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  • Monday, January 26, 2015

    2015 Pacific Northwest Sportment's Show

    Signing up for watch standing:
    • Review this schedule for open watches
    • Send an email to mavarick79@yahoo.com with the your availability and preferences. If your schedule is flexible please indicate that is the case.
    • You selections will be updated into this schedule upon receipt and will display in this post.
    • You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours
    • You will receive a reminder email the day prior to your watch(es).
    We would like to see at lease 2 people on each shift.

    Uniform of the day will be Trops.  Robert will completed all 7030's for everyone. Please make sure you sign the log with your time and contact numbers.  Also remember to log your prep and travel time on your 7029's.

    Please contact Robert Megel to sign up for the shift of your choice or if you have any questions or comments.

    Lets make this a great show for US and the boating public.  

    Thank you for your help.

    Saturday, June 7, 2014

    2014 Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races

    The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 7 members are securing the Safety zone around the race course on this beautiful Saturday in June. The Dragon Boats have ran three races so far.

    Thursday, June 5, 2014

    2014 Rose Festival Fleet Arrival

    The Lake Champlain has arrived and is moored on the sea wall in Portland. The Division 7 US Coast Guard Auxiliary welcomes you to Portland.

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014

    Opening Day 2014

    The opening day of boating season was Saturday, May 3rd this year. We had a great showing of 7 facilities, all from Division 7. I felt the showing from the yacht clubs had more boats out than I recall from the previous year. For the most part the weather cooperated with us with a few drizzles. Some of the crews met before our duty time to enjoy some fellowship with our shipmates over a late breakfast. We had a number of trainees out with us building their experience for continuing on with their training and Qualifiying Exams, the best thing any crewman or trainee can do is get on the water and add to your experience. I look forward to seeing all of you on the water again. Stay safe out there.

    Tuesday, January 21, 2014

    2014 Sportsmans Show

    Shipmates, 

    It is again time for the second of our major show events of the year - the 2014 Sportsmans Show. This show is an outstanding opportunity to spread the Recreational Boating Safety message, attract participation in our classes, schedule VEs, raise the profile of the joint Coast Guard/Auxiliary team and speak to potential new members.

    The main show days are Wednesday, 05 Feb to Sunday 09 Feb 2014.

    I encourage each of you to participate in at least one shift and, as your schedule permits, serve multiple shifts.

    Signing up for watch standing: 
    For the last three years we've used an online schedule and email approach which worked well and we'll replicate the process this year.

    • Review this schedule for open watches 
    • Send an email to mavarick79@yahoo.com with the your availability and preferences. If your schedule is flexible please indicate that is the case. 
    • You selections will be updated into this schedule upon receipt and will display in this post. 
    • You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours 
    • You will receive a reminder email the day prior to your watch(es).



    I would like to see at lease 2 people on each shift.

    Uniform of the day will be Trops.  I will completed all 7030's for everyone.  I will send everyone a copy of the 7030 for they records.   Please make sure you sign the log with your time and contact numbers.  Also remember to log your prep and travel time on your 7029's. 

    Please contact Robert Megel to sign up for the shift of your choice or if you have any questions or comments.

    Lets make this a great show for US and the boating public.   

    Thank you for your help.

    If the watch bill does not show above please try again later.

    Tuesday, December 3, 2013

    2014 Portland Boat Show Watch Bill

    Shipmates, 

    It is again time for the first of our major show events of the year - the 2014 Portland Boat Show. This show is an outstanding opportunity to spread the Recreational Boating Safety message, attract participation in our classes, schedule VEs, raise the profile of the joint Coast Guard/Auxiliary team and speak to potential new members.

    The main show days are Wednesday, 08 JAN to Sunday 12 Jan 2014.

    I encourage each of you to participate in at least one shift and, as your schedule permits, serve multiple shifts.

    Signing up for watch standing: 
    For the last three years we've used an online schedule and email approach which worked well and we'll replicate the process this year.

    • Review this schedule for open watches 
    • Send an email to mavarick79@yahoo.com with the your availability and preferences. If your schedule is flexible please indicate that is the case. 
    • You selections will be updated into this schedule upon receipt and will display in this post. 
    • You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours 
    • You will receive a reminder email the day prior to your watch(es).



    I would like to see at lease 2 people on each shift.

