeting in the fall of 2010. Her personality
radio station in Gulfport, Mississippi. The clean-up
is warm and friendly; shes a people-person of the
forces along the coast were consolidating, and the
first magnitude. Zory is also a member of the Auxiliary teams communications station was to become the
Interpreter Corps, and while engaged in work during
central station. In just one day, they were operational,
the Gulf oil spill, Zorys job was to translate press
using the call sign VTM Mississippi (vessel traffic
releases from English into Spanish. As we now know,
management). Apparently, the decontamination
the Interpreter Corps and all of our D7 volunteers
vessels were stationed about ten to fifteen nautical
miles offshore between Gulfport,
Miss. and St. Joe, Florida. The radio
system used was called Motobridge,
and is made up of a series of high
sites along the coast, which Jim
says is very similar to Rescue 21,
but with certain limitations. If you
look carefully at the middle computer
screen in the photo of Jim, youll
notice a few red rectangles. The
red boxes are the active radio highsites. Jim and his team controlled
the sites from those boxes. The
sites were activated as the boats
they were guarding came within
range of a particular tower, etc., just
like Rescue 21. In the last week of
his deployment, Jims team was
relieved by Coastie replacements
and four Auxiliarists. On Friday,
August 28, Auxiliarists Jim Ramsey,
Jim Clark, and Phillip Goodman
drove to incident command post
GULFPORT, Miss.-- Auxiliarist James C. Ramsey, Staff Officer
(ICP) Mobile and went through
Communications Division 12, volunteered to be deployed to the
the demobilization process before
Gulf in 2010 for an extended tour. He is shown operating a radio
for the Coast Guard. Photo by Phillip Goodman, Flotilla 13-1 Key
Continued on page 10
West.
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
11

flying home on Saturday, August
29. The fourth member of their
team, Jim Woodell, extended his
deployment and was assigned
to a Coast Guard Team in
Pensacola, Florida.
Id like to thank all the Deepwater
Horizon volunteers, and in
particular, my shipmates Zory
Sorrentino and Jim Ramsey. I
know that neither of you looked
for special recognition for
your efforts during that time of
crisis, but you and all the other
volunteers who go beyond
what most of us consider
usual and customary deserve
a little daylight. Youre both
special examples of Americas
Volunteers.
CHARLESTON, S.C.The sun sets on Charleston Harbor on July
4, 2012. An hour or so later, the harbor would be packed with
approximately 6,000 citizens and their boats to watch the 2012 annual
Fourth of July fireworks celebration. Also present are four Auxiliary
vessels conducting safety patrols skippered by Ron Foreman and Bob
Weskerna, both from Flotilla 12-6 East Cooper, S.C., and Joe Fleming
and Richard Daniel, both from 12-8 Charleston, S.C. Photo by Ron
Foreman, Flotilla 12-6.
PALM COAST, Fla.--Zoraida Sorrentino,

Staff Officer-Secretary of Records
Division 4, and Bill Sorrentino,
Division 4 Commander, attend the
annual 9/11 memorial ceremony in
Palm Coast, Florida, in September,
2012. Present for the ceremony were
active and retired members of the
various armed services. Zoraida, as a
member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary,
represented the U.S. Coast Guard
while Bill, a retired officer of the New
York City Police Department Transit
Bureau, was part of the Palm Coast
Honor Guard and represented the
local 10-13 Club chapter of retired
New York City police officers. Bill
Sorrentino continues to serve as a
police officer with the Daytona Beach
Police Department. Photo provided by
Bill Sorrentino
12
District Captain-East
District 7
Breeze
Judith Hudson, DCAPT-East

Divisions 1, 3, 5, 6, 13,
& 16
It is a truly exciting
time of the year
reflecting on our
District Training
Conference success,
seeing new leaders
elected, preparing
for change, setting
challenging goals
for the future, and
reviewing 2012
accomplishments. A
renewed energy is in the air and it is infectious.
Before we leave 2012, I would like to draw attention
to those Division leaders who are moving into the
-Immediate Past Division Commander position.
In Division 1 (Puerto Rico), Angel Benero has had
unforeseen health obstacles this year, so has not
been able to accomplish as much as anticipated. He
stepped into the Division Commander position when
his predecessor resigned in mid-2011, so we thank
him for being willing to take the reins and to serve in
this capacity on short notice.
Division 3 (Broward County) has had the good
fortune to be led by Ed Duda for the past two years,
benefiting from his skills in operations, teaching,
watchstanding, organization, goal setting, reporting,
and motivating. Division 3 won the D7 Commodores
Cup (first place) this year for showing the most growth
and improvement in the Dashboards collective format

of performance measures over the previous year. Ed
uses his spare time to serve as Assistant District
Staff OfficerInformation Services for D7 and BC-UIA
(Branch Chief for Users Information in AUXDATA) at
the national level. He is also the lead instructor for
the C School on AUXDATA, and a District AUXDATA
Administrator.
Gary Barth is another successful leader whose
Division 5 (Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie &
Okeechobee Counties) membership serves two
Coast Guard Stations (Station Fort Pierce & Station
Lake Worth Inlet). Division 5 is very active in surface
operations, including a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
contingent, Coast Guard operational support, public
affairs, and Vessel Safety Exams (VSCs). They
have added or have in process 50 new members
this year. In addition to Division Commander (DCDR)
responsibilities, Gary serves as Flotilla Staff OfficerPublications and Assistant District Staff OfficerPublications, and is often on the road teaching CPR &
first aid.
In the Florida Keys (Monroe Country), Jeff Bronsing
has led Division 13 in a most capable manner for the
past two years. The Division 13 members who serve
Sector Key West have such a proven record that
the Coast Guard has made the Auxiliary a complete
partner. In addition to supplementing the gold side
with active duty with patrols, the Coast Guard has
implemented a new shallow water program under
which the Auxiliary performs Search & Rescue (SAR)
in areas where Coast Guard vessels cannot go, helps
to instruct the public on preparations for emergency
and pollution incidents, and participates in
myriad fishing and marine events as public
affairs professionals. Jeff also serves as
Directors Division Security Liaison -13.
These Division Commanders have
contributed significantly to their
membership, their Coast Guard Sectors
and Stations, and their communities. We
are grateful for their past leadership, and
that they are continuing to serve in new
capacities. These five Divisions have
elected new DCDRs who are well qualified
to lead their members successfully through
new and challenging opportunities.
Typical T-boat
Compliments to Division 16 (U.S. Virgin

