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Prior to the dinner, following the invocation, the Missing Seaman table was introduced and described. The table represents that Coast Guardsman, Sailor, Soldier or Airman who could not be with the group this evening. Whether they be in captivity, hospitalized or having paid the supreme sacrifice. The table is a reminder of this group of noble individuals missing from the fun and festivity of the evening.
The after dinner festivities started out with the introduction of the Auxiliary’s 2009 Auxiliarist of the Year Mr. Ryan Bank. Mr. Bank was cited for developing a communications system, utilizing social media, to assist during the Haitian Earthquake rescue mission. Using his system of communication hundreds of rescues were performed. Mr. Banks’ system is credited for saving over eighty lives. Mr. Banks is an Auxiliarist in the Chicago area. His communication system and Mr. Banks personally are involved in the ongoing Deepwater Horizon spill incident. For his exceptional devotion to duty Mr. Banks was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Papp, Jr.
National Commodore Kerrigan then administered the oath of office to the newly elected members of the National Bridge. It should be noted that the oath administered to the National Bridge is the same oath administered to every Auxiliarist who opts to serve in an elected or appointed position of responsibility at any level.
The time honored tradition of “frocking” the new officers took place under the guidance of NACO Kerrigan. In this ceremony, individuals chosen by the newly elected officers assist in the removal and attaching the new shoulder boards of office. Each individual has the opportunity to choose who will do the actual “frocking.” National Commodore (elect) Jim Vass chose his sister Mrs. Judy Holland and a friend Mrs. Williams to do the honors.
Additional Coast Guard Awards, including recipients of the Legion of Merit were presented. The awards are covered in a separate section of SITREP (see Awards).
The Keynote Speaker of the Evening, Admiral Robert (Bob) Papp, Jr. was introduced to the attendees. Following a reading of his impressive resume, Admiral Papp was greeted with a standing ovation.
ADM Papp reminisced about his early years following his graduation from the Coast Guard academy. His anecdotal report of his first tour of duty in Adak, Alaska brought laughter from the audience. Admiral Papp expressed his admiration of the Auxiliary and apologized that his career took over 15 years before he was situated where the Auxiliary was visible. From that tour of duty forward the Auxiliary has always been involved and aided in the completion of his responsibilities.
He used the simile of gold and silver to describe the relationships of these two members of the Coast Guard family, the active duty being the gold, the Auxiliary being the silver. Our shoulder boards are gold and silver, the metals are among the most valuable, and the metals, though hard, are malleable enough to make changes easily.
Admiral Papp admired the Auxiliary in his duties as Commander of Coast Guard Headquarters and Vice Commandant. At every turn the Auxiliarist was there, volunteering to assist. He thanked the Auxiliary and its membership for its service to the country and the exception spirit of volunteerism that makes the organization so special.
Gifts were presented to Mr. Susan Kerrigan, our First Lady. First from the ladies of the National Board for her service and then a special gift from her husband, the National Commodore, who by his words said “her support and those of his children allowed me to devote the time needed to properly serve as National Commodore.”
NACO (elect) Vass then presented gifts to NACO Kerigan from members of the National Board.
NACO Kerigan closed the proceedings saying “See you next year at NACON 2011 in Charlotte, NC”.
~jim 08-26-10