August 30-31. Dallas, TX. NACON, the National Conference of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, provides an annual opportunity for members of the Auxiliary, from the most senior leadership down to the “deck plate” member, to meet and interact face to face.  The meetings vary from “closed door” sessions to ballroom filled attendance.  These meetings started as early as this past Monday and will continue with the General Assembly through late Saturday afternoon.

The Operating Committee (OPCOM) meeting, which took place on Wednesday, was, as usual, of the “closed door” variety.  The National Chief of Staff, Commodore Carol Urgola, chairs the OPCOM and its members are the various National Department Chiefs (DC).  The morning sessions are reports from each of the various departments, their year in review and what is in the works for the future.  As has been the custom, the sitting District Commodores (DCO) and Vice Commodores (VC) are invited to observe the proceedings.

The afternoon OPCOM sessions were in breakout workshop format where the DCOs and VCOs were able to meet with the DCs and discuss ideas and seek suggestions to solve some of the problems that currently exist within their areas of responsibility and the Auxiliary as a whole.  The breakouts were “salted” with discussion bits to “break the ice.”  Effective communications and awards were some of the common topics.  “The afternoon sessions were extremely valuable to me.  In addition to the information received, it gave me an opportunity to meet with the department chiefs and put a face to a name,” said Bob Amort, VCO D5-NR.

Thursday brought with it a variety of business meetings starting with the National area meetings at the “crack of dawn.”  Each of the three National Area Commodores (ARCO), Atlantic East, West and Pacific held roundtable discussions with their respective DCOs, VCO and Directors of Auxiliary (DIRAUX).  Matters and programs pertaining to their specific areas were discussed and the various DCOs and VCOs reported on progresses within their districts.  “We can hash out some of our problems and hear suggestions for solution since, for the most part, these problems probably have occurred in other districts, said Bruce Takayama, DCO 17.

Later that morning the Chief Director, Captain Barry Smith, convened all of the Directors of Auxiliary and Operation Training Officers (OTO) in a separate meeting.  They discussed new policies affecting the Auxiliary and ways to implement them.

Following lunch, members of the CG Auxiliary Association heard reports from the financial, marketing and legal departments.  Benefits of Associate Membership to the Auxiliary were presented and new benefits to Associate Members were introduced.

The business day was closed with the Committee of the Whole meeting.  The National Vice Commodore, Chief of Staff and each of the ARCOs presented the progress of their respective areas.  The meeting gave each of these senior officers an opportunity to thank their respective staffs, Commodores and members for their valuable support.  “Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your ARCO,” said Ken Koeppen, ARCO Atlantic (W).