Islands) for embracing current technology
in their efforts to improve participation
and communication. They now hold many
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
13

meetings through web teleconferencing, with both
audio and video available. By introducing this meeting
method, they have reduced travel costs and commute
time, and improved attendance, information and
education opportunities. Obviously, they are improving
mission participation also, as they already have
logged almost 7,000 more hours this year than they
did in all of 2011.
When the Virgin Islands Marine Safety Detachment
asked to have two Auxiliarists trained as Assistant
T-Boat Inspectors, the St. Thomas flotilla volunteered.
The Department hopes to have a trained Auxiliarist
accompany a Coast Guard Inspector whenever s/
he inspects any of the 135 T-Boats in St. Thomas,
effectively doubling the inspection workforce. Pictured
(previous page) is a typical T-Boat.
In Division 6 (Miami-Dade County), a partnership
with the city of Hialeah enabled 97 children to attend
Sea Partners programs at five different parks, over
two days. Another 168 students graduated from
the Divisions four About Boating Safely classes.
Needless to say, both city officials and the Auxiliary
are very pleased with these first year results and plan
to continue this public education program. Also, a
fourth Boating Skills & Seamanship class has started
with an enrollment of almost 90 students at Terra
Environmental Research Institute, where previous
classes graduated 80 to 90 students. All of these

classes reflect the effort to take public education
to the students on dates and at times the students
prefer, rather than to restrict classes to a stationary
location and schedule of the Auxiliarys choosing.
Division 6 also is continuing their very productive
division recruiting, orientation and processing
meetings located at Air Station Miami, in which all
flotillas and the active duty Coast Guard participate.
Attendees learn not only about Auxiliary history,
structure, missions, and fellowship, but also about
how much training is required, how long it takes to
get vetted, how much volunteering will cost, and what
uniforms new Auxiliarists will need. They also discuss
what expectations prospective students should
have of us, and what expectations we have of each
member. Auxiliary members specifically communicate
that we do not perform any missions or activities with
legal implications, and that most members will not be
cruising on Coast Guard cutters or flying Coast Guard
fixed wing airplanes or helicopters. This realistic
approach to recruiting has improved retention.
As always, I am very impressed with all D7- East
Divisions. Thank you for each and every contribution,
and best wishes for safe and happy holidays!
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-- While Recreational

Boating Safety is serious business, sometimes
it takes a touch of humor to attract the publics
attention. BAT-CAT, the newest addition to the
D7 BAT-PAK trailer, was introduced in September
at the D7 Training Conference by Bruce Wright,
Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, United
States Coast Guard, and Stacey Wright, his wife
and member of USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 6-11 Miami.
Photo by Barbara Burchfield, Flotilla 12-6 East
Cooper, S.C.
14
District 7
Breaking Barriers:
Breeze
The Auxiliary International

Outreach Team in Action
By Irwin Fried, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs, Flotilla 54
Delray-Boynton Beach, Florida D7
MIAMI-BOYNTON BEACH-TAMPA Fla.--A phone call awakened

Auxiliarist Rinalisa Czerwinski around midnight on July 14, 2012. As
a member of the International Outreach team (Formerly International
Affairs) and the Interpreter Corps, she was not new to life and death
situations that would startle the average person. Below is the story in
her own words.
On Friday night, July 13, 2012, at around 11:45 PM, I heard my
phone ring. The incoming phone number was not on my contact list;
Rinalisa Czerwinski (staff photo)
however, the number looked familiarit was US Coast Guard Sector
Miami, needing my help to manage an emergency translation from Polish into English.
A sailor had suffered a stroke on a 500-ft commercial ship at sea near the port of Tampa, on its way from
Poland to Amuay Bay in Venezuela. The US Coast Guard Sector Miami took their S.O.S. When Sector Miami
learned that no one on board spoke English, they established four-way phone call between themselves, the
Captain of the vessel Aurora, a medical team at Tampa General Hospital, and me.
While the Flight Crew and the Medical Team made ready to fly out to the ship, I translated an exchange
of information between the parties. The doctor in Miami wanted as much information about the patient as
possible his medical history (his age, what medication the patient was currently taking, etc.) and the current
condition (when it happened, how it happened, any pain, etc.).
The Captain reported that the patient was their Chief Engineer Leslaw Tokarski, 55 years old. He had been
discovered by another crew member lying on the deck floor around 23:10, not moving and not breathing. When
the ships 2nd officer performed CPR, the patient revived and regained consciousness; he was talking and
moving but complained about atrocious pain to his chest, running from his toes up to his forehead. The patient
had no related medical history; fortunately, he had been taking aspirin for muscle pains. No one knew what
time the patient had fallen to the floor.
For their part, Sector Miami wanted to know the safest place on the ships deck to drop a rescue basket from
their helicopter to pick up the patient. The Captain suggested the stern, on the port side, where the deck was
clear. The ship was anchored at the time; the captain hoped to resume his voyage around 08:30 local time the
next morning, and continue to his original destination.
As the Coast Guard flight crew reached the Aurora, its captain offered to have his crew to shine their spotlights
on the deck to help the flight crew find the ship and the proposed landing basket spot, but Sector Miami
declined the request, since the flight crew wears their night vision goggles and would have no problem finding
the ship and the proposed drop spot.
Sector Miami relayed instructions to the captain, which I continued interpreting, to stay on radio channel 22A,
to bring the patient and his documents to the proposed deck area, and to let us know when his crew spotted
the helicopter. Within 30 minutes, the ship captain spotted the helicopter, and I informed Sector Miami that their
helicopter was on site.
The helicopter dropped their rescue basket, the crew helped their chief engineer inside, and the USCG
team flew the patient back to Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla. Then Sector Miami disconnected our
Continued on 15
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
15
Continued from 14
conference call, and turned the rest over to the flight crew, the medial team and the General Hospital team.
The entire operation lasted around two hours and ended with another sea patients life saved by the US Coast
Guard Team.
The Captain and his crew were effusive in thanking us for all the help that they received from everyone at
Team Coast Guard. I translated many, many repetitions of Thank you ALL so much for all your prompt and
efficient help... We just dont know how to say Thank You All for what youve done for us here.
Thanks also go to Auxiliarist translator Rina Czerwinski for being, literally, on call that night and always. Rina
Czerwinski is a member of Flotilla 54 Delray-Boynton Beach, Fla., District 7. In addition to being a qualified
member of the Interpreter Corps, she is a certified boat crew member, CPR Provider, and Vessel Examiner.
Rina is also Division 5s Staff Officer Communication Services and Flotilla 54s Flotilla Staff OfficerCommunication Services .
Auxiliary Assists in VOSS Deployment Training
TAMPA BAYMembers of Division 7 supported the Coast Guard during an exercise which trained
active duty from Sector St. Petersburg in the deployment of the Vessel of Opportunity Skimming
System (VOSS). The VOSS equipment consists of one 42-foot sectional aluminum outrigger
with 100-feet of containment boom, one diesel hydraulic prime mover, and one DESMI 250 weir
skimmer. CAPT Sheryl Dickinson, Commander Sector St. Petersburg, watched the exercise
from aboard Miss Marla, an Auxiliary vessel from Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg. From left are Flotilla
72 members Nathan Hall, crew; Rick Short, coxswain; and CAPT Dickinson. Photo by Loren D.
Reuter, Flotilla 72 Staff Officer-Public Affairs
16
District 7
Breeze
Coast Guard Auxiliary Assists in

