What's Happening in Division 15
ROBERT FABICH, D7 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR
From left to right: Commodore Gary Barth, District 7 USCG Auxiliary; Rear Admiral Eric Jones, CDR, USCG Seventh District; Robert Fabich, Sr., VP USCG Auxiliary Association; Commodore Larry King, National Commodore USCG Auxiliary; and CAPT John Briggs, Director of Auxiliary USCG Seventh District. Photo by Alexis Walker, September 21, 2019.
Robert Fabich, Sr., was named U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary District 7 Auxiliarist of the Year at the annual District 7 Training Conference (DTRAIN) in Orlando, Florida . With that designation Fabich was also awarded the Auxiliary Commendation Medal. In the award citation, Fabich was specifically recognized for his service at the National and District levels including his contributions as an editor/contributing editor of the publications The Navigator, Navigator Express, D7 AUXAIR Operations and Flight Safety Newsletter, as a photographer (Navigator and Navigator Express, DTRAIN, D7 webpage, D7 AUXAIR Operations and Flight Safety Newsletter), and for his leadership on special projects like the Special Hurricane Edition of NAVEX, the D7 vector boundary map, and the D7 Best Practices Program. In addition, Fabich served as a member of the Public Affairs Rapid Response Operations Team.
Mr. Fabich placed first for 2019 Best Photography Award in both the Marine Safety and the Public Affairs Categories. He was presented challenge coins by Rear Admiral Eric Jones, Commander, USCG Seventh District, Captain Scott Jackson, Deputy Director Steve White, Robin Priestley, Branch Chief, and by Commodore Vincent Pica.
Mr. Fabich was also recognized for his work on last year’s 7:15 Express. Working with then Division Commander Andy Render, Fabich produced a unique on-line communication vehicle that was recognized for its innovative approach to getting the word out to the members of Division 15 Coast Guard Auxiliary members. He was awarded first place for Publications for 2019 Division Category for the – 7:15 Express –.
These are remarkable achievements for not only an exceptional year, but for Mr. Fabich’s exceptional representation of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
National Safe Boating Week Award
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-1 of Crystal River, Florida was presented the "District 7 Best Flotilla National Safe Boating Week Program Award" for 2019. Captain Matthew Thompson, USCG Commander Sector St. Petersburg and Commander John Briggs, USCG Director of Auxiliary District 7, presented a plaque and banner to the flotilla’s bridge officers at the Division 15 Change of Watch banquet. The annual banquet was held at Citrus Hills Country Club in Hernando, Florida on Nov. 16. This is an outstanding achievement for Flotilla 15-1 due to the fact that USCG District 7 is comprised of more than 100 Auxiliary flotillas from South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Island and Guam.
HAM RADIO EVENT
Deborah Thomas and Ron Dyke of USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 15-1 coordinated the annual Ham Radio Event at the Citrus County EOC. The event was open to the public as well as Auxiliary members who were invited to participate and learn more about the process of making calls around the world.
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John Bescher, Deborah Thomas, Ron Dykes | Ron Dykes and Ham Fest Participants | Ron Dykes and Sean Walsh |