2018 Press Releases
ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL – USCG Douglas Munro
By Linda Jones
This year’s event was dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the WW II battle of Guadalcanal. In recognition of the many service members who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day and throughout the history of the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 15 invited the public to attend their annual Douglas Munro Memorial ceremony. It took place on May 5, 2018, at 10:00 AM at the USCG Douglas Munro Monument in Crystal River in Little Springs Park.
The U. S. Coast Guard Douglas Munro monument was built in honor of USCG Signalman Douglas Munro. Munro is the only Coast Guardsman to earn the Medal of Honor because of his heroic actions during the battle of Guadalcanal.
Taking part in this year’s event were the following: USCG Station Yankeetown, USCG Auxiliary Division 15 members, Crystal River High School JROTC (CWO Elizabeth Rivera-Commander), Mike Gudis, Crystal River City Councilman, Young Marines of Citrus County, and the Citrus County Cruisers Antique Car Club.
This project came about through the efforts of personnel at the USCG Station Yankeetown and Ken Harrington who spear-headed the project. Mr. Harrington was a Crystal River resident and member of the Crystal River Fraternal Order of Eagles.
A few years ago, when Mr. Harrington was interviewed about the monument by Linda Jones, Flotilla Commander and Public Affairs Officer, he said that this monument was erected to honor not only Douglas Munro and the U.S. Coast Guard, but ALL the men and women of the armed forces who gave their lives while serving their country. Sadly, Mr. Harrington passed away last year.
Charles S. Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award
Linda Jones, Flotilla 15-1
In April of this year Linda Jones received a telephone call from Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant of the Coast Guard. After getting over the initial shock (and finally believing this was not just a practical joke being played on her), Linda learned she was the recipient of the Coast Guard’s Charles S. Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award.
This national award parallels the other Coast Guard Inspirational Leadership Awards: Captain John G. Whitherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award for Active Duty and Reserve Officers, the George R. Putnam Inspirational Leadership Award for Civilians, and the MCPO Angela M. McShan Inspirational Leadership Award for Active Duty or Reserve Chief Petty Officers (E-7).
Here is a “small excerpt” from Linda’s Letter of Recommendation
Auxiliarist Jones is a well-respected and effective Flotilla Commander. She has been instrumental in mentoring numerous Auxiliarists and assisting them in achieving their auxiliary goals. She has worked toward developing members for leadership roles and is always been willing to accept additional responsibilities. She has appeared on numerous television PSAs supporting National Safe Boating week, Operation Dry Water, and the need to wear life jackets. Her many auxiliary photos and articles in local newspapers has been instrumental in bringing aboard new members.
During NSBW, she has organized a number of Coast Guard/Auxiliary picnics for the “WEAR IT” campaign. The events were featured in several local newspapers and on the NSBC web site. Another of the many outstanding contributions of Auxiliarist Jones is organizing and conducting an annual event to honor Signalman First Class Douglas Munro, the only member of the US Coast Guard to have received the Medal of Honor. Additionally, each year Auxiliarist Jones organizes the Coast Guard and Auxiliary participation in the Crystal River (Florida) Christmas Parade. Along with these activities she organizes several other events for Station Yankeetown.
As Ombudsman for Coast Guard Station Yankeetown, Auxiliarist Jones developed and distributes new arrival packages, produces a monthly newsletter, works closely with Coast Guard families and corresponds with the families of new station crew arriving to their first assignment after graduating Training Center Cape May.
The Fourth Annual Great Yankeetown “Chili Taste-Off”
By Linda Jones Flotilla 15-1 Crystal River, FL March 23, 2018
“Seafood Chili”??? That’s right! Auxiliarists of District 7 Division 15 keep coming up with new and creative ways to make this annual “Chili Taste-Off” event a success. Eleven members prepared a variety of meat, bean, vegetarian, and seafood chili’s to show their appreciation for the members of Coast Guard Station Yankeetown. This was the fourth year for this event, and it keeps getting better and better!