Providing SecurityDuring
Republican National
Convention
Tama Convention Center at dusk. Photo by D. Riley
By Tom Loughlin, Staff Officer-Public Affairs, Division 11

The moment the Republican National Committee chose Tampa, Florida, as the site for its 2012 national
convention, a series of events was put into motion starting with planning and preparations by both private
and governmental agencies. One of the most important elements was planning security for the convention
center itself, and the tens of thousands of delegates, reporters, and members of the general public who would
be attending.
Because the convention center is surrounded by water, planning for marine safety was of critical importance.
Responsibility for all marine security was assigned to Captain Sheryl Dickinson, Commander, Sector St.
Petersburg. She immediately coordinated with key personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies
throughout the Tampa Bay area and formed task groups to provide marine security. Her concerns included
not only the channels surrounding the convention center, but also the multiple bridges and waterways leading
to downtown Tampa and the convention center area. The delegates were staying in over a dozen hotels in
several locations, some as far as 60 miles away and some on the many barrier islands in the Tampa Bay
area. This required the delegates to rely on approximately 150 buses daily to traverse the many bridges and
causeways as they traveled to and from the convention.
One of the primary agencies that CAPT. Dickinson called upon was the Coast Guard Auxiliary. She turned
to Don Hoge, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, to be the senior liaison between her and the Auxiliary. Hoge had
already proven his capabilities through numerous endeavors, including his assistance in coordinating Coast
Guard air support for the Haiti earthquake relief efforts in 2010. Her assignment to him in this venture
provide 24-7 observation of the causeway between Tampa and St. Petersburg, the two bay bridges, and the
five intracoastal bridges that delegates would travel over daily. Station Sand Key would oversee securing the
approximately 30 miles of Intracoastal waterways leading to the Port of Tampa, while Sector St. Petersburg
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
17
Winter 2012

was charged with providing command and communications from the USCG Cutter Hawk for the approximately
30 miles of the Tampa Bay area. This mission spanned the entire period of the convention---August 25th
through August 31st.
Hoge formed an operational group within
the Auxiliary and began planning. This
planning continued until final orders from
the Republican National Convention
(RNC) fully materialized, in early 2012.
Although by then, Hoge already had a
base plan, now the planning went into high
gear. Within a week, all patrol vessels,
coxswains and crew were selected and
given their assignments..
Hoge selected Dudley Davis, District
7 Operations Officer, as the RNC
Auxiliary Project Officer. The two of them
coordinated with the three local Auxiliary
divisions (7, 8 and 11) to select a Project
Officer from each of the three divisions
supporting this event. They selected Rick
Short (Division 7), Toni Borman (Division
8) and Bill Clark (Division 11). A Logistics
Officer was also needed to ensure food,
water and a rest area were available for
the volunteers, and they selected Heleyde
Aponte, Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 79.
Assisting Short from District 7 was Dave
Perillo, who had the monumental task of
creating a spreadsheet to keep track of
the over two hundred Auxiliary volunteers
and the 114 patrols.
TAMPA, Fla.--Members from three divisions (7, 8, and 11) meet

on the evening of Aug. 18 at Flotilla 79 where they are briefed
by LTJG Mike Roberts, Enforcement Division, USCG Sector
St. Petersburg and by other members of the Coast Guard on
all of the details of their involvement during the Republican
National Convention. Photo by D. Riley
Program Visitors from Divisions 7 and 11

also assisted by distributing hundreds of
brochures, leaflets and posters to over
138 locations in the Tampa Bay and
Pinellas County area.
Rick Short observed that he had the
privilege of working with a host of
personnel who made this project a huge
success story. As far as I know, the
scope and complexity of this project is
unprecedented as to US Coast Guard
Auxiliary contribution and support.
This project was successful due to the
tremendous dedication and commitment
of our District leadership, regional Division
leaders and, most importantly, the
individual members.
TAMPA, Fla.--Michael Shea, Division 7 Commander, stops to

check the weather on the television set up inside Flotilla 79.
The flotilla provided logistical support to Auxiliary and law
enforcement boat crews participating in the 2012 Republican
National Convention security detail. Photo by D. Riley
18
District 7
Breeze

And then Murphys Law showed
its face when Hurricane Isaac
entered the Gulf of Mexico
and headed toward Tampa.
High winds and seas required
a temporary suspension of
activities from August 26 to
28, although the Auxiliary did
provide surveillance of the
bridges in the protected waters
of the Intracoastal Waterway on
August 27. Hurricane Isaac also
required that both the USCG
cutter Hawk and the boats of
Station Sand Key be repositioned
out of the area. Suddenly
without any communication
platforms, Hoge deftly moved
his entire command and control
headquarters to the Sector St.
Petersburg communications
center and seamlessly continued
uninterrupted command and
control. So smooth was this
transition that very few volunteers
hearing the call sign Hawk
realized that they were actually
talking with the communication
center at Sector St. Petersburg.
Making this even more notable
is the fact that the personnel
now involved at the new
communications section were
never in on any of the prior
planning, and some, newly
assigned to the area, had no
knowledge of the bridges and
waterways. However, in true Coast
Guard fashion, they made it all
work flawlessly.
TAMPA, Fla.--In the early dawn hours, an Auxiliary vessel from

Division 8 prepares for a long day on the water. The ramp was busy
throughout the event, with boats arriving and leaving the dock
during both the day and night, as crews came to Flotilla 79 to cool
off in the air conditioning or replenish their food and water supplies.
Photo by D. Riley
The crews of the widely scattered

Auxiliary boats were never without
food, water or relief thanks to a
well coordinated logistics plan.
TAMPA, Fla.-- Gene Keller and Richard Risk, members of Flotilla
Flotilla 79 is situated on a public
72 St. Petersburg, watch a boat in the Tampa basin while on patrol
aboard Love @ 1st Site during the Republican National Convention
ramp located in an inlet to Tampa
August 27-30 in Tampa, Fla. Photo by George Papabeis, FSO-PA,
Bay. The flotilla maintained a
Flotilla 74 Brandon
24/7 posture during the entire
Convention with a revolving
roster of over 100 Auxiliarists. These volunteers ensured that Auxiliary boats left at the ramp overnight were
secure, and they maintained a constant presence on the boat ramps to assist the incoming and departing law
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
19

enforcement and Auxiliary patrol boats. Logistics
volunteers ensured that the breakfast, lunch and dinner
meals, along with over 1,000 bottles of water, were
picked up and delivered by Relief Boats to the boat
crews on patrol. Flotilla 79 also provided cots and a
sleeping area for the tired volunteers during their offduty rest.
Over 200 Auxiliarists participated in what is believed
to be the largest and most complex operation ever
involving the Auxiliary. They completed 73 patrols,
totaling 626 under-way hours, during the 5-day
operation. This unprecedented, unwavering Auxiliary
support of the Coast Guard was recognized by CAPT.
Dickenson, with appreciation for the cooperation,
flexibility, and perseverance of all members in the face
of long hours and adverse weather conditions.
Captain Sheryl Dickensonson says it best in her BZ
for RNC Efforts letter to the Divisions. She says, I
have come to the realization as I reflect on the RNC
maritime efforts: there simply isnt anything that Sector
St. Petersburg auxiliarists wont do to support the
Coast Guard mission. Please allow me to express my
gratitude for all of your efforts and leadership as we
prepared for and attended to every detail for the largest
National Special Security Event with a maritime nexus.
The numbers were staggering, the hours put in are
incredible, and the dedication is unmatched. Captain
Dickenson ends her letter by saying, I am humbled to
be your Sector Commander; you inspire me every day.
Keep up the great work the next event is right around
the corner.Semper paratus.
TAMPA, Fla.-- (Top) A member of the Coast Guard

