Doug Kroll, Flotilla 11-10 Commander, Palm Dessert, CA

When I returned from the Public Affairs AUX-12 “C” School, as a part of my class “homework” I contacted a local radio station.   When I called the broadcasting company I spoke with Gene Nichols, the news director, and inquired how he preferred to receive news items.   

In the course of the conversation Mr. Nichols told me that he hosted a weekend radio program “Community Roundup” and would I be interested in being on it and speak about the Coast Guard Auxiliary.    I replied that they would be soon re-locating an inactive flotilla to the area and he would love to talk about it with him.   

Mr. Nichols arranged for me to come to the radio studios and tape the half-hour program.   I sent him some basic information about the Auxiliary to preview before I arrived.

The interview was taped “live” and not edited.   It went quite well and I was able to talk for a half hour about the history of the Auxiliary, its missions and service and also publicize the first meeting of the new flotilla in the area. 

The following weekend that half-hour interview was broadcast over three local radio stations:  In addition, Mr. Nichols told me that he would use little bits of the interview on the morning news show that following week to continue publicizing the first meeting.

Besides this radio blitz, I also submitted news articles that were published in the local newspaper.  Eighteen interested individuals showed up to the first meeting and Flotilla 11-10 of the Eleventh District (Southern Region) is off and running---thanks in part to me being on the airwaves of local broadcast radio.

Doug Kroll on the air at KGAM 1450 AM

~GJA