The entries were judged in four categories: Chief’s Choice, Auxiliary Commodore’s Choice, Coasties’ Choice, and Members’ Choice. Members appreciated that Judith Hudson, District Commodore, joined the festivities this year.
As the entries arrived, they were assigned a number so no names were associated with each chili. Everyone attending was given 6 tickets to vote for their favorites. After sampling and voting, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of CHILI with all the fixings!
In addition to the Auxiliary entries, BM2 Jason Levin and CS2 Colin Piepenbrok prepared their own delicious chili entries. CS2 Piepenbrok along with his trusty AUXFS, Diane Berman of Flotilla 15-1 Crystal River, made sure there were plenty of toppings for the chili like grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, onions, pickles, hot peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, and more!
Several Auxiliarists brought coleslaw, corn bread/muffins, chips, dip, and delicious desserts to round out the menu. There were even chocolate covered pretzel rods for all to enjoy.
CS2 Piepenbrok earned Chief’s Choice. BM2 Levin won the award for Commodore Hudson’s Choice. Coasties’ Choice was awarded to Vince Maida. Robert Fabich, Sr. and Diane Berman tied for the win of Auxiliarists’ Choice. All chili participants were given a specially prepared “Chili Taste-Off” apron as a thank you for their entry.
Everyone had a great time sampling the different chili’s and enjoying this annual fellowship event. There were 40 Auxiliarists and Coast Guardsmen in attendance this year.
After surveying the Coast Guardsmen and the Auxiliarists, Division 15 Events Coordinator, Linda Jones, announced that considering the overwhelming positive response, Division 15 will look forward to another Chili Taste-Off next year.
A special thank you to Andy Render DCDR Div. 15, Tricia Dooris 15-4, Lana Lanza 15-8, Don Jones 15-1, Diane Berman 15-1, Vince Maida 15-1, Deborah Thomas 15-1, and SN Jennifer Elshof -Station Yankeetown for helping get everything set up the day of the event. Thank you to Robert Fabich, Sr., who not only brought the “Seafood Chili” but also took numerous pictures of the event.
Bravo Zulu to all who cooked, brought side dishes, desserts, or came to taste/judge the chili. Events such as these cannot be successful without the cooperation and participation of our members.
Together, we are TEAM COAST GUARD.
Linda Jones Honored for Ombudsman Performance
January 29, 2018
Station Yankeetown Ombudsman, Linda Jones, Flotilla 15-1, was recognized for her work with the members of Station Yankeetown by Rear Admiral Brown, Master Chief Hooker, and Chief Tookey. RADM Brown and Chief Tookey each presented her with Challenge coins. Auxiliarist Jones is the liaison between the Command and the families. She travels to Yankeetown to welcome each new member to the Station. Jones prepares a welcome packet with information about several counties in which the new station member may decide to live. In addition, she periodically brings home-baked items up to the station to make them feel more at home.
Citrus County Parks and Recreation Kids’ Fishing Clinic
By Linda Jones, Public Affairs Staff Officer, Division 15
CRYSTAL RIVER, FL – Working together to get the word out about safe boating practices, MK3 Santana and SN Bunn, USCG Station Yankeetown and Tim Boyle, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-1 talked with children and parents who attended the recent Kids’ Fishing Clinic at Ft. Island Trail Park in Crystal River. Participants were given the opportunity to board the Coast Guard vessel (both children and parents) as part of the event activities. Before boarding, each child was reminded that they needed to wear a life jacket when they went out on a vessel. Then, they were given a “WEAR IT” sticker for their shirt, and allowed to board. There was much positive feedback from parents who confirmed that their children were wearing PFD’s when they went out boating. Over 350 children participated in this annual event held February 24, 2018.
Activities such as these not only provide local boaters safe boating information, but they also provide the active duty and the auxiliary a chance for fellowship. Station Yankeetown members are always supportive of Division 15 activities and our members enjoy working with these men and women. We ARE “Team Coast Guard!”
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