Public Affairs Office photographs a portable
decontamination unit set up at Davis Island, inside
the Tampa basin. The Coast Guard Auxiliary ferried
food and water three times a day to the Coast Guard
and law enforcement agencies operating on the
island.
(Below) Auxiliary crew members were able to obtain
free parking at the Gandy boat ramp in Tampa
thanks to sign boards that they could display inside
their vehicles on the dashboard. Because other law
enforcement agencies like the Federal Bureau of
Investigations parked their vehicles and boats at
the Gandy ramp, the parking lot was patrolled at
least once an hour during the Republican National
Convention. Photos by Darren Hart, FSO-SR Flotilla
79 Tampa
20
Auxiliary
Assists
With
U.S. Army
Parachute
Jumps
on Lake Murray
Photo journal by James Andrews, Flotilla 12-12 Edisto, S.C.
LAKE MURRAY, S.C. On September 6, 2012,

members of Division 12 in South Carolina
assisted the U.S. Army 360th Civil Affairs Brigade
(Airborne) in conducting training jumps on Lake
Murray. The annual jumps are a great example of
inter-agency support and cooperation. Pictured
above is the Army support crew arriving for the
days excercise. Mid-page right is one of the
jumpers in the water waiting to be picked up by
an Auxiliary vessel.
Right: An Auxiliary vessel from Flotilla 12-8
Charleston with Paul Berka and Steve Pstrak
unload the U.S. Army paratroopers and their
equipment at the dock. On the dock is Perry
Moses, Flotilla 12-1 The Inland Sea, Lake Marion.
District 7
Breeze
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Above: A Coast Guard 25-foot Response BoatSmall stops by to watch and assist with providing
a safety zone during the U.S. Army 360th Civil
Affairs Brigade (Airborne) training jumps on Lake
Murray. Behind them is Master Chief. (Crew listed
on bottom right.)
Top right: Operational facility Dreamer with Ron
Foreman, coxswain, and Walter Runck, boat crew,
both from Flotilla 12-6 East Cooper, S.C.
Be Moore and James Andrews, Flotilla 12-12
Edisto Island ferry one of the jumpers.
Auxiliary vessels converge with a Coast Guard
25-foot Response Boat to firm up their duties and
stations.
Bottom right: Master Chief with COMO Jay
Dahlgren, coxswain, Flotilla 12-1 Lake Marion,
and Ann Graham, Flotilla 12-6 East Cooper.
On the dock is Walter Runck, Flotilla 12-6 East
Cooper.
Below: Jumpers exit the C-130 Hercules.
Winter 2012
21
22
District 7
Breeze
Prevention Department
Dave Fuller, DDC-P
The District 7 Training Conference in St. Petersburg

was held September 20-23, 2012. Many members
took advantage of the wide-ranging Member Training
opportunities offered at the Conference. In addition to
the training opportunities offered, the District Board
elected the 2013 EXCOM (Executive Committee). I
am humbled and honored to have been elected to
the office of District Captain-North for 2013. Although
my successor as Chief of Prevention has not been
selected, as of this writing, I will work closely with my
successor to ensure a smooth transition for 2013 in
the Prevention Department.
At the Conference, Commodore-elect John Tyson
introduced the 2013-2016 District 7 Strategic Plan.
This document lays out the Districts vision, priorities,
and goals and strategies for the coming year.
The number one priority of the plan is to Increase
Effectiveness in Recreational Boating Safety
Missions, which is the very heart of the Prevention
Department. Our goal in implementing this phase of
the plan is to reduce boating accidents and resulting
fatalities by 2 percent per yeara realistic and
achievable goal.
The Districts number two priority is Leadership
Development and Use of Exemplary Practices.
Therefore, there will be many leadership training
opportunities offered during 2013.
The two remaining priorities of the plan are Grow
the Districts Ready Volunteer Force and Joint
Planning and Mission Development with the Coast
Guard.
Every District 7 Auxiliarist should know that we have
a Strategic Plan, and should, therefore, know our
priorities for 2013. Please use every opportunity to
talk about the plan with other members. It will be
difficult to successfully implement the plan unless
every member is aware of it and understands how
their contributions of time and talent contribute to
achieving the goals.
Dashboards:
Once we set our goals, we need a way to measure
our progress. Therefore, in 2012, we implemented
the Dashboard. Successful organizations like ours
constantly measure their performance, and alter
course as required.
The Dashboards give us a quick snapshot of how
we are doing versus the same quarter a year ago. It
measures us against ourselves and helps us evaluate
whether and where to shift our focus. Four of the

six areas measured in the Dashboards involve the
Prevention area of responsibility. A review of the
latest Dashboard results for the District suggests
that its time to ask ourselves some tough questions.
Please visit the website at http://www.uscga-district-7.
org/index.html to look at the Dashboards for your
individual Divisions and Flotillas. Once at this page,
click on Member Information and then District
Dashboards. My review of our individual Flotilla
Dashboards quickly reveals Flotillas that are active
and vibrant in the areas tracked by the Dashboard,
while others stand out as relatively inactive. Although
I do not pass judgment based solely on the numbers,
I do use the Dashboard as a tool to show me where
to look and what questions to ask. Some questions
immediately come to mind:
1.
Is this timely information? Was the activity
reported and captured in AUXDATA in a timely
manner? Remember that if an activity occurred, but
was not reported in AUXDATA, then, for measurement
purposes, it did not happen.
2.
Is this information accurate? From time to
time, a flotilla officer should look at the AUXINFO
quick reports at http://cgaux7.org/auxinfo/.
Occasionally, members report activity incorrectly,
under the wrong classification/activity code, or
make errors during data entry. Review quick reports
regularly and question the things that dont look right.
3.
Once we have the information on this
report card, what are we going to do with it? My
recommendation is to share it with all members and
ask how we can improve our next quarter reports. The
very best ideas come from our members not the
leaders. Also, share your successes up the Chain of
Leadership with your Elected and Appointed Officers,
since other Flotillas can benefit from your ideas!
You will likely have other, more specific questions
to ask about your division or flotilla. Some of your
questions should come from your members, not just
the leaders. As a member or a leader, do you need
to become a cheerleader, a mentor, a coach, or
something else? The truth is that one solution does
not fit every problem, and we need to wear different
hats in different situations to improve performance.
The overall desired outcome is continuous
improvement.
As an information tool, the Dashboard will help
members focus attention on those areas that most
need improvement, and will recognize a job well
Volume LVIII
Issue 3

done. Dont forget that awards for performance can
be initiated by any Auxiliarist at any time of the year
not just the end of the year at your Change of Watch.
Use the Dashboard to give recognition and thanks for
a job well done whenever appropriate.
It has been a distinct privilege and high honor for
me to have served you during 2012 as the District 7
Winter 2012
23
Chief of Prevention. Looking forward to 2013, I am

enthusiastic about my new duties with the challenges
and responsibilities of my new office. I anticipate
meeting many Auxiliarists whom I have not previously
met, and renewing relationships with many others with
whom Ive worked in the past.
Vessel Safety Checks: Coast Guard Officer Sets Example

