Auxiliarist Kim Castrobran was recently announced as the winner of the 2009 Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award. Castrobran, of Flotilla 35, Pasadena, CA, has amassed quite a resume in his seven years in the Auxiliary. When learning of his award Kim said, “It was a great honor and a day I will always cherish. I do, however, share this award with my fellow flotilla members who have stepped up and continue to support the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard in its various missions.

“When I see Auxiliary members, who are relatively new to the Auxiliary, and now step up and give amazing presentations and have volunteered to go to places like Africa for weeks on end to help interpret, I am filled with awe and excitement. It is important to reach higher goals for the next year, but the key ingredient is 'enthusiasm.' When your members go forth with excitement, you'll reach goals you never dreamed of,” said Castrobran.

Although the Auxiliary is a major part of his life, Auxiliarist Castrobran is still active in real estate. He has worked in international trade for over 20 years. He also enjoys going to the movies, playing golf and fishing.

Kim also spent time working as a substitute teacher at a continuation High School. It was basically the “last chance” for the students, but Kim has the ability to see past the tough exterior and bring out the good. He brought discipline to the students that they needed and appreciated. Kim was credited for not only having the cleanest classroom for a continuation high school, but the cleanest classroom in the entire district.

Not surprisingly, the students rose up to his expectations. He encouraged many of them to go on and receive their degrees and also helped others to join our armed forces. Kim's favorite quote is from General Patton, "Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results."

“When Kim first wanted to transfer to help save a disbanding flotilla, I thought he was crazy,” said his wife Rose, also an Auxiliarist. “We were already in a large, thriving flotilla. Why rock the boat?” she said

“His enthusiasm and determination was contagious and I must say, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences in both our lives,” said Rose. “We call our flotilla "The little flotilla that could" and now with 26 members and climbing, we are proud of every members incredible contributions and I am especially proud of Kim's leap of faith. The whole experience has been a reminder to me to step outside my comfort zone and serve,” she said.

The citation to accompany the award cited the following:

• He demonstrated outstanding leadership through superb mentoring and motivation of every member of the flotilla.

• He created the first Flotilla 35 web site and a new flotilla newsletter. He also created two web sites for Point Vicente and Point Hueneme Lighthouses in order to improve the bonds between the local Coast Guard and Auxiliary units.

• His reconstruction strategy centered about institutionalizing a (can do attitude) that tapped into the strengths of flotilla members while recruiting and developing new members.

• He planned and coordinated recruitment drives through a diverse range of community venues and the flotilla web site.

• His determination and tenacity yielded a 200 percent increase in flotilla membership with several more prospective members currently processed for enrollment.

• As a direct result of his energetic leadership Flotilla 35 has experienced and unparalleled rejuvenation characterized by remarkable achievement. Its Auxiliarists have subsequently qualified as boat crew coxswains, vessel examiners, and members of the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps. Moreover flotilla annual activity levels exceeded 7,000 hours, more than double that of any other Flotilla in the Division. This contributed to Flotilla 35 earning several regional awards for operational support, member training, and public affairs, as well as the prestigious (Small Unit Award) from the Foundation for Coast Guard History in October 2008, the first time an Auxiliary unit has received this award.

This award recognizes the most exemplary performance by a Flotilla Commander during the 2008 calendar year. Only those Flotilla Commanders who demonstrated sustained, exceptional standards of proficiency and conduct, and whose appearance and bearing were consistently impeccable, shall be considered for nomination. This award parallels the other Coast Guard Inspirational Leadership Awards: Captain John G. Whitherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award for Active Duty and Reserve Officers, the George R. Putnam Inspirational Leadership Award for Civilians, and the MCPO Angela M. McShan Inspirational Leadership Award for Active Duty or Reserve Chief Petty Officers (E-7). The recipient's tenure shall extend from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008.

Nomination packages must originate at the Flotilla level and can be submitted by any member directly to the Division Captain. The Division Commander must submit the Division's selection to the District Commodore by 1 November 2008.

Eligibility Criteria - Nominees for this Auxiliary Leadership Award must meet the following criteria:

a. Serve as incumbent Flotilla Commander at the time of the solicitation for the award (October 2008).

b. Be a member in good standing of the Auxiliary at the time of selection (November 2008) and presentation of the award (February 2009).

c. Regularly demonstrate unwavering leadership prowess, including the ability to gain genuine commitment from all levels of the organization.

d. Exemplify the Coast Guard core values of "Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty."

e. Demonstrate sincere interest and concern for others and their success in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

f. Display a keen sense of ethical conduct and exhibit a high degree of personal integrity.

g. Earn the high esteem and admiration of others.

h. Foster the spirit and intent of diversity.

i. Motivate others to excel in mission performance.

j. Be a positive role model and mentor.

k. Project professional uniform appearance and bearing.

l. Other related contributions, achievements, and awards should be included for consideration.