Auxiliarist of the Month, April 2025

 Robert Hamilton

 

Our April 2025 Auxiliarist of the Month is Robert Hamilton.  He joined the Auxiliary in November 2021 and quickly rose up the offices, now serving as Division Commander for Division 3.  He has attended every DTRAIN since joining, encouraged by the ADSO-HR-N and others who saw his leadership skills early on.  He is qualified as an Instructor, Vessel Examiner and Boat Crew and has led or conducted numerous events in his short tenure.  Most recently, in cooperation with Division 4, he stood up a Boat Crew Academy which is helping to bring Surface Operations capability back to Division 3.  The final step was to make his own boat available as a facility.

When Active Duty reached out to the District for piloting Auxiliarist participation in the PIE (Partnerships In Education) program, Bob volunteered to be the District’s liaison.

As the Division’s HR-Officer he has recruited and supported quite a number of new members.  He has reached out to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) to present Auxiliary opportunities to those retiring from that installation.  In addition he has made inroads to help promote recreational Boating Safety at American Lake (part of JBLM). 

Frustrated in his own experience with navigating the disjointed current state of Core and Basically Qualified training, he prepared content and recently stood up a District-wide New Member Academy, which for its first delivery attracted 25 participants.  Bob will again be delivering the same course at the 31 May Northern Area Training event in
Edmonds, WA as well as presenting it at the Fall DTRAIN in Clackamas. 

By end April he had completed all requirements for AUXOP (Auxiliary Operational Specialist) and has also completed Level 1 through Level 3 Leadership Competencies. 

We are grateful for his steadfast service in promoting the Auxiliary and for the mentoring he has provided to so many new members.  Bob is most deserving of this recognition as April 2025 Auxiliarist of the Month.

 

March 2025 Auxiliarist of the Month: Greg Kaminski

 

Auxiliarist of the Month – March 2025, Chaplain Greg Kaminski – Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 52 Eugene/Florence

Chaplain Gregory Kaminski has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to both the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard community. In March, he continued to go above and beyond in his duties by providing outstanding spiritual support, counseling, and morale-boosting outreach across multiple active-duty bases and flotilla 52. His efforts have significantly strengthened unit cohesion and provided critical emotional and moral support during training activities, missions, and routine operations.
In March, Mr. Kaminski has conducted numerous chaplain missions in direct support of both active-duty Coast Guard personnel and fellow Auxiliarists. His compassionate presence and steady leadership have made a meaningful impact across the service. Whether offering guidance during operational stress or simply being a calm, caring voice during challenging times, he has exemplified the core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.

In addition to his chaplain duties, Chaplain Kaminski is currently enrolled in the Crew Member qualification course, further demonstrating his commitment to operational readiness and his desire to serve in a broader capacity. His willingness to expand his qualifications and skill set is a testament to his dedication to the mission and to those he serves alongside.

Chaplain Kaminski’s service during March exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an Auxiliarist. His leadership, empathy, and initiative make him an invaluable asset to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and I strongly recommend him for this well-deserved recognition.

Recommended by Joseph Giammona, VCDR, Div 5.

 

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February 2025 Auxiliarist of the Month: Tiney Singler

 

 

It is with great pride and admiration that District 13 recognizes Commodore Tiney Singler as the Auxiliary of the Month for his exceptional dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the mission and values of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

Commodore Singler has consistently gone above and beyond in his duties, demonstrating outstanding professionalism and a tireless work ethic. Whether leading critical initiatives, recruiting new members, mentoring fellow Auxiliarists, or ensuring the smooth operation of our programs from the flotilla level all the way to the national level, his contributions have been invaluable.  
Over the 25 years he has been involved with the Auxiliary, Commodore Singler has served as a watchstander, instructor, and vessel examiner. After completing a two year term as Deputy National Commodore for the Pacific Area and is currently serving as Assistant National Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety while simultaneously holding the positions of Staff Officer for Public Education in Division 5 and Flotilla 59’s Staff Officer for Public Education, Finance, Information Systems and Member Training . His ability to inspire others and their proactive approach to problem-solving have set a remarkable example for all of us.   In addition to his professional accomplishments, Commodore Singler has shown immense compassion and dedication to supporting his peers, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer guidance. His positive attitude and collaborative spirit has strengthened the bonds within our organization and elevated our collective efforts.   Please join us in congratulating Commodore Tiney Singler on this well-deserved honor. His hard work and dedication continues to inspire us all, and we are grateful to have such an outstanding individual as part of our team.  

Thank you, Commodore Singler, for your exceptional service and leadership!

Nominated by Kurt Nelson, FC Flotilla 59

 

 

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January 2025 Auxiliarist of the Month: Penny Jensen

 

Her Flotilla Commander, Harry Dudley writes:
“Since her enrollment date, 06/16/23, Penny has been a dynamo of Auxiliary activity.  She completed her AUX Core Training in very short order.  In addition to the exceptional number of VSCs that she completed in 2024, she has already started doing FSO-VE duties in 2025.  She traveled to La Push to walk the docks there looking for Vessel Safety Check opportunities.  She volunteered to be the Auxiliary Unit Coordinator for CG Station Quillayute River (La Push) and has visited them twice already (a long drive from Port Townsend).  When she asked the Officer in Command what the Auxiliary can do to help them, he said he could use help with Communications Watchstanders.  She brought back Volume 6 – Watchstander (BQH 16155.6) for Communication Watchstander Qualification and will work with any Auxiliary members in the Division (or District) who are interested in standing communications watches at CG Stations such as Station Quillayute River, Station