November 13, 2008. Auxiliarist Gladys Alma Rose, Flotilla 59, D7, perished in an early morning house fire. Her husband, Auxiliarist Robert R. Rose was severely injured in the fire. Robert has been an active member of the Auxiliary since 1953 and Gladys Alma was a longstanding active member with 25 years of service.
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| Mrs. Gladys Alma Rose, 25 years’ veteran of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, 1973-1998, arrives at CG Station Ft. Pierce, June 13th 2008, with her husband, Robert R Rose who was being honored by D7 RADM R S Branham. |
Alma served the Auxiliary in many ways. She joined in 1973 when they each retired from the Department of State and moved from Washington, D.C. to Tequesta, Florida. She worked for District 7 as chairman of the National Safe Boating week many years ago. She was instrumental in procuring “Popeye” to be used in our campaign for boating safety. She then worked on the staff of the Auxiliary’s publication, Navigator.
Bob served in WWII with the Army Air Corps and was assigned to B-17 and B-24 aircraft. He was stationed for a time in Hardwick, England. He flew in the much publicized low-level bombing raids on the ball bearing factories and oil storage facilities.
Once discharged, Robert sought a career as a newsman and started with the United States Information Agency in Washington, D.C. He worked with Edward R. Morrow and was a film production supervisor for the Department of State. His career began with President Truman’s administration and he held that position until President Nixon took office.
Robert was involved in the production of the film Years of Lightening, Day of Drums. The film was about the life and death of President John F. Kennedy. As a federal employee, his name is not listed in the film’s credits. They put this film together upon hearing of the President’s assassination. Robert respected Kennedy and refers to him as “Jack” in conversation. The film won an Academy Award and was released in 117 countries. Copies are still available.
Since November 13th, Robert has gone from ICU to rehab care, from Jupiter Medical Center to the Veterans Hospital Community Living Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is attempting to regain enough strength to be discharged. He cannot go home, there is no home; most likely he will go into an assisted-living community. Bob was given a pass by the VA hospital to attend our Division 5 Change of Watch. It was a tearful moment when District 7 Director of Auxiliary Commander David Allen presented Bob with his replacement ID card. This now is his only photo identification.
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| Presentation of Plaque to Robert R. Rose for 55 years of service to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Presenter D7 RADM R. S. Branham, in the photo with him are Mrs. Gladys Alma Rose, Mr. Robert Rose and then-Sector Commander CAPT Karl Schultz. |
Division and flotilla members have taken up his cause as we would any SAR case using our Auxiliary training and calling on members with resources or skills to help. Bob has no family other than his Auxiliary family.
It seems surreal that just a few months ago, Rear Admiral R. S. Branham delivered a personal letter and plaque to Robert at Coast Guard Station Ft. Pierce to congratulate him on his 55 years.
Gladys Alma Rose’s remains are being returned to her family in Maryland and at a later date there will be a memorial service for her when Bob is up to the task.
Auxiliarist Bob Rose is a wonderful guy, has his wits about him, and is an old newsman at heart. He has never had to live alone—this is the first time in 88 years he will be asked to do that.
Address for those wanting to contribute to the Robert R. Rose Fund or to send a card:
Robert R. Rose Fund, c/o USCG Auxiliary FL 59, 1820 NE Jensen Beach Blvd. #628, Jensen Beach, FL 34957-7212.
~IJLA