Flotilla 6-18 General Information

The Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary as an organization, prides itself on recognizing
their own. That being said, December 12, 2020 was a very special day for our Flotilla 06-18.
We recognized and honored two of our own: Robert(Bob) E. Publicover (41years) and Anthony
M. Ruggiero(40 years).
Due to Covid 19 restrictions we spaced 6 ft apart, had a table to put the award on and wore our
masks. In attendance were Wayne Hansen FSO-IS, Lisabeth (Betsy) White FC (incoming) and
myself, Carol D. Wilkinson(VCDR). It was an overcast day, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. We
were sharing in the pride of our fellow members exceptional accomplishments.
A week prior, I called both Bob and Tony respectively and said that I would like to interview
them and take their picture. All present wanted to surprise them this day when we all showed up
to greet them. Both Bob and Tony expected just me and were surprised when they also saw two
fellow members on their front lawns. Betsy formally thanked them on behalf of our flotilla and
the Coast Guard Auxiliary for their years of selfless service to others. They were each given a
desktop porthole clock with their names engraved on a nameplate. We took pictures and
chatted for a little bit. We met with Bob Publicover first and then went to surprise Tony
Ruggiero.
A little background on both. Bob had wanted to get involved in the Coast Guard Auxiliary
because, “I liked what the Coast Guard stood for. I liked boats. I wanted to get involved and
help”. Bob had been in another flotilla before joining our 06-18 as one of our longest standing
members. He is currently FSO-VE and has held many positions including Division Commander.
A highlight for Bob was when he helped as crew of two Coast Guard Crew vessels- The
Tahoma and the Campbell stationed in New Bedford for about four years. He inspected suits,
did chart updating and whatever else the Coast Guard needed. Bob has recently retired from his
civilian job. He looks forward to the time when we can get to our regular meetings and Covid-19
is a thing of the past. As Bob, likes to say-Semper Paratus.
Before Tony joined our ranks, he was a member of the Power Squadron for 18 years, but they
closed their nearby facilities. He was looking for another organization where he could help teach
boating safety and education and put his talents to use. He was a boater for most of his life and
for a short time joined the Navy. He has always appreciated being on the water. He recently
retired from the Coast Guard Auxiliary, but has served as Boat Crew, Coxswain, Instructor and
Vessel Examiner. He has also held many officers, including what would today be called Division
Commander. Highlights for Tony would be vessel exams in Swansea. Many of today’s boaters
today grew up in my neighborhood, I’d see my kid’s friends all grown up, with kids of their
own-being interested in boating safety- It made me proud or when a student recognized me from a
previous boating course taught. Also, when the Coast Guard would call us, and ask for our
assistance, if they needed help (with a tow or such) and we were patrolling in that area. I
enjoyed that very much. “ I liked being of service. My reward was an interesting day on the
water. I liked teaching others and helping crew people. It was my way of promoting safety on the
water.” If I can be of any help in the future as a Mentor-I’d really like to do that.
After yesterday and talking to both these gentlemen. I am reminded what an incredible
organization that I have been a part of since 2013. The biggest thrill is learning so many things
and growing not only in knowledge of boating, but as a human being. After all, this is an
organization of volunteers dedicated to helping others. Again, Thank you Bob and Tony for
showing us what keeping to the task is all about adhering to Respect, Honor and Devotion to
Duty. Semper Paratus.
Carol D. Wilkinson