National Commodore Budar

Admiral Carlos, Admiral Salerno, Admiral Currier, Admiral Atkin, Distinguished visitors and guests, fellow Auxiliarists.

Good Morning. It is a pleasure to participate in this conference with you. What a wonderful place Portland is. I was out walking yesterday and it was wonderful. Commodore Miller tells me it is sunny and warm like this every day here in the Pacific Northwest.

It seems trite to say it but I can't believe its been a year since we all met at our National Conference in Dallas, Texas.

I know a lot has transpired over the last 12 months and it is because of the knowledge, attitude and effort that you have put forth that we have seen fantastic increases in our recreational boating safety and operational missions.

Now I don't like to be congratulated over a bunch of metrics but it is important to understand that compared to last year:
           New enrollments are up 31%.
           Safety patrols are up over 3%.
           Marine safety hours are up over 20%.
           We have conducted over 6000 vessel safety checks, and
           Taught over 30,000 hours in public education.

And oh, by the way, you have given 1.2 million hours of your precious time in other support to the Coast Guard.

Has it been a great year? (A rousing response followed) .

Fellowship and fun in your flotillas has resulted in members recommitting to serve in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. And if we "make our member's day" they will be "there for us."

It is my goal to continue my efforts in support of everything you do.

District Commodores, you have already been briefed on the important changes we have made to the activities our newest members may participate in while they are awaiting the completion of their personal security investigations.

You were briefed on the ground breaking work of our Leadership Guidance Team and the importance of getting the right people with the right experience selected as your Auxiliary Sector Coordinators.

It's been 12 months; I can't wait to see what we can accomplish in the next year.

They say that behind every good man is a good woman. Well at least my wife says that. (laughter)

But truly, behind the success of our organization is the support and friendship of our international partners and our partners in recreational boating safety throughout this country.

Mr. Dunderdale, Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Everst, Vice Admiral Aseniero, Mr. Edmonson, thank you for all of your efforts in support of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Thank you also to our wonderful vendors. They are partnering with us to provide our members wit the special benefits they so richly deserve. Please be sure to spend time visiting our vendors today.

We have a busy day ahead of us and to set the tone for the rest of this conference, I want you to think "Fish."

What? Right, think "Fish."

Let take a look.

(an inspirational video entitled "Fish" followed)