Thursday Afternoon Meetings Article & photos by Mel Borofsky, Editor, SITREP

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Steve Budar opens the meeting

Thursday afternoon, August 21
Committee of the Whole Session
The Committee of the Whole convened after lunch with National Commodore Steve Budar presiding.

The Committee of the Whole meeting is semi-official that is required by the standing rules; no actions or votes are taken; rather it is an opportunity to consider and discuss the issues and recommendations that will come before the Board during the official meeting on Friday.

The National Area Commodores introduced their District Commodores who in turn introduced their Vice Commodores. They followed with reports on the state of each of their areas.

During his report, National Area Commodore-Atlantic (East) Peter Fernandez proudly remarked, “Membership in our area has surpassed the year 2005, pre-PSI. Excellent recruiting and retention work by our members.”

National Area Commodore-Atlantic (West) Jim Vass reported on the great work of his Area. “In spite of the strange, strong and often violent weather accompanied by high winds and flooding, our members were able to meet and surpass all of their challenges,” he said.

Reporting that her area was filled with very diversified activities, National Area Commodore-Pacific Lois Conrado praised the members for their efforts this past year. “Our units increased their training levels and we have encouraged ‘C’ School participation,” she said.

National Chief of Staff Warren McAdams reported on the state of the Auxiliary’s Departments.

President of the Past Commodores Association George Jeandeur reported on the activities of the Association. He mentioned that a new “Challenge Coin” was designed and struck (pictured with this article).

New Chief Director of Auxiliary CAPT Mark Rizzo commented that his goal was “to continue to support the Coast Guard and the general public.” He also indicated that in the one month of his new job the Office of Auxiliary merged with the Office of Boating Safety at Coast Guard Headquarters. “This is a natural fit,” he said. “Our programs compliment each other.”

National Vice Commodore Nick Kerigan presented the recommendation regarding the proposal offered by Commodore Bruce Miller, D-13. The recommendation was to create the new position of Flotilla Staff Officer-Augmentation (FSO-AG) who will be the conduit of information regarding Coast Guard augmentation to flotilla members. This optional position would be available to those Flotilla Commanders in areas where support of Coast Guard units is active.

Like all flotilla staff positions, this would report to the Vice Flotilla Commander and be appointed by the Flotilla Commander. It would receive information from the Auxiliary Sector Coordinators.

By the nature of the Committee of the Whole rules, this was read without vote or action.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. Operating Committee Meeting

CEO of the Association, Mr. Steve Budar called the meeting to order immediately following the Committee of the Whole meeting.

Mr. Dave Thomas called the roll and all were either present of accounted for. The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was, by vote, dispensed with.

The names of the appointments to the standing committees, Fiscal and Audit, were read. Mr. Martin Phillips, Executive Director of the Association presented his report about the Auxiliary Center.

The primary function of the Operating Committee of the Association is to elect the Board of Directors. This year there are two Auxiliary seats open and two non-Auxiliarist seats open.

The results of the election added Mr. Henry Pratt (incumbent) and Mr. William Furbee (incumbent) to the Auxiliary side of the Board. Ms. Anne Brengle, President of the Coast Guard Foundation and Mr. Rocky Mitchell, President, Pentagon Federal Credit Union was elected to the non-Auxiliary side of the Board. They will serve for a two-year term.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned.

First-Timers Meeting

About 30 first time NACON attendees met for a brief indoctrination and overview of the Conference. Photos of past conferences were shown and a menu of activities and training opportunities were described and discussed.

National Commodore Steve Budar welcomed the first timers and offered his attention to any Auxiliary matters that concerned them. “Here is an opportunity to not follow the chain. I, as National Commodore, am here to serve you. Please stop me and if nothing more, say hello and let me know where you are from,” he said.

Past National Commodore Viggo Bertelsen and Past Area Commodore Gail Ramsey also participated in the presentations.

~HRW