Auxiliarist Resnick

Riviera Beach, FL. Auxiliarist Leonard Lesnik, a 29 year member of Flotilla 52, Jupiter, FL, was honored for his dedicated service to the boating public. Between1989 to1999, Mr. Lesnik had in excess of 5900 vessel inspections under his belt and has kept at it since.

On Thursday, February 17, arrangements were made for Mr.Lesnik to be at Coast Guard Station Lake Worth Inlet in Riviera Beach, FL. It was suggested he be dressed in Service Dress Blue Bravo, supposedly to honor a comrade. A path of blue was formed by the Coast Guard on one side and members of his flotilla on the other. This path led to a rostrum flanked by high ranking Coast Guard officers. Entering the front gate, he heard, “Auxiliarist Lesnik, front and center.”

As this World War II Navy vet preceded to the rostrum he appeared to grow an inch or two and his step, seemingly, grew springier the closer he got. Standing before the officers he saluted and stood at attention.

Captain Wayne Justice, Chief of Staff, Seventh Coast Guard District, after a few well-chosen words read a list of Lesnik’s Auxiliary accomplishments. Captain Justice read from the Coast Guard Auxiliary Meritorious Award certificate created and signed by Rear Admiral D.B. Peterman, Commanding Officer of the Seventh District.

The certificate told of Mr. Lesnik’s joining the Auxiliary in 1975 and progressing up the chain of leadership to the position of Division Captain of the 5th Division in 1980.

Pinning the ribbon

Still desiring to be of service he accepted the position of Division Staff Officer of Vessel Examinations (SO-VE 5), 1982-1989. Throughout the years he has also been active teaching boating safety.

The award certificate detailed extensively, highlights of his years of Auxiliary service.

In conclusion, after presenting the award certificate to Mr. Lesnik, Captain Justice, with Captain James Maes, the Commander of Sector Miami standing by, pinned award ribbon on Lesnik’s tunic.

Mr. Lesnik thanked the station’s commander, CWO Jim Robertson for his part in the ceremony and announced from the rostrum to all present, “This is one of the happiest days of my life.” There was a lilt in his voice and those nearby could see a tear or two coming down his cheeks. As he turned to walk away he was greeted by thunderous applause.

Afterwards, surrounded by reporters and TV cameramen, he was asked, “Hey, Mr. Lesnik, what next?” Mr. Lesnik replied, “People, my plate is still quite full, I am a member of the Palm Beach Waterway Safety Council and currently sit as Chairman of the Palm Beach Safe Boating Committee. For now, that’s enough.”

Reading the citation