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6 ways Auxiliarists can support their local units
By John Saran, AUXPA1, District Captain East, Auxiliary Ninth Western Region (CG District 9)
John Saran is an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Here are his suggestions on how best to integrate Auxiliary members with operational active duty units. These suggestions will also be presented during an Auxiliary segment at the 2024 Sector Lake Michigan CO/OIC Conference.
Below are the top six general pathways that Auxiliarists should explore to support local boat stations:
Search and Rescue (SAR) & Training Support – Trained and qualified Auxiliary crews (coxswains and crewmembers) can provide additional SAR and training support for local boat stations. For example, Chicago Division 35 provided such support in July 2023 for Coast Guard Station Chicago. Over the course of two weeks, Auxiliary crews spent over two hundred hours conducting patrols and being on SAR standy, resulting in the prosecution of numerous SAR cases. Careful planning of patrols can ensure that Auxiliary operational time is optimized for lifesaving missions.
Auxiliary boat and air crews can also provide training support to local boat stations, whether it’s providing boat facilities for two-boat training, conducting AUXAIR fixed-wing aircraft operations or engaging in formal SAR exercises. For example, this past summer, on Lake Michigan in the Ninth District, there were three SAR-related training exercises involving several units. Coverage of the first event at Coast Guard Station Michigan City can be found here. The second event occurred on the same weekend in early June at Coast Guard Station Charlevoix in the Traverse City, Michigan area involving Team Coast Guard personnel (including Ninth Central Auxiliarists) and four members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. The final event occurred at Coast Guard Station St. Joseph and Coast Guard Station Michigan City in September and involved active duty, reserve and Auxiliary (Ninth Western Region) crews from three states that manned six surface facilities and one AUXAIR aircraft.
Watchstanding – As stations might rotate personnel and prioritize active duty watchstanding capabilities for certain SAR and other lifesaving missions, there may be opportunities for Auxiliarists to fill in as watchstanders. Not only would this provide greater coverage for active duty operations, but also help ensure that Auxiliary operations occur.
Culinary Assistance – Small boat stations with galleys may have culinary specialist personnel gaps that Auxiliary culinary assistants could fill. Qualified members could help maintain station morale by supporting the culinary mission and provide liberty and/or training time for active duty culinary specialists. In the Ninth District, Auxiliary culinary assistants cooked meals during SAR exercises at Coast Guard Station Michigan City and Coast Guard Station St. Joseph, provided galley coverage at Coast Guard Station Grand Haven during the Coast Guard Festival so that personnel could engage in training and hosted a chili cookoff at Coast Guard Station Chicago.
Seasonal Station Smalls – Since crews at all seasonal station smalls will be transferred to their parent commands, there could be opportunities for the Auxiliary to have a presence at such seasonal stations. Such presence could range from holding meetings, public education events, fellowship events, open houses and other activities to utilizing such stations for Auxiliary patrols. A good example of this occurred in the Ninth District, where nearly 50 Auxiliarists, led by the District Staff Officer for Operations, District Captain and local AUC, supported the active duty personnel in keeping Station (Small) Wilmette Harbor operational. This Auxiliary team provided 18 patrols that supplemented the active duty’s coverage and held events at the station to maintain a presence.
Public Affairs – Many stations engage in public affairs activities, whether it’s hosting open houses, participating in community events or maintaining an active social media presence. Use of social media is important now more than ever. Auxiliarists can assist stations in covering the accomplishments of their shipmates to assist in retention, showcasing Coast Guard missions as a recruiting tool and providing important information to the public. However, public affairs and social media manager duties are collateral to other duties around the station for personnel. Accordingly, stations could look to qualified Auxiliarists to support their station’s public affairs mission.
Fellowship – Many shipmates at small boat stations might be facing life-changing transitions, such as transferring to other units and re-located across the country. Auxiliarists can tap into their life experiences and provide fellowship support to these individuals as they navigate these changes. An informal cookoff event, as an example, might help provide a temporary reprieve and a taste of home for station personnel.
Auxiliary Unit Coordinators (AUC) should seek guidance from their active duty and reserve unit commands. While boat station needs will inevitably vary across the country, unit commanders and Auxiliary leadership should consider these opportunities for Auxiliary support.
-USCG-
Published in MYCG at 6 ways Auxiliarists can support their local units > United States Coast Guard > My Coast Guard News (uscg.mil)
The AUXILIARY CENTER is having a closeout sale on CG Running Shoes for both men and women. All sales are final (no returns). Log in to ShopAuxiliary.com then select Closeout Specials to take advantage of this opportunity. This is an online only special sale.
[SOURCE: Martin Phillips]
A special online closeout sale of USCG Running Shoes is underway while quantities last. Visit ShopAuxiliary.com, enter your member ID and PW to view the products. Select Closeout Specials then chose the size desired. Both women (limited sizes) and men sizes are available. All sales are final (no returns). Pricing includes shipping. Hurry while supplies last!
