Giving Back

By Rick Birdsall, Assistant District 9-CR Public Affairs Officer, Flotilla 10-5 Northville, MI

Auxiliarist Bill McMillan

A little short of hands, but not enthusiasm, Auxiliarist Bill McMillan juggles the multitude of tasks involved with communication watch standing at Coast Guard Station Belle Isle on the Detroit River. Situated on the largest island of any major city in the United States, the Belle Isle Station protects one of the busiest waterways anywhere.

Auxiliary McMillan sits within sight of 1,000-foot lake freighters and sea going vessels from around the world that pass between the Station and Canada on the far shore. Interestingly enough, this is the only place where Canada actually lies south of the United States border. His watch standing duties include monitoring a number of radios, security cameras, telephone lines, and complying with constant needs of the Station personnel.

Early in his childhood, McMillan’s first exposure to the Coast Guard was in Cleveland, Ohio where his uncle was a Coast Guard engineering officer. McMillan’s enrollment in a safe boating class given by the Coast Guard Auxiliary later reinforced this positive introduction to the Coast Guard by his uncle.

Following the 9/11 tragedy, McMillan explains that he “needed to do something” and searched for a way for him to “give back” for proudly being a citizen of the United States. The Coast Guard Auxiliary offered the volunteer opportunity McMillan was looking for. As he learned how the Auxiliary augments the operations of the Coast Guard, he inquired as to how he could be of most help.

Communications watch standing was a common answer and one that caught his interest. Not having been in the armed services, he has enjoyed learning about military service and protocol.

As a full time college professor, McMillan comes in contact with many young adults. He openly expresses his admiration of the quality of young members of the Coast Guard and is impressed with their constant professionalism. He also admires the “leadership by example” by the senior Coast Guard officers.

It is evident that this leadership skill has paid substantial dividends with the younger Coast Guard members as well as benefited McMillan in his daily life. Although McMillan was looking to “give back” for being a proud citizen, through his volunteer service the Coast Guard gives back to him as well.

~GJA