For Boaters in U.S. Virgin Islands
By Robert A. Fabich, Sr., Christiansted St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
TEAGUE BAY, ST. CROIX. The Christiansted
Coast Guard Auxiliary launched their Fall Vessel
Safety Check program for returning seasonal
recreational boaters at St. Croix Yacht Club
Saturday, September 15, 2012. Lt. Roger Bogert,
Commander, USCG Regional Inspection Office
St. Croix, was the first boat owner to get the
free courtesy check verifying the presence and
condition of specific safety equipment required by
Federal, state and local regulations.
Being a Coast Guard active duty Officer does
not relieve me of responsibilities for operating
my personal boat safely, explained Bogert. I am
having this Vessel Safety Check to ensure my
boat meets the regulations and to relay the Coast
Guard message that Safe Boats Save Lives.
TEAGUE BAY, ST. CROIX Top: Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner Duane Minton conducts
a Vessel Safety Check on Lt. Roger Bogerts personal boat. Bottom right: Lt. Roger Bogert
inserts the stern navigation light to be tested during the Vessel Safety Check. Bottom left:
Flotilla 16-1 Christiansted member Paul Lordi reviews the Vessel Safety Check handbook with
boat owners at the St. Croix Yacht Club September 15, 2012.
Photos by Robert A. Fabich, Sr.
24
Logistics Department
District 7
Breeze
James Dennen, DDC-L
Taking the Challenge:
Atlantic Search and Rescue (ASAR) Competition 2012

New London, Connecticut
By Constance Irvin, District 7 Staff Officer- Public Affairs

This issues Guest Author
The road from Fort Myers, Florida, to the ASAR
competition in New London, Connecticut, was long
and not without the proverbial question, Are we there
yet? But we made it and wouldnt have changed a
thing, except maybe who captured the trophy.
This adventure began in the latter part of April, when
Donna Stull, team captain, from Flotilla 9-10, called
and asked if I would be willing to be a part of a team
practicing to represent District 7 in the Coast Guard
Auxiliarys premier search and rescue competition. Of
course, the obvious question was, How much time is
involved in preparing?
to properly spit and polish our boots and splice line,

while John Ghougasian (98) grilled us on navigational
charts.
The Coast Guard also got involved. Our local Coast
Guard Station at Fort Myers Beach let us use their
P-6 dewatering device. We struggled through the heat
of May, June and July as we practiced successfully
starting the engine and pumping water, in times that
swung from 29 seconds to a minute and a half. We
even soaked one another on numerous occasions
not intentionally, of course. Well, maybe.
However, we took our

biggest soakings from our
I dont recall what Donna
attempts to stop the flow
said, but I agreed, and,
of water that erupted, at
over the course of the
300psi, from the Damage
next three months, the
Control Trailer that Sector
four-member, all-woman
St. Pete sent down to
team met initially for
Station Fort Myers Beach.
two full days a week, but
The stream of water is
soon extended the training
supposed to replicate a
to three, and then four
hole in a boat, and our
days a week. Donna and I
challenge was to stop
came from the same flotilla
that flow. The trailer has
(9-10), while the others,
pipes into which holes
Jeanne LaFrantz and Mary
have been strategically
Kennedy (backup), came
cut, so that, when the
from 98. We traveled
water valves are opened,
about 30 to 40 miles each
water simply gushes
practice day to get to our
Connie Irvin (l), Jeanne LaFrantz (c) and Donna
designated practice events. Stull (r) prepare P6 dewatering pump. Photo by out from various spots.
Unfortunately, the station
Mary Kennedy
There were times when I
had only a fire hydrant to
wondered and I am sure
hook up those pipes into,
the others also did what we had gotten ourselves
and that pushed more water than usual. Although
into. The list of events for the competition covers all
personnel at the station had never worked with the
aspects of surface Auxiliary missions. We spliced
Trailer, they did try to help us by offering suggestions.
line, heaved towing lines and life rings, practiced
Unfortunately for us, their suggestions didnt help
charting rescue missions, studied navigational aids,
much. Rather, Im sure we gave the Active Duty many
and responded as bells and gongs and horns went
hours of smiles. We were constantly wet.
off. We were taught by Dave McDonough (9-10) how
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
25

Although we had been told that our teams first
competition would come at the end of June, to
determine who would represent District 7, that didnt
happen. The other two teams from D7 dropped out,
so we knew early on that we would be going to the
ASAR Competition to represent our district. Although
we were disappointed that we didnt have the chance
to hone our skills by competing against others in our
District, we kept practicing.
other teams were quicker. We did capture a First in

the Mystery Event, which covered medical situations
that might happen during a Search and Rescue.
Finally, on July 20th, we boarded our flight to New

London, Connecticut.
Yes, it would have been nice to say that we won the

contest, but we didnt. However, we did prove two
things: You have to stick to your commitments to
achieve anything, and you can look at every outcome
as a positive learning experience.
We arrived in New London on Thursday, one day

before the events were scheduled to begin, and
checked into our Hilton accommodations. We learned
that we would face four other teams: Districts 1
(North and South) and Districts 5 (North and South).
On Friday, all teams were asked to move into dorm
rooms at the University of Connecticut, in order not to
give any advantage to any team. Not only were those
dorm rooms sparse, but they had no air-conditioning
and it was hot. Because a District 1 team refused to
stay in those rooms and was disqualified immediately,
we determined that we would accept the challenge
and stay through the night. It was anything but
pleasant, but we did it.
We were cheered on by both D7 Commodore Walter

