Command Philosophy from Flotilla Leadership
TED WADSWORTH | FLOTILLA COMMANDER
RELEVANCE | MENTORSHIP | EDUCATION
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is one of the greatest volunteer organizations in the world. The Auxiliary functions as a bridge between the active duty, civilians, retired military, and the younger generations in search of their path. You will gain knowledge, experience, and friendship. Whatever level of participation, there is a place for you here to thrive. The more you learn the more you will understand the organization and your role in it. You will realize how important you are to the Auxiliary and to your community.
Relevance in the Auxiliary comes from applying your skills to our mission. You have a choice of applying your professional experience to a wide array of Auxiliary missions. Are you a cook, interpreter, lawyer, clergy, or medical professional? Your skills are valued and needed. Your unique talents can be matched to support the Coast Guard. There are also plenty of new skills you can learn in the Auxiliary such as search and rescue, advanced boating skills, and additional leadership training. The skills you learn will be recognized and respected. Combined with your current talents, your knowledge will leave an impact on the Auxiliary.
Mentorship and volunteerism is about giving back. Your life experiences contribute to understanding others, whether a fellow member or a boater in distress. We look out for each other and encourage fellowship through social interaction. A call to a shipmate can mean more to them than you can imagine. It is the difference between feeling alone and having the support you need through a crisis or a shoulder to lean on. Be the example others require. Mentor those around you and that will bring us all up.
Education is paramount. Use your time wisely. Learn as much as you can. Interact with diverse cultural groups. The Auxiliary is about growing together, training, tradition and community. Your reward is what you learn and share with others. The more you put in, certainly, the more you will get out of your Auxiliary career.
The Auxiliary has had a long and varied tradition which has evolved to play a huge role in augmenting the Coast Guard. We continue to look for ways to do work that serves the greater good. I challenge you to make your mark, leave the Auxiliary better than you found it!
JOHN MCNAMARA | VICE FLOTILLA COMMANDER
PEOPLE | FELLOWSHIP | GIVING
People Our members are our most valuable resource. They breathe life into the Auxiliary. Giving our membership the tools for the qualification paths that they need, coupled with leadership development is an integral part of our members’ many opportunities for advancement.
Fellowship In the Coast Guard Auxiliary, individual achievement and teamwork involve the all-important binding factor of fellowship. As shipmates working together in our goal of promoting maritime safety, and the prevention of loss of life, we provide support for the Coast Guard in their tasks, shared mutually, as Guardians of the nation's coastal seas, lakes and waterways.
Giving What is it that makes one stand above with respect and sense of purpose? It is the act of "giving." All of us in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the members of Flotilla 5-11 are dedicated to the primary purpose of saving lives. We give time and talent in order to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventive means, in order to maximize safe use and enjoyment of our nation's waterways by everyone.
"Volunteers receive no pay not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." —Sherry Anderson
ALEX RICO | IMMEDIATE PAST FLOTILLA COMMANDER
DIVERSITY | COMMUNITY | TRADITION
Diversity We are one of the most diverse units in the Auxiliary; our multiculturalism and religious diversity provide opportunities to learn from one another. Incorporating these differences into our service enables us to better connect with our community. We continue to focus on expanding our membership to groups that have not traditionally had access to waterfront activities, whether due to a lack of information or due to economic constraints. Our flotilla will continue to embrace diversity in order to better reflect the unique composition of our city.
Community The successful relationships we have established with our partners has better connected us to our neighbors. Continuing to cultivate these partnerships is vital to expanding our services. Accessing a larger number of community members will help us better understand their needs. To that end, we will continue to pursue a grassroots effort in our approach to our outreach. It is always important to keep those we serve in mind.
Tradition It is important we continue to work on the activities that have made the Flotilla successful, such as vessel safety checks, food services, and communications. We are fortunate to have founding members within our ranks. These senior members have held positions as past flotilla commanders and instill us with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Members should consider them mentors and support the programs that they are active in. We cannot forget where we came from as we build up the unit.
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