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US Coast Guard
Auxiliary column
By Roy Crittenden
Check out the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary
If you have been giving thought to finding a
meaningful volunteer position, learning new skills and making new
friends, you may find a perfect fit with the United States Coast
Guard Auxiliary. We have had a record year so far accepting new
members but have room for more.
The Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer
component of the United States Coast Guard under the Department of
Homeland Security; we are actively seeking more volunteers
interested in serving their country, their community and promoting
recreational boating safety.
The Coast Guard’s philosophy is “ready for today …
preparing for tomorrow” against all threats and hazards. The role of
the Auxiliary is to be a “force multiplier” for the Coast Guard.
Admiral Thad Allen, Immediate Past Commandant of the U.S. Coast
Guard, has frequently stated that the Auxiliary is an integral part
of Team Coast Guard. Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. replaced Adm.
Allen as Commandant on May 25 of this year. The Auxiliary
participates in Coast Guard missions authorized by Congress, with
the exception of direct law enforcement and military action.
There are many places in the Auxiliary, where you can
make a difference and find a sense of belonging. The Auxiliary
conducts missions on the water, in the air and on land. We conduct
safety patrols and search and rescue missions on our waterways,
assist the Coast Guard with homeland security duties, teach boating
safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public, as
well as many other activities. We are also seeking those individuals
who want to contribute their talents in the areas of web design,
information technology, public affairs and other administrative
roles.
Training opportunities include marine safety and
environmental protection, recreational boating safety dealership and
public outreach, vessel examiner, boating safety class instructor,
public affairs specialist, boat crew, coxswain and many others.
Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 17 years old, and pass a
background check.
There are 37,902 Coast Guard Auxiliary members in the
United States. They come from all aspects of life, including
lawyers, doctors, accountants, analysts, engineers, college and high
school students, teachers, nurses, amateur radio operators, pilots,
etc. They all team together to make this country and its waterways
safer for everyone. Come join us and make 2010 an enjoyable year for
you also; make friends, have fun and make a difference in the world!
Take a moment to check us out and get more
information on becoming a member at http://a0700209.uscgaux.info.
Take advantage of this great opportunity to make a positive
difference in your life.
USCGA boating course offered September 11
FFlotilla
29 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lake Lanier, announces a
one-day, seven-lesson “About Boating Safely” course. The course is
scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2010. This course also serves as a
PWC certified course for children under the age of 16.
The course will take place at the Coast Guard
Auxiliary Operations Center, 6595 Lights Ferry Rd, Flowery Branch,
Ga., on the left just before the entrance to Aqualand Marina.
Classes run from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and cost
is $40. Additional family members: $25. Class size is limited.
Course contents include:
• Know your boat
• Before getting underway
• Navigating the waterways
• Operating your vessel safely
• Boating’s legal requirements
• Boating emergencies
• Enjoying watersports
• Georgia boating laws
Successful completion of this course may result in a
reduction in your boat’s insurance premium.
For additional information and information on
registering for this course, contact: Dave Wall, public education
officer, Flotilla 29, 770 904-6340 or
auxiliaryclass@bellsouth.net.
For additional information on the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary and its programs and activities on Lanier, please contact:
• Flotilla 29 Lake Lanier at (770)425-4252 or
http://a0700209.uscgaux.info.
Roy Crittenden is Public Affairs Officer for Flotilla
29, and can be reached at 770-393-4382 or
alcrit@mindspring.com. |
