It’s Thursday morning, the 28th of August. Let me amplify that last statement, its 04:30, Thursday morning, the 28th of August. Way, way too early to be up and functional, even for an early riser like myself. But I need to catch a 0900 flight from LaGuardia (New York City), and with security concerns, I need to be there early.

So, its make the coffee, feed and walk the dog, and say goodbye to my wife, who grumbled at me, making sure I fed and walked the dog. A thirty minute uneventful ride to the airport and I’m on the first of what I’m sure will be many lines, either for security purposes, or check-in or just waiting for entrance to a seminar.

On the line, awaiting our security screening, I met Stojana Damceska, of Flotilla 10-8, 1SR, a relatively new member of the Auxiliary, attending, as I, her first NACON. Asked why she’s attending NACON, Stojana said, “to go to educational meetings. I’m new in the Auxiliary and I want to learn more.”

After an uneventful flight, we landed in Nashville. I loose sight of Stojana, since I checked my carry-on (it was just easier then having them go through my bag at the security check-point), and since she didn’t, we separate. We find each other at the shuttle bus to the Gaylord Opryland, our hotel while we’re in Nashville.

On the bus I sat across from a woman who asks whether I’m a Coastie. “Who is this forward woman?” I wondered. Dorothy Hill, the wife of our Chief Director of Auxiliary, Captain David Hill. A warm and intelligent woman, we had a delightful conversation.

We arrived at the Gaylord Opryland, and the only words that come to mind are enormous!!! This place is gigantic, and the big joke is, “don’t loose your map!” While looking for the Auxiliary registration desk I bumped into several First Southern members. I also met other members from throughout the country.

While roaming, for lack of a better term, I bumped into Commander John Felker, the Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) of 1SR, who was sitting with Commander Kevin Crowley, DIRAUX of D7, CWO Mark Ferrar, the Asst. DIRAUX of 1SR and LCDR Kelley Bodell of D13. We made introductions and I was invited to join them for lunch. What a perfect way to mix Silver with Gold! Even more important, we all had a great time!