National Conference – 2009 (NACON) Article & photos by Mel Borofsky, Editor, SITREP

NACON 2009 – Committee of the Whole

More Pictures | NACON 2009

Chicago, August 28. Following lunch, National Commodore Nick Kerigan convened the Committee of the Whole.  The committee is comprised of the National Bridge, District Commodores and other officials.  The meeting is a semi-official meeting 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 Saturday morning.

Vice Commodore Jim Vass thanked everyone for their hard work and energy during the previous year.

Chief Director Captain Mark Rizzo commented on update of several current issues.  Salvage funding issue are in process and he looks for to favorable results and resolution.  Goals have been set for the completion of the new Auxiliary Manual.  New Trident opportunities for earning the device are in process, again with a favorable result expected. In-port uses of Auxiliarists as Duty Officers of the Watch discussions are in progress. 

The three ARCOs Tom Venezio, Atlantic (East); Tom Malison, Atlantic (West) and Victor Connell, Pacific, reported on the activities and achievements of their respective Area Districts.

Commodore Rick Ives, President of the Association of National Commodores, reported on the current issues and workings of the group.

National Directorate Commodores Mark Simoni, Operations and Robin Freeman, Recreational Boating Safety, reported on the progress of the Departments under their watch.

National Vice Commodore read the list of recommendations that would be brought before the Board on Saturday.  Each received a vote whether to actually carry the recommendation to the Board.  All but one were voted forward.

A survey, based on the Evergreen Meeting held at NTrain in St. Louis last January was conducted.  The Committee of the whole participated in the survey.

Mr. Carol Brewton of the USCG Uniform Shop, described the new UODU uniform and other uniform items now available.  The new untuck uniform is in very short supply, full inventory is expected by Christmas.  New members, with proper documentation, will be provided the new uniform ASAP.

~GJA