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Speakers Rear Admiral Brian Salerno and Rear Admiral Kevin Cook spoke of their relationships with the Auxiliary and how the role of the Auxiliary fits into the working of their individual areas of responsibility. They spoke of ongoing projects and some needs for the future. Mentioned were the uninspected vessel program and the needs of the Auxiliary to augment in the inspection of commercial fishing vessels, including charters, and towing vessels. Also mentioned was the America’s Waterway Watch program and its continuing to evolve with its special needs, the Trident program where areas need new qualification specifications and revised qualifications in other areas and both Admirals spoke about the Auxiliary’s involvement in the Deep Water Horizon ongoing project.
The Best of the Web Awards were presented by Irene Wetzel, Director of the Information Technology Department.
The winners were:
District Best of Web Award – District 9-Eastern Region
Runner up: District 1-Northern Region
Division Best of Web Award – District 7, Division 17
Runner up: District 11-Southern Region, Division 1
Flotilla Best of Web Award – District 8-Western Region, Flotilla 33-4
Runner up: District 1-Northern Region, Flotilla 10-1
Mr. Ed Martin of NOAA then presented the chart updating awards. Receiving chart updating awards were District 1-Northern Region; District 7; District 7, Flotilla 17-6; COMO Nick Tarlsen and Mr. Frank Cotter.
Mr. Jeff Hoedt of the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety presented the 2009-2010 Eagle Awards to Auxiliarist Cathie Welty, District 7, Flotilla 13-8 for her RBS service to District 7 with 5,089 visits over many years, she worked in the development of the RBS Partner Visitation manual..
Auxiliarist Robert Uy, District 11-Southern Region, Division 4, logging 364 missions in various bodies of water offering numerous assists and 80 hours in public affairs with 94 hours conducting training.
Auxiliarist Charles Feldman, District 9-Central Region, Flotilla 26-3, he constantly performs Program Visits, is active in public affairs and a lead inspector and link between the Auxiliary and the South Higgins State Park with the Au Sable Canoe Marathon Committee.
Commodore Robin Freeman and NACO Kerrigan presented the Marine Retailers Association “Best Flotilla in Vessel Safety Checks” in 2009. That award went to District 11-Southern Region, Flotilla 74, Ventura, California. Flotilla Commander Robert Holm accepted the award.
Mrs. Marlene Barrington, Past President of the National Boating Federation, presented the award for the “Best Flotilla in Public Education.” The award went to District 5-Southern Region, Flotilla 63, Poquoson, Virginia. Flotilla Frank Hudson accepted the award.
Ms. Ruth Wood, President of the BoatUS Foundation joined with NACO Kerrigan in presenting the “Best Flotilla in the Nation” award. The award went to District 13, Flotilla 42, Sequim-Port Angeles, Washington. Flotilla Commander Leo D. Leonard accepted the award.
Commodore Marie Scholle, D13, discussed the recent “Yukon Trail” project that took place in Alaska. Basically a group of Auxiliarists sailed the Yukon River visiting, with advance permission, self governing tribal villages. They discussed boating safety and the use of life jackets. Though difficult to transport, “Robbie the Boat Robot” was a tremendous hit at each village they visited. From the eldest to the youngest, “Robbie” was the ambassador of boating safety and greatly assisted the Auxiliarists in spreading the safety messages.
It now came time to retire Commodores who reached the end of their second year in office. NACO Kerrigan called each to the podium and presented each with a life membership certificate and a parting gift. Each Commodore had an opportunity to then offer remarks. Along with other remarks each thanked their staff and membership for the assist they received over the course of their two years.
National Commodore Kerrigan then called for a motion to adjourn the meeting of the National Board, which was made and carried.
~jim 08-26-10