    Uniform of the day will be Trops.  I will completed all 7030's for everyone.  I will send everyone a copy of the 7030 for they records.   Please make sure you sign the log with your time and contact numbers.  Also remember to log your prep and travel time on your 7029's. 

    Please contact Robert Megel to sign up for the shift of your choice or if you have any questions or comments.

    Lets make this a great show for US and the boating public.   

    Thank you for your help.

    If the watch bill does not show above please try again later.

    Monday, January 14, 2013

    2013 Pacific Northwest Sportsman's Show Watch Bill - 06-10FEB2013

    Shipmates,

    It is again time for the second of our major show events of the year - the 2013 Pacific Northwest Sportsman's Show. This show is an outstanding opportunity to spread the Recreational Boating Safety message, attract participation in our classes, schedule VEs, raise the profile of the joint Coast Guard/Auxiliary team and speak to potential new members.

    The main show days are Wednesday, 06 FEB to Sunday 10 FEB 2013.

    I encourage each of you to participate in at least one shift and, as your schedule permits, serve multiple shifts.

    Uniform is Tropical Blue.

    Signing up for watch standing:
    For the last three years we've used an online schedule and email approach which worked well and we'll replicate the process this year.
    • Review this schedule for open watches 
    • Send an email to rrivera@pcc.edu AND mavarick79@comcast.net with the your availability and preferences. If your schedule is flexible please indicate that is the case. 
    • You selections will be updated into this schedule upon receipt and will display in this post. 
    • You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours 
    • You will receive a reminder email the day prior to your watch(es).



    If the watch bill does not show above visit this link.

    Saturday, January 12, 2013

    Staff Officer Toolkit: Using AUXOFFICER to learn your staff chain

    By Daren Lewis

    Shipmates,
    We have dozen's of staff officers across the Division. It is important to know who serves in your staff chain and who your peers are at your particular level. These folks are a key resource for you as you work to make your program excellent. If you are an FSO please be in regular touch with your SO and your FSO colleagues. Talk about your challenges. Talk about your ideas. Share your successes. Make each other successful. We are all in this together.

    Video: ODU Utility Jacket

    By Daren Lewis

    Shipmates,
    At the Division 7 instructor workshop we discussed the ODU Utility Jacket. Last year I did two videos on this new item and I'm reposting these in response to the questions.

     Please note:
    • The ODU Utility Jacket may be worn alone with ODUs or as part of a system with the Foul Weather Parka with ODUs. 
    • The older style fleece liner may not be worn separately from the Foul Weather Parka it must be worn as part of the system.
    • The Foul Weather Parka may be worn with Tropical Blue & Winter Dress Blue only under the following "The foul weather parka may be worn with the Tropical Blue uniform only if adverse environmental conditions dictate the need for this heavier outer wear (such wear shall be limited to necessary occasions or periods)." While not specific this can be interpreted to mean you should not wear the ODU Utility Jacket as a stand-alone item with Trops & WDB. Consider that in conditions appropriate for the ODU Utility Jacket the outwear prescribed for these uniforms, the trench coat and windbreaker, work as well or better.
    • Order the ODU Utility Jacket from the UDC - http://www.uscg.mil/uniforms/
    • Limited stock may be available at the Exchanges




    Wednesday, December 19, 2012

    Commandant's Holiday Greetings

    R 141815Z DEC 12 
    ALCOAST 523/12 
    COMDTNOTE 1000 
    SUBJ: Holiday Greetings
    1. Shipmates, during this festive and meaningful season, Linda and I extend our heartfelt thanks for your dedicated service to our Nation throughout the past year. 
    2. As you celebrate the holidays, keep in mind our Shipmates who are unable to enjoy the full measure of the seasons blessings. Some are on watch, underway, or deployed far from home and will be without the joy of family. Others, displaced from their homes and stations by Hurricane Sandy, continue to rebuild. Keep in our thoughts and prayers the families of our Shipmates who crossed the bar this year while standing the watch, including LCDR Dale Taylor, LTJG Thomas Cameron, BMCS Terrell Horne, ASTC Fernando Jorge and AET3 Andrew Knight.
    3. As Coast Guardsmen, we are committed every day to protecting lives at sea, supporting safe commerce, and securing our nation from threats at home and abroad. While we will continue to stand the watch, I encourage you to find time to celebrate, relax and enjoy the many blessings of the season.
    4. Whether you will spend the holidays with family, friends, or in the company of Shipmates, we hope you will safely enjoy your time together. Every day, we are inspired and humbled by your selfless service and by our families. I invite you to view a holiday video message from both of us, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael Leavitt and Mrs. Debora Leavitt at the following link: www.dvidshub.net/video/192968/us-coast-guard-holiday-message-2012
    5. We send our warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and a happy new year. 
    6. Stand a taut watch, Semper Paratus.
    7. Admiral Bob and Linda Papp, send.
    8. Internet release authorized.