Jaskiewicz and IPDC Don Frasch. Members Barb
Szyamanski and Dorothy Kurtz, a former SPAR (WWII
1943-46), from flotilla 92 and Fernando Licopoli (9-10)
also made the trip to New London to support us.
We made new friends in our effort, and the bond

that the team developed over those three and a half
months of training will not be broken.
In addition, we had tremendous help from both active
Coast Guard and fellow Auxilarists in preparing for
this event. The only way that we can repay their
dedication is by helping future District 7 teams to
compete in Search and Rescue competitions. It is an
experience of a lifetime. We hope others will make
the commitment and take the challenge.
Arriving on the campus of the Coast Guard Academy

was a heartening experience. Witnessing the
dedication of the new recruits as they sprinted by on
early morning training was inspiring. The Campus,
seated by the Thames River, is beautiful, but we didnt
have much time to enjoy it.
The next days competition was fierce. Although we
finished all events and got credit for doing so, the
New London, Conn.--Team members pause for

photo. From left: COMO Walter Jaskiewicz, Jeanne
LaFrantz, Connie Irvin, Donna Stull and Mary
Kennedy. Photo by: Barb Szymanski
Jeanne LaFrantz studies her Marlin Spike efforts
at braiding line. Photo by Mary Kennedy
The Great
Portage
Race
Auxiliary provides Safety Zone for Sea Cadets on Lake Murray

Photos by Barbara Burchfield, Flotilla 12-6 East Cooper, S.C.
LAKE MURRAY, S.C.--Twenty Naval Sea Cadets from Charleston and Columbia assembled at Dreher Island
State Park to compete in the 2012 Lake Murray Great Portage Race, sponsored by the Navy League and local
sponsors. The course had four land portages and three waterborne paddle sections, testing the knowledge and
canoe skills of the Cadets. Their ages ranged from 10 to 18 years old, with an equally wide range of ability. For
some cadets, it was their first time navigating the course.
Two U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels supported the event by providing both a marine safety zone and
communications with Race Control. USCG Sector Charleston provided Radio Communications Guard for the
Auxiliary vessels.
As there were no other sponsor vessels, the Auxiliary also assisted in locating, identifying, and tracking the
cadets and by providing course location sites to the cadets when needed.
Festus Burchfield, lead coxswain, attended the advance GPR teleconferences to prepare his crew for race day.
The Auxiliarists who supported this event came from five flotillas, three divisions, and two districts.
Volume LVIII
Above: Auxiliary vessel Master

Chief, with Jay Dahlgren,
coxswain, Flotilla 12-1 Lake
Marion, S.C., George Jeandheur,
coxswain/crew, Flotilla 26-8 Lake
Wylie, N.C. (District 054), and
William Hayes, Flotilla 12-1 Lake
Marion, crew.
Right: Sea Cadets paddle along
the course.
Below: Auxiliary vessel Voyager
with Festus H. Burchfield, lead
coxswain, Barbara Burchfield,
crew, both from Flotilla 12-6 East
Cooper, S.C., and Frank Ciampa,
crew, Flotilla 21 Augusta, Ga.
Photos by Barbara Burchfield
Issue 3
Winter 2012
27
28
District 7
Breeze
An Eagle Soars...
By Judith L. Hudson, DCAPT-E, District 7

Photos by Vickie Aponte
MIAMI--On 20 May, 2012, event photographer Vickie Aponte (Flotilla Staff OfficerMaterials, Miami) and I left
a decidedly overcast day with its large, threatening, rain clouds outside to enter an elementary school in
South Miami-Dade County. Inside, we joined a sunny, bright, and truly happy celebration: we had been invited
to participate in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor .
Programs on an entry doorway table featured pictures of the boys from Troop 811 and a history of the path
that Scout Carlos Anthony Lopez had taken to get to this day, a list of the 31 merit badges he had earned
(only 21 badges are required to attain the Eagle rank), a statement of his community service project, his
scouting leadership history and his scouting accomplishments. Among others, Carlos had earned badges in
canoeing, first aid, aviation, swimming, and physical fitness.all areas where Auxiliarists often have skills and
certifications.
After introductions by, among others, his proud Mom, Carlos appeared to introduce himself, answer our
questions about his more than five years in the Boy Scouts of America, and welcome us to his special day.
As the program progressed, it was apparent that all of the approximately one hundred family members and
guests had the highest regard for this humble, intelligent, personable, and confident young man. His Scout
Leaders presented over a dozen congratulatory letters, including ones from President Obama, Secretary of
State Clinton, Florida Governor Scott, Floridas U. S. Senators and Representatives, and others.
When I was introduced to present the letter from our Auxiliary National Commodore, James Vass, I felt it was
a distinct privilege to emphasize the commonalities that the Boy Scouts and the Auxiliary share. As most
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
29

of you know, the Boy Scout motto is Be Prepared and the Coast Guard motto is Semper Paratus Always
Ready. The Boy Scout Law states, A boy scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind,
obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. The Coast Guard Auxiliarys Code of Ethics reminds
us to be honest, have integrity, honor commitment, be loyal, exhibit fairness, show compassion, display
respect, perform our duty, pursue excellence, and be accountable. Also, both organizations use the eagle to
inspire us, and to symbolize achievement. It makes perfect sense that our two groups have a Memorandum
of Agreement to share data and information, support each others activities and events, and share in public
outreach and educational activities.
Who is Carlos Lopez? He was raised in a home where the family did a lot of things together, including working
in the yard from the time he was in the second grade. So, when he needed an Eagle Scout Service Project to
attain Eagle Scout rank, he chose a landscaping project. After looking for an appropriate site for some time,
he remembered the elementary school that he had attended when he was younger the very one where his
Eagle Court of Honor was now being held.
He designed his project; approached the school principal; got his permission; and presented his concept, with
drawings, estimate of costs, and all the details of the beautification idea to the local Scout Council and to the
leaders of Troop 811 for their approval.
Next came fundraising selling chocolates, having a car wash, and obtaining donors, including Home Depot
and several individuals. Once he had collected enough money, he bought all the materials needed and, on
a spring day, he gathered about 30 scouts, parents, and friends to help execute the plan. They spent the
morning getting everything planted, fertilized, and watered.
After several months of dedication and persistence, everyone could see the finished product, and Carlos could
take pride in knowing that he created and executed a plan that will be a source of community pride for many
years to come.
Thomas Edison said, If we did all the things
we are capable of doing, we would literally
astound ourselves. Carlos scout leaders,
fellow scouts, friends, neighbors, and family
were not astounded at what he did, because
they knew he could do it. However they were
all very proud that he acted on something that
he was capable of doing. So, congratulations
to Carlos! At that point, I read the letter from
the Commodore and presented it to Carlos, to
much applause.
Many in attendance expressed appreciation
that Vickie and I had attended, and we shared
a most delightful time commemorating that this
new eagle has been soaring for some time.
Upon achieving the rank of Eagle Scout,

Judith Hudson presented Boy Scout
Carlos Anthony Lopez a congratulatory
letter signed by Coast Guard Auxiliary
National Commodore James Vass.
30
District 7
Breeze
New Teaching Aid for Water Wise Program