[Source: Martin Phillips]
The N-TRAIN 2017 website is now available at:
https://www.cgauxa.org/auxa/ntrain2017/
The website includes the schedule of events, hotel information including a direct link to make reservations, local transportation and general information.
You should make your hotel reservations accordingly. Please visit the site. Updates will posted to the website as they occur.
SOURCE: Martin L. Phillips, Executive Director (CGAuxA)
The National Auxiliary Convention (NACON) is rapidly approaching. Register and make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Don't delay as the registration deadline is July 31, 2016. Commencing on August 1st a late registration fee will be charged.
Visit the website at www.cgauxa.org/auxa/nacon-2016 for the latest information and to register for the event as well as make your hotel reservations.
View the updated workshop schedule recently posted on the site. This year's theme is Patriotic. Come enjoy the fun, learning opportunities and friendships! We look forward to you joining us in Phoenix.
[Source: Martin L. Phillips]
The 2016 National Auxiliary Convention (NACON-2016) website is now available. Go to http://www.cgauxa.org/auxa/nacon-2016/ for all information regarding NACON 2016. Register to attend, use the direct link to reserve your hotel room at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa or call the hotel's toll free number, review the schedule of events, investigate local attractions in the Phoenix area and watch for information to come on planned workshops available to attendees. You can also get to the website through www.cgauxa.org then click on NACON 2016 at the top of that page.
[Source: Martin L. Phillips]
Please visit the 2015 NACON website (http://www.cgauxa.org/nacon-2015.php) today. It provides you an online registration link. You can make your hotel reservations also. View the Schedule of Events. Check out the workshops page which contains the schedule as well as a description of each planned workshop. Transportation services between the airport and hotel are provided also. View the local attractions available to you during your visit to San Antonio. Come early, stay late. Be part of the fun "Deep in the Heart of Texas"!
[Source: Martin L. Phillips]
You may view the latest edition of the eBEACON at http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf. It contains new information on NACON 2014 in Orlando FL (http://www.cgauxa.org/nacon/), hotel discount rates for your summer travels,learn about AmazonSmile program as a way to support Auxiliary programs through their charitable donations, what Electric Shock Drowning is all about as well as articles about what fellow Auxiliarists and their flotillas are doing.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
You may view the latest issue of the eBEACON at http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf. An interesting and informative article by Vice National Commodore Mark Simoni, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board for the Association, appears in this issue.
Familiar with "Electronically Aided Collisions"? Check it out in this issue. You can also find information on a number of benefits offered to members of the Auxiliary and Association which include credit union membership and services, discounted insurance opportunities for boats and cars, hotel/motel discounts, car rentals, cruises, and more.
This year we are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. You can view special commemorative merchandise that is available through the Districts Online Materials Store. Enjoy this issue and thank you for your volunteer service to the Auxiliary, the Coast Guard and your communities.
Source [Martin Phillips - Executive Director CGauxA]
The host for the Online Districts Material Store website recently transitioned to a new look site. We are experiencing issues with the new site. The host is working the issues and hopefully will have a fix shortly. When you use the site, complete your order and process the payment, you may receive a message indicating the transaction failed but there is no CODE provided. However, most likely the order did go through so PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO SEND IT A SECOND TIME. We are verifying what is received and cross-checking it with the payment portal to ensure payment was made that corresponds with the order received. Once we positively identify the match then we will complete the order processing. If we have any questions regarding your order we will contact you directly. Please keep a copy or list of the items you ordered should we need to confirm that information with you. Please bear with us as we work through this transition.
Source [Martin Phillips - Executive Director CGauxA]
A reminder for all attending N-Train 2014 in St. Louis, MO at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel. The deadline for making your hotel reservation is Friday, January 3, 2014, by 5:00 PM Central Standard Time. Please ensure you and those you are responsible for have made reservations accordingly. Below is the online reservation link for the hotel: https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/coastguardaux.
You may also call 1-888-627-7064 prior to the 5:00 PM Central Standard Time on Friday January 3, 2014 to make a reservation. Group name is Coast Guard Auxiliary Association N-TRAIN 2014.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
This October issue of the eBEACON is available to view at
http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf. It has 9 very interesting articles that should hold your attention. From David Friedman's "Did You Know" article on ways we are trying to fund Auxiliary Programs to Executive Director Martin Phillip's update on Association news. Beth Leonard, Director of Technical Services for BoatU.S and Editor of Seaworthy, has an in depth story on the wintering of your vessel. Have you ever wondered where COASTIEs came from? We share the article from the "Tidings" October 2013 issue from District 5NR, Flotilla 69. I could go on, but I think this should whet your appetite. Also, checkout holiday gift items on pages 20 and 21. Enjoy your reading and, as always, please submit article suggestions to the editor as indicated on the bottom of page 6 in this issue.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Center (AUXCEN) in St. Louis, MO, will be closed due to the annual inventory from Friday November 1, 2013 through Friday November 8, 2013. We will be unable to fulfill orders or ship them during that time period. If we are able to complete the inventory and verification earlier than planned then we will commence shipping orders at that time. We will strive to complete and ship all orders received prior to Wednesday, October 30, 2013 before the closure. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
The latest issue of the BEACON is now available.
Please go to http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf to view information on Auxiliary activities, member benefits, and featured items on the Online District Materials Store site.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
Additional information is available on the NACON 2013 website at http://www.cgauxa.org/nacon/. Check out the workshops offered. Eleventh Southern Auxiliary has also provided information links for local attractions when you visit San Diego as well as they offer NACON attendees an opportunity to participate in several local workshops in the San Diego area they are holding. Check it out!
As a reminder, some of the links on the NACON website are PDF files so you need to have at least Acrobat Reader on your system to display those pages.
View NACON registration and hotel reservations information on the website and use the direct links to register and to obtain your hotel reservations online. Register and make your reservations now so you can be a part of this outstanding event and its member training opportunities.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
Preliminary information is now posted on the NACON 2013 website at http://www.cgauxa.org/nacon/. View information on planned workshops which will be presented. There is valuable information in these workshops for all who attend NACON 2013 in San Diego. See you there!
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
The National Auxiliary Convention (NACON) 2013 is scheduled in August at the Town and Country Hotel in San Diego. You can view the latest details including the online registration information by going to http://www.cgauxa.org/nacon/.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
The latest issue of the eBEACON newsletter is now available.
Please go to http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf to view this issue. View Chairman (National Commodore) Tom Mallison's message on sequestration, find information on the National Auxiliary Convention (NACON) in San Diego, see items featured from the Online District Materials Store, and more.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
The most current issue of the eBEACON newsletter is available for your viewing pleasure at http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf. Enjoy the articles as well as view member benefit programs available to you through our partners.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA
]
The BoatUS Grassroots Grants Program is an online grant program which makes funds available to nonprofit organizations, boating clubs and student groups for projects that promote safe and/or clean boating on local waterways. The link to their official application guidelines is http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Grants/faq.asp.. The deadline for receiving grant applications is no later than midnight on December 17, 2012.
Flotillas may submit applications directly to BoatUS under the Association's nonprofit status. Applications from flotillas that are approved by BoatUS are then transmitted to the Association for signing by the Director of Development. BoatUS normally issues a check for all awards made to the Association which will process individual flotilla checks to the recipients. Flotillas receiving awards are required to complete all requirements and reports required by BoatUS, and, to provide copies of all such reports to the Association for official files. Contact the Association's Director of Development at DirectorDevelopment@cgauxa.org should you have any questions. Again, complete application information is available at http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Grants/faq.asp.
The most recent eBEACON is available for your viewing pleasure at http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Center in St. Louis will be closed for the annual inventory from November 1, 2012 through November 9, 2012. Please do not call during this time period. Order shipments will resume at the completion of the inventory verification process. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
Source [Martin L. Phillips]
The August 2012 issue of the eBEACON in now available for your viewing pleasure. Go to http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf to view the publication. You may also visit www.cgauxa.org to access the publication.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
The 2012 Auxiliary National Convention (NACON) is scheduled for August 22-26 in San Antonio, TX at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk Hotel. Conference registration is now open at www.cgauxa.org/nacon/ where you may find conference information, as well as links to both online registration form and mail-in registration forms. Hotel reservation information is also available, along with the most up-to-date version of the Schedule of Events. Updates will be posted periodically.
This year's covention includes the National Auxiliary elections, preparatory to the biennial Change of Watch on November 1. The conference theme is "FIESTA!" Plan now to join your friends and colleagues in San Antonio and be part of the excitement!
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]
ST. LOUIS - Severe weather damaged the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC) last Saturday, April 28. The building is currently in non-operational status while personnel assess the damage and work toward getting the facility back up and running. A timeframe is presently not available for operational status.
Coast Guard Auxiliary units requesting brochures and other material for their National Safe Boating Week campaigns, as well as general operations, are asked to be patient and procure items via alternative resources until ANSC is again operational.
Additional information will be passed along as it becomes available.
Source [Christopher Todd, Deputy Director | Government & Public Affairs]
The 17-page April issue of the Auxiliary Association's BEACON publication is now available to view or download at http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf or by visiting the website www.cgauxa.org. Click on "Current Issue".
Source [Martin L. Phillips]
The latest issue of the eBEACON publication is now available for viewing at http://www.cgauxa.org/beacon/beacon.pdf. Special articles on Auxiliary activities, member benefits and special sales at the Online District Materials Store.
Source [Martin L. Phillips - Executive Director CGAuxA]