    Friday, December 14, 2012

    2013 Portland Boat Show Watch Bill

    Shipmates,

    It is again time for the first of our major show events of the year - the 2013 Portland Boat Show. This show is an outstanding opportunity to spread the Recreational Boating Safety message, attract participation in our classes, schedule VEs, raise the profile of the joint Coast Guard/Auxiliary team and speak to potential new members.

    The main show days are Wednesday, 09 JAN to Sunday 13 Jan 2013.

    I encourage each of you to participate in at least one shift and, as your schedule permits, serve multiple shifts.

    Signing up for watch standing:
    For the last three years we've used an online schedule and email approach which worked well and we'll replicate the process this year.
    • Review this schedule for open watches 
    • Send an email to rrivera@pcc.edu with the your availability and preferences. If your schedule is flexible please indicate that is the case. 
    • You selections will be updated into this schedule upon receipt and will display in this post. 
    • You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours 
    • You will receive a reminder email the day prior to your watch(es).
    Thank you for your help. The show is complete and the watch bill has been removed.

    If the watch bill does not show above visit this link.

    Sunday, October 28, 2012

    Coast Guard Windbreaker Insignia

    By Daren Lewis

    Shipmates,
    Wondering how the devices should be placed on your windbreaker?

    Auxiliary Manual, Chapter 10, F.1.d. Metal Shoulder and Collar Insignia

    Members wear the large metal shoulder insignia on the epaulets of blue raincoats, trench coats, windbreakers, and blue overcoats. The letter “A” faces outboard and the outer edge of the insignia is placed ¾ inch from the outer edge.


    Friday, October 5, 2012

    Winter Dress Blue returns 01 November

    By Daren Lewis

    Shipmates,
    With the new Auxiliary Manual issued last year we finally have clear information on the wear period for Winter Dress Blue.

    Winter Dress Blue is authorized from 01 November to 31 March each year.

    Now is a great time to send your WDB shirts to the cleaners in preparation for November.

    I always look forward to Halloween because it means my favorite uniform is authorized the next morning.

    If you don't currently have Winter Dress Blue and would like to obtain this uniform you will find details in the Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1G). Details for men are found in Chapter 10 - G.7. on page 10-64. Details for women are are found in Chapter 10 - I.6. on page 10-96.

    Adding Winter Dress Blue to your uniform set is only moderately costly if you already have Tropical Blue as your cover (hat) options, trousers, shoes, socks, undergarments and most devices are shared with Trops. You will need:

    • Dress Blue Winter Shirt
    • Male Neck Tie
    • Appropriate Auxiliary metal colar insignia
    • Tie clasp (optional)

    The shirt can be ordered from the Uniform Distribution Center. The sizing is the same for men and women.

    DRESS BLUE WINTER SHIRT (DBWS) $25.74 - http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/MensDressShirts.asp DRESS BLUE WINTER SHIRT (DBWS) $25.74 - http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/WomensDressShirts.asp

    The men's neck tie is worn for men and women:

    Neck Tie Male (NTM) $4.32 - http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/BeltsBuckles.asp

    Appropriate metal colar devices are available from our District Staff Officer - Materials or the District Materials Store on http://www.shopauxiliary.com

    UPDATE 07OCT2012: DCDR(e)/SO-MT asked me to remind members that these collar insignia are worn parallel  to the inner collar edges as show in Chapter 10 - Page 10-38 of the Auxiliary Manual.





    The tie clasp is optional and the appropriate clasp can be purchased at the  District Materials Store on http://www.shopauxiliary.com



    See you in Winter Dress Blue!


    Thursday, October 4, 2012

    Division 7 Officers for 2013

    By Daren Lewis

    Shipmates,
    Last night Division 7 elected officers for the 2013 term. Ken Babick will be our Division Commander and Rick Williams will be the Vice Division Commander. Please take a moment to congratulate Ken and Rick and also thank Matt Epstein for his willingness to serve as VCDR. We also had the opportunity to recognize Brad Schuldt's election as DCAPT-S for 2013. Congratulations Brad.