Photos and story by Doug Johnson
Every project starts with an idea and this project

is no exception. For 16 years, Flotilla 95 Marco
Island has participated in the Water Wise
Program in conjunction with their local YMCA.
Every year, the flotilla educates approximately
250 third grade students from Tommy Barfield
and Manatee schools. They instruct these
children on boating safety, including the
importance of wearing a life jacket. They also
demonstrate how to make emergency calls on a
marine radio using an old VHF radio.
This year, Doug Johnson had an idea to make
the teaching aids a little more realistica small,
used steering console on which they could mount
a VHF radio and other instruments would make
a more effective teaching aid. After many false
starts, Johnson was able to find a manufacturer
of steering consoles (C&M Marine Products) that
would sell the flotilla a small, flats boat steering
console way below their cost.
With the steering console in place, the team
began to gather the other parts they would need.
Adriaan terMeulen obtained a steering wheel,
throttle and some gauges through the generosity
of Intercoastal Marine; Larry Oswald donated a
VHF radio; Roger Blau donated some switches
and a compass; and Adriaan terMeulen found
the other parts needed in his box of used marine
parts. With all the parts in hand, terMeulen
designed a template to position all of the parts
correctly, with the exact dimensions for openings
needed to install the parts.
Now the real work began, as terMeulen rebuilt
many of the parts to fit the console and drilled all
of the necessary holes.
When installation of all parts was complete, the
entire project had taken approximately six weeks
from start to finish. The new teaching aid is now
located in the flotilla station in Caxambas Park,
where it makes a big hit with local students.
Adriaan terMeulen prepares the openings

in the console. The finished product is
shown below.
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
31
2012 District 7 Training

Conference
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--The District 7 leadership stands at attention as the colors are presented at the District
7 Training Conference. From left are CAPT Martin Malloy, Chief of Prevention District 7 USCG; Capt. Richard
Moore, Florida Wildlife Commission, CAPT Richard Kenin, Chief of Staff, District 7 USCG; Command Master
Chief Lou Kitchin, District 7 USCG; RADM William Baumgartner, Commander District 7 USCG; COMO Walter
Jaskiewicz, District 7 USCG Auxiliary; COMO Don Frasch, Immediate Past District Commodore, Deputy National
CommodoreRecreational Boating Safety, USCG Auxiliary; John Tyson, District 7 Chief of StaffDistrict
Commodre (e); Judith Hudson, District Captain-East District 7; and Robert Weskerna, District Captain-North /
District 7 Chief of Staff (e) in front of the USCG Color Guard from Sector St. Petersburg. Photo by Dottie Riley
Virtual Attendance
Jim Dennen, District 7 Logistics Department
Chief, attended the District 7 annual business
meeting virtually - via the internet and a WiFi connection. Angela Pomaro, District Staff
Officer-Human Resources, holds up her
iPad to allow Dennen to see his other staff
members. Connie Irvin, District Staff OfficerPublc Affairs, and Dennen are seen waving
to each other. Later during the same meeting,
Dennen was virtually presented an award by
COMO Jaskiewicz. Photo by Dottie Riley
32
E
R
A
District 7
Breeze
AVING FUN
H
E
W
Y
ET
?
Karen Miller, Staff Officer-Publications Division 11, fills her plate with salad at the Commodores
Reception held on Sep. 20, 2012, at Sector St. Petersburg. The food was prepared and served by
graduates of the District 7 Auxiliary Chef program. Photo by Dottie Riley
Left: The members from Puerto Rico and Miami always have a great time when they get together.
A surprise visitor, Diana Figueroa (front right), former District Captain East, joined them at the
Commodores Reception.
Right: RADM William Baumgartner poses with Stacey Wright, Flotilla 6-11 Miami, and the BAT-CAT,
wearing its tiny life jacket. Photos by Vickie Aponte, Flotilla 6-11 Miami
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
33
How about
now?
Above: The members of the D7 2012

Coast Guard SAR competition are
honored at the District 7 Training
Conference in St. Petersburg. From left
are Don Frasch, Immediate Past District
Commodore, Mary Kennedy, Constance
Irvin, COMO Walter Jaskiewicz, Donna
Stull, and Jeanne LaFrantz. On the
podium behind them is COMO John
Tyson, District 7 Commodore (e).
Right: John Tyson, newly elected District
7 Commodore, is frocked by RADM
William Baumgartner, Commander
Seventh District Coast Guard, and
COMO Walter Jaskiewicz, District 7
Auxiliary, on Sept. 21, at the District
Training Conference in St Petersburg.
Bottom right: Robert Weskerna, newly
elected District 7 Chief of Staff is frocked
by John Tyson and Weskernas wife,
Jacqueline. Photos by Vickie Aponte
Left: Gary Barth, Division 5 Commander,

and Terry Barth, District Staff OfficerMaterials, at the Friday night formal
dinner. Both members log hundreds of
hours every year teaching First Aid and
CPR for the Coast Guard as well as the
Auxiliary. Photo by Dottie Riley
34
g
n
i
f
v
u
a
n
h
!
e
r
we
w
o
N
District 7
Breeze
Rock n
Roll
Top: Olga E. Pagan, Flotilla 1-10 Puerto

Rico, at the Commodores Banquet on
Sept. 21, 2012, in St. Petersburg.
Midpage: Mariano Velasquez, Flotilla 13
Puerto Rico, also at the Commodores Banquet on Sept. 21, in St. Petersburg.
Bottom right: Richard and Gwen Leys, Flotilla 34 Pompano Beach, Fla., in a playful mood at the
Saturday Fun Night event at the District 7 Training Conference. The theme was Rock n Roll.
Bottom left: Wilson and Diane Riggan from Flotilla 59 Stuart, Fla., arrive dressed to rock n roll the
night away. All photos this page by Vickie Aponte
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
The District 7 virtual library is an effort to archive

and make available the vast amount of historical
documents and pictures that exist within both the
USCG Auxiliary District 7 and the Coast Guard
District 7.
Of course, this library will not build itself. We need your help! If you have documents
(old manuals, publications, current and past newsletters, copies of charters and other
historical documents or photographs) that you would like to add to this historical
collection, please submit them to the library.
How to send your materials:
Only digital documents are accepted. Scan hard copies of documents and save them
either in JPG or PDF file formats. When scanning documents, please set the resolution
to 300 dpi. Send your digital documents to d7history@yahoo.com.
Publication officers: Please add this email address to your distribution list.
35
36
District 7
Breeze
Commodore
John Tyson:
Leadership
With a Focus
By Dorothy Joan Riley, DSO-PB D7
hen John Tyson was elected District 7 Commodore, there was no question where the district would
be headed over the next two years. The plan was mapped out over a year ago when COMO Tyson
submitted a draft 2013-2016 Strategic Plan to the District Executive Committee for review. That draft went
through several updates to include data from district-wide surveys and the thoughts of EXCOM members, and
was ultimately approved by the district Executive Committee this past September. The 2013-2016 Strategic
Plan defines the districts priorities for promoting recreational boating safety programs, provides strategies for
strengthening support to Coast Guard missions, and emphasizes the importance of leadership development
and practices in the districts performance.
Volume LVIII
Issue 3
Winter 2012
37
COMO Tyson prepared the first draft of the first 2013-2016 Strategic Plan while serving as District 7 Chief of
Staff. What sets this plan apart from other district plans is that it is a four-year rather than a two-year plan. It
demonstrates COMO Tysons grasp of program planning and evaluation measures as well as his clarity of
thought. A four-year calendar makes perfect sense: not all goals can be accomplished within two years. The
2013-2016 Plan lays out goals and strategies required to complete district and national missions. The goals for
2013-2016 are:

Increase effectiveness in recreational boating safety missions to achieve a two percent yearly
reduction in boating accidents and fatalities within the district. (Education/communication/partnering)
Develop a structured program for training flotilla and division officers in the use of exemplary
leadership practices. (planning/measurement/development/succession)
Grow the districts ready volunteer force by a net two percent a year. (recruiting/mentoring/diversity)
Enhance joint planning and mission development with the Coast Guard. (collaboration)
How these goals were identified also points to the plans distinctiveness. The goals were identified by
surveying the districts elected leaders (flotilla and division commanders and the D7 Executive Committee), and
by evaluating the districts strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT Analysis). Also important
to development of the plan was consideration of data from surveys of flotilla and division leaders. Building the
plan around issues raised by the districts elected leaders not only demonstrated that flotillas and divisions do
have a voice in setting the districts goals and strategies, but made them stakeholders in achieving those goals.
Part of the challenge of leadership development within an all-volunteer organization is to establish measures
and methods by which leaders can recognize when their efforts are successful. Based on the premise that
effective leadership is linked to measurable unit performance, the District Dashboard was introduced. Using
data from AUXDATA and AUXINFO, the Dashboard provides a snapshot of a units performance in six core
mission activities from Operations to Recreational Boating Safety. Not only can leaders see at a glance how
their unit or department is performing, but they can compare these figures with their own totals for previous
quarters or for previous years, and gauge their ongoing progress. (See the D7 Strategic Plan at: http://cgaux7.
org/index7.htm?page=members, Whats New in D7. Information on the District Dashboard is located on the
same page.)
COMO Tyson is greatly invested in the districts success. According to the Commodore, the districts goals are
SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely, and the District Dashboard offers an almost
immediate way to measure effectiveness. One cannot talk to the Commodore about the 2013-2016 Strategic
Plan without hearing his passion and commitment for achieving the districts success.
If there is another quality that sets him apart, it is his conviction that the flotilla unit is the heart and muscle
of the Auxiliary. COMO John Tyson is a member of Flotilla 96 Wiggins Pass (North Naples), Florida. Despite
serving as District Chief of Staff, he has maintained currency in eleven qualifications and serves as Flotilla
Staff Officer-Information Services for his flotilla. This direct approach from flotilla to district levels, coupled with
his personal work ethic and education history, have shaped him into a most pragmatic leader. For the record,
that personal history includes several years in the United States Navy, after which he earned bachelor and law
degrees at the American University (Washington, D.C.) and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University (Evanston,
IL). His acumen in law and business proved to be the underpinning of his insight into planning and leadership
and accounts for his collaborative approach to development of the 2013-2016 Strategic Plan.
COMO Tyson is married to America or Meckie as she is known to her friends. They have been together for
forty-nine years (it will be 50 years in September 2013) and have two grown sons and six grandchildren. When
asked about how his duties in Auxiliary leadership have changed his life, he talks about the demands of travel,
and recounting how strange it felt when he recently attended a Division One meeting in Puerto Rico and the
next day visited family and grandchildren in Michigan.
We look forward to the next two years. Between the District 7 Strategic Plan and COMO Tyson and his
leadership team at the helm, we will witness the impact of leadership with a focus.
38
District 7
Breeze
Tampa Bay, Fla. - Clifford Holensworth dials in a shot during the annual Frogman
Swim from aboard Miss Marla. He is the Communications Staff Officer for Flotilla 72
St. Petersburg, Florida. Photo by George Papabeis, FSO-PA Flotilla 74 Brandon
District 7 Sweeps National Public Affairs Awards

Of the thirteen annual Public
Affairs contest awards
presented at the Auxiliary
National Conference
(NACON), eight went to
members of District 7:
PHOTOGRAPHY - 1st Place Operations: Scott

Dittberner, Flotilla 24
PUBLIC AFFAIRS - 1st Place Division: Nichole

Betterson, SO-PA, Division 6
PHOTOGRAPHY - 1st Place Public Education:

Albert Bidwick, Flotilla 86
PUBLICATIONS - 1st Place Division: Division 7,

Intercom Editor: Dorothy Riley, SO-PB
PHOTOGRAPHY - 1st Place Vessel Examination

Patricia Gross, Flotilla 13-8
PUBLICATIONS - 1st Place Flotilla: Flotilla 79,

Seven Niner Editor: Dorothy Riley, FSO-PB
VIDEO - 1st Place Judi Bidwick, Flotilla 86
PHOTOGRAPHY - 1st Place Public Affairs:

George C. Pababeis, Flotilla 74 (winning photo
seen above)
Bravo Zulu!

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United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 7th District

Breeze Volume LVIII

Is the official publication of the

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

BREEZE is the official and educational

Auxiliary Sector Coordinators

District Staff Officers

ASC Sector Charleston

ASC Sector St. Petersburg

Division Commanders 2012

District 7 Directorate Chiefs

Click on the title below to read an

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

From the Bridge

Uncommon Strength Unwavering Service

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

From the Bridge

District Commodore (e)

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

From the Bridge

Commodore Donald Frasch

Immediate Past District Commodore

Deputy National CommodoreRecreational

Auxiliary Division Receives

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Continued from page 6

Auxiliary Mass Rescue Operations Specialist:

District 7 Pilot Program

Miami-- In 2010, two major, Type 1 events,

Thereafter, qualified AMROS will receive additional

Contingency Planner and Community Liaison

In the event of future large-scale incidents requiring

A select committee of Auxiliary

MIAMI, July 18, 2012--In a meeting room at United States

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

District Captain West

region Auxiliary members perform, Division 11

(Click on image to view video.)

CLEARWATER, Fla.-- The crew of the Salty from Division

Continued support of Air Station

Even more remarkable, Division 11s award marks

Continued from page 8

(Above) TAMPA, Fla.-- The start of the Republican

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

District Captain North

participating in this mission, including Zory, brought

Jim Ramsey, formerly a member of Flotilla 32 Ft.

Continued from page 11

PALM COAST, Fla.--Zoraida Sorrentino,

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Judith Hudson, DCAPT-East

and improvement in the Dashboards collective format

Compliments to Division 16 (U.S. Virgin

Continued from page 12

classes graduated 80 to 90 students. All of these

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-- While Recreational

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

The Auxiliary International

MIAMI-BOYNTON BEACH-TAMPA Fla.--A phone call awakened

Auxiliary Assists in VOSS Deployment Training

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Coast Guard Auxiliary Assists in

Tama Convention Center at dusk. Photo by D. Riley