August/September 2001 Driftwords - USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 39

September 20th Meeting

The September 20^th meeting will be at the Anchor & Shield Club at Base Mobile on Thursday, 1930. Due to an obvious increase in security at the base, it is recommended that you wear your uniform and bring your ID. You should not have any problem, but this would not be a good week to be out of uniform. Any guests should have their names on a list at the guard building.

Report of the FSO-MV

Gavin Lott has been nominated for recognition for his Marine Visitor work. Unfortunately, there is a complicated process to vote for Gavin. You must go to the National VE web page at: http://4.34.177.228/index2.asp Click on the [AWARD] button and then page down to the bottom of the last page. The nomination is only open for voting for 60 days after it was first posted. Gavin’s nomination will be the next one to be closed. It is unknown how long the nomination has been posted.

The following is the nomination that is on the National VE web page:

Gavin L. Lott, Marine Visitor from Flotilla 91, District 081 Is recommendation for recognition in MV because:

Gavin Lott is an outstanding new member of Flotilla 39, Mobile, AL. Gavin has excelled in the Marine Dealer Program and is also qualified as a Vessel Examiner. He combines both programs and has become our leading worker in these programs. Being a member for less than one year he has become qualified and conducted 106 visits to date. Gavin has also qualified another members as Marine Dealer. Even though he works a full time demanding job he finds time to travel in excess of 100 miles a month to complete his Marine Dealer calls. He is a very impressive member of the Auxiliary as portrays his self in a very professional manner.

Report of the FSO-VE

Joann Worley is our newest VE and will be getting her feet wet when we have our next ramp day at the causeway on Sep. 29. We hope others will be able to come out and we can have two ramps manned. See you there.

Report of the FSO-PE

We are already getting back to work and had three students complete the Boating Safely on Saturday, September 15^th.

Statement from NACO Bertelsen

Fellow Auxiliarists,

All of us are shocked and outraged by the attacks on significant buildings in New York and Washington, DC. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of these attacks and their families.

As Auxiliarists we as an organization and/or as individuals may be able to assist in some meaningful way when and if called upon to do so by competent authority. We should not, however, except possibly when personally and directly involved in a local situation or event, take any independent actions no matter how well intended our efforts may be.

All Auxiliarists should be ready to respond when and if called upon by a Coast Guard Command and not act in any way before such a call. Emergency plans already in place should be followed and Auxiliary response timely when asked to participate, support or become involved in activities for which we are trained. Please remember that individuals who self actuate without the authorization of Coast Guard authority do so as private citizens and have no official status or protections.

I am sure that all Auxiliarists will respond properly when asked to do so and our efforts will be appreciated even if such efforts are to stand by and await the call. Semper Paratus.

Update on Auxiliary Activity from NACO

In the wake of the tragic events of 11 September 2001, members of the Auxiliary have been responding to requests for a wide variety of support missions and activities. From the Northeast to San Diego, Whittier, Alaska to Miami, Florida and everywhere in between members of the Auxiliary are standing up to volunteer their time and services wherever needed. The response from the Auxiliary and its members is typical of the selfless nature of Auxiliarists when they are needed in whatever task or circumstance.

To all who have been called upon to serve and accepted that challenge and to those who stand ready awaiting the call, well done. We do not know what will be required in the future either near- or longer-term but as Auxiliarists we must and will be ready to help as requested and required.

I advise all of you to keep in contact with your flotilla commander and local Coast Guard order issuing authority. Let them know of your availability for duty and keep that information fresh. Thanks for your response. Semper Paratus.

Accounts of Auxiliary Assistance

SITREP has begun collecting personal accounts of Auxiliary members and what they did to assist the Coast Guard and other authorities following the attack on buildings in New York and Washington, D.C. If you were involved in such duty, would you please take a few minutes and record your activity and impressions. Please keep to about 100 words or so and send it to SITREP's editor [email protected] . If you have a picture, please attach it to the file. But remember that the Internet is not a secure communication medium; any message you post or send by e-mail can be read by people anywhere in the world. Use great caution when deciding what information to pass along.

MSO Office Needs Assistance

Lt. Commander Casey Plagge has asked for assistance from the Auxiliary. They can use our help whenever it is available.

20 September	Flotilla meeting, Base Mobile, 1930
29 September	Ramp Day, 1000 to 1400, Causeway
18 October	Flotilla meeting, Base Mobile, 1930
27 October	Ramp Day, 1000 to 1400, Dog River Marina
15 November	Flotilla meeting, Base Mobile, 1930

Driftwords on Web

A copy of this issue and others are at:

http://www.geocities.com/devoema1/driftwords