    I had the opportunity to talk to the Division - I'd like to share the basic outline of that conversation here:

    Shipmates,
    When the District Commander, RADM Taylor, spoke to the District Meeting he discussed the Commandant’s vision as laid out in the 23rd Shipmates Message.

    The vision is broken down into 3 parts.
    • Proficient Leadership
    • Proficient in our Craft
    • Disciplined Initiative
    The link to the article can be found here: http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-08/proficiency-essence-discipline

    District 13 Commander, RADM Keith Taylor discusses the Commandant's vision at the Fall District 13 Meeting


    I want to talk about Proficient Leadership

    I’ve discovered something as District Captain that wasn’t clear before. Every Division, and most Flotilla’s, think they are the outsiders in this organization. Div 5 is the lost Division, Div 6 is spread all over the map on the coast and inland. Div 7 remembers probation not that long ago.

    Brad, George, the FCs and the Division 7 membership can be rightly proud of the accomplishments of the year. We will talk about some of those outcomes this evening. Whenever we celebrate the accomplishments of a member, a Flotilla or the Division please remember each of us is also part of a greater mission shared with all our shipmates and all those who we support in our Safety, Security and Stewardship missions.

    None of us work alone. There is no faceless entity known as a Division, a District, or National.

    We are it.

    Sitting behind me is a significant portion of the senior leadership for 2013. Our shipmate from only as far away as McMinnville - Commodore Elect Dean Wimer.

    Brad Schuldt, our District Captain Elect.

    Ken Babick, your Division Commander Elect and a member of the D13 board.

    These shipmates are District 13.

    Would the District SOs and ADSOs please stand. Thank you for your service shipmates. Dean and Richard are building a staff now. I expect, based on the proven leadership qualities of our Division SOs we may well see more people standing next year.

    These shipmates are District 13.

    We have the bulk of the Southern Area QE corps in the room this evening.

    Dean, Don, Ken, Todd

    You know I’m focused on safety and operational proficiency. As QEs these men don’t work for me - they work for the OTO... but they certainly make it so I can sleep at night in spite of my personal responsibility for the safety of each of our members.

    Theses shipmates are District 13.

    Mr. Bell puts out the #1 publication in the District. He and I amiably debate his Soap Box columns. While Daymark is made for Div7 it has influence well beyond.

    Gary is District 13.

    We have many others who play formal and informal roles. Gay Sipes has already been recognized as an ADSO... don’t you think the District Auxiliarist of the Year is an influencer.

    I saw her fill that role brilliantly in her comments at the District meeting - she went right to talking about the team.

    Gay is District 13.

    I know we will be recognizing Gay again but let’s all stand and give her a well deserved round of applause.

    By now I hope you are getting the point.

    Every one of us is District 13.

    With the recognition, the prominent role of Division members in leadership and the potential for impact, comes great responsibility. We can’t afford to have any of our Divisions considering themselves outsiders.

    I need each of you to consider how we help make our shipmates -- all of them, everywhere, part of the team -- effective -- proficient -- and safe.

    And here is the true hard part...

    It starts with introspection. I must ask myself:
    • Where am I off policy by acts of omission or commision
    • Where do I not yet measure up
    • When have I not met the test of the core values
    • Where have I not been a humble servant
    I owe each of you an honest answer to these questions. I ask each of you to look to yourselves and your units and undertake the introspective journey.

    The success of this Division should be celebrated but it is also a challenge to lead, and to in Commandant’s words to lead proficiently.

    So, humbly I thank you for your service.

    As ALWAYS, be safe and look to the safety of your shipmates.

    Daren

    Sunday, September 30, 2012

    District 13 September Meeting

    By Daren Lewis

    Shipmates,
    Congratulations to our Division Commander Brad Schuldt. Brad stepped up and was elected as our District Captain for 2013.

    Flotilla 66 member Dean Wimer was elected as District Commodore for the 2013-14 term. Congratulations Commodore Wimer! COMO Wimer has a strong vision for the District, building on the work he and COMO Raiswell have undertaken together over the last two years.

    Flotilla 19 member Richard Coons was elected Chief of Staff for the 2013-14 term. I've worked with Richard as a member of EXCOM and he is an outstanding Auxiliarist and leader.

    Here are some photos of the events