The Chicago Boat Show booth.

Chicago, IL - Chicago area Team Coast Guard members highlighted the need for boaters to take command of their safety by participating in three show events during the winter of 2005.

These public affairs events included “Chicagoland Outdoors Show” - featuring the nationally renowned 35th annual “Our World Under Water” exposition, held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont IL. The “Chicago Boat and RV Show,” held at McCormick Place on Chicago’s lake front, and “Strictly Sail,” held at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Event highlights include hands on workshops for Scouting’s “Discover Boating” merit badge signoff, the Coast Guard Sea Partners program, vessel examination program, public education programs, AIM and recruiting program presentation, among others.

“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers Active Duty, Reserve and Auxiliary members from the swift completion of their appointed rounds” was the repeated phrase applied to all who participated. Logistics were particularly challenging due to a 10’’+ snow fall during the initial set up of the “Chicago Boat & RV Show”. The shows were directly supported by Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Chicago, Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor, and 9WR Auxiliary Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 7.

Petty Officer Dale Jenetka, Station Calumet Harbor, and Auxiliarist Rick McNulty dealt with the job of moving two patrol boats in blizzard conditions. CWO Mark Razny and Auxiliarist Ed Burns, Marine Safety Office Chicago, orchestrated the Sea Partner, Eyes on the Water, and Environmental Awareness presentations. Auxiliarist Curt Schumacher, Assistant District Public Affairs Officer scheduled duty shifts for the over 20 members who assisted with the events.

The events were well attended in spite of the blizzard and sub-zero conditions. The dedication of our Coast Guard team cannot be understated. Our continual public affairs mission to raise the visibility of the Coast Guard - even in the middle of the Midwest winter, was a resounding success.