Kristen Wilson

Every once in a while, a civilian approaches the Auxiliary with the “fire in the belly” that will make him or her a great Auxiliarist.  The importance of this is that this individual has a direct effect on the older, more settled members, getting them off their proverbial “duffs,” as it were.  Such a person came to Flotilla 85, Palmetto, in early 2009 and asked to be considered as an Auxiliarist.  Kristen Lynn Wilson, 28, is a ball of fire!  She’s petite, blond, bubbly and everything one would want in an Auxiliarist. 

On May 28, 2009, Kristen became one of our number.  She originally was interested in becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and thought perhaps being an Auxiliarist would not only show the school she was serious but she would also learn something about disaster response.  In college, she studied communications and thought she may be able to use the knowledge she had acquired. 

Over the years, she has volunteered with the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch in Equine Therapy, Take Stock in Children as an academic mentor, Mote Marine Laboratory with Sea Turtle Rehabilitation, Delta Zeta Sorority in Deaf Education and The Ocean Conservancy.  Kristen was also very active with the University of Kentucky Horse Judging and Equestrian Teams.  With all this experience, she believed she knew what disaster response was all about.  Was she in for a surprise!

Since she was sworn into the Auxiliary, Kristen has progressed in her training to Basically Qualified, paving the way for her training in Operations.   

Consequently, in May Kristen also decided to call a Coast Guard recruiter and look into enlistment with the United States Coast Guard.  The enlistment process took several months and in the meantime, she became more and more proud to be in the Auxiliary and dedicated herself to member training.  She passed the Auxiliary Communications course with a score of 94%.   

Kristen also immersed herself in the work of the Auxiliary taking on a role in Marine Safety where she saw a need.  Her very first mission as an Auxiliarist was a Clean-up event in May.    In addition to this, The Ocean Conservancy was sponsoring the annual International Coastal Clean-up in September. Kristen led Flotilla 85 in a public affairs event and clean-up effort. She portrayed Officer Snook, and that clearly shows dedication, to which anyone who has worn this outfit will attest.  It is very hot!  

The enlistment into the Coast Guard entailed many obstacles and a long process.   On September 11, 2009, however, during the District 7 Conference, Kristen learned that she was to be officially sworn into the USCG Delayed Entry Program on the following Thursday, September 17 and then sworn into active duty and leave for Basic Training on October 27, 2009.     

She will be attending boot camp in Cape May, NJ. As with every step of this process, Kristen has attempted to make informed choices regarding her new career.  Not only did she avail herself of the training that the Auxiliary provided, she spent time at both USCG Station Cortez and Sector St. Petersburg.   Through the assistance of many enlisted and Auxiliary personnel, she learned that the Operation Specialist (OS) rating was for her so she is looking forward to attending the "A" school immediately after Basic Training.  She reports on January 11, 2010 to Petaluma, Calif., for an additional 18 weeks of training in OS. 

The following is the USCG’s description of the OS rate: “The operations specialist is the tactical command, control and communications rating.  These specialists perform functions ranging from search -and-rescue and law enforcement operations, to combat information center operations.  Operations Specialists operate the most advanced tactical computer systems the Coast Guard has, incorporating satellite communications, global position navigation, electronic charting systems to real-time target acquisition, tracking and identification utilizing a vast array of systems. An OS handles and coordinates operational case management functions, using state of the art system tools and team work. 

Operations Specialists are stationed throughout the Coast Guard, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam. An OS enhances and uses all skill sets aboard cutters, and they apply their specialty knowledge in operational and communication centers that are located all throughout the United States.  An OS often works with and alongside policy and decision-makers; members of other military branches; and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Operations Specialists can expect to spend a majority of their careers as shift workers, staffing a 24 hour a day operation.  An OS can expect to receive extensive training in search-and-rescue planning system programs and tools, navigation and communications.” 

Kristen has expressed her appreciation for all her training in the very short time she has been an Auxiliarist.  With the added benefit that she will enter boot camp as a Seaman Enlisted third class, (E-3) instead of “Seaman Recruit” (E-1 pay grade), Kristen added these comments.  “My last event with the Auxiliary was the Division-wide search and rescue demonstration on October 3, 2009. I fully intend to remain in the Auxiliary!  Of course, my responsibilities and commitment to the active duty Coast Guard will be top priority, yet I plan to contribute to Auxiliary when I can. Due to my strong belief in the Core Values, I just knew that the Auxiliary was the right path for me. It is such an honor, privilege and very humbling to know that I have volunteered with some of the most amazing people that have ever entered my life!    I have had an opportunity to learn so much from Auxiliary.” 

“Everyone in District 7 has motivated me in some way.  I am so proud to have learned from many Auxiliarists, in particular, Raymond Paysour, Ron Touchton, Debbie Healey and Dee Kermode.  Debbie loaned me operational dress uniforms (ODU's) and took me to the Exchange at Sector St Petersburg to get me started while the others encouraged and guided me through the necessary programs and qualifications. I will have already taken my ICS 100 and 200 before leaving for boot camp!  Getting into Basic and then getting into "A" school is truly a great accomplishment for me. For now though, I am focused on only one goal: getting through Basic Training! Thank you, Flotilla 85 for all your guidance, wisdom and support!" 

Thank you, Kristen, for sharing your enthusiasm and appreciation for what many ‘old timers’ take for granted; being an Auxiliarist is very exciting and rewarding!   We need to strengthen our organization by encouraging more young men and women to train first in the USCG Auxiliary so we can continue to contribute our best to the USCG. 

*Note: Kristen Wilson is entering the USCG as a Seaman (E-3).  She will serve four years active duty followed by four years reserve duty.  Her advanced enlisted rank is due to her education. Kristen has many college credits.  Members of the Auxiliary who enlist and are crew qualified may enter the USCG as Seaman Apprentice (E-2) while members who are coxswain qualified may enter as Seaman (E-3).  Most civilians enter the enlisted ranks as a Seaman Recruit (E-1).   

~NGS