NTRAIN 2008

Operating Committee (OPCOM) Meeting
Article and Photos by Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP

Marketing Dept Stu Soffer

The central location of NTRAIN, St. Louis, presents the opportunity for the senior leadership of the Auxiliary to gather and present their Departments progress and plans for the future. The OPCOM is comprised of the National Chief of Staff (NCOS), the National Executive Board (NEXCOM), the Directorate Commodores (NADCO), the various Department Chiefs (DC) and their Deputies (DC-d).

It has been the custom to allow the District Commodores to attend and witness the proceedings. This year the Vice Commodores were also in attendance. The District Commodores are given the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments.

Following introductions by their respective Directorate Commodore each Department Chief presents their report followed by time for a questions and answers. In most of the reports the National Commodore’s program of "Recruiting, Retention and Responsibility" was constantly mentioned.

It was a very special meeting for Directorate Commodore Recreational Boating Safety (NADCO-RBS) Ed Sweeney. COMO Sweeney was appointed to his position a few scant weeks ago. National Chief of Staff (NCOS) Warren MacAdams complimented COMO Sweeney and his staff, saying, "A great job putting together your presentations this afternoon. I must congratulate the Department Chiefs in your Directorate for the able assistance I’m sure they provided."

Interspersed between the Department Chief reports were "special" reports geared to inform the attendees about ongoing programs. The speakers were as diversified as their subject matter.

The Executive Director of the Auxiliary Association, Mr. Marty Phillips discussed the travel reimbursement form. "Electronic submission is the easiest and fastest way to have your claims processed," he said. Mr. Phillips then proceeded to outline the methods of proper electronic submission and signatures to the form.

Commander Eric Bruner, USCG, Commanding Officer, Communications Master Station-Atlantic discussed the changing times and future of Auxiliary communications. He explained, "The explosion of technology and the growing complexity has changed the way we communicate." The increased use of satellites and the shift from voice to data communications has increased the challenges faced in communications. He assured that the Coast Guard was actively tackling the problems and seeking viable solutions. "Right now the Coast Guard has a very successful partnership with Auxiliary communications," he said.

David Elliot, DC-O summed up saying, "You can’t provide support if you can’t communicate. Our goal is to provide a service to the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary and the boating public."

Mr. Eric Young, Coast Guard Headquarters discussed the ramifications of some legal and insurance issues. He also discussed the location of and usage of notary publics.

Auxiliarist Stu Soffer, representing the Marketing Department of the Auxiliary Association discussed the activities and successes of the department during the past year. As a very visible face in the "Boat Smart, Boat Safe… Wear It" program Mr. Soffer advised that the term "Life Jacket" was preferable to "PFD." He clarified that "Life Jacket" was readily understood by most of the public.

Auxiliarist Chris Ware, from CG HQ, conducted a short discussion of the role of the Legislative Liaison.

Mr. Wayne Stacey, representing the Office of Boating Safety at CG HQ discussed a program involving inflatable life jackets. During her report to the assembly, Department Chief-Education (DC-E) Robin Freeman modeled one of the life jackets.

At the conclusion of Department Chief-Vessel Examinations (DC-V) Peter Urgola conducted the drawing for the winner of the Vessel Safety Check contest. To be automatically entered an examiner has to conduct at least twenty vessel safety check. The number of entries into the contest was in multiples of twenty exams. National Commodore (NACO) Steve Budar pulled the winning entry from the barrel.

The winner of a one week berth on the USCG Barque "Eagle" was Auxiliarist Timothy Engrav of Flotilla 87, District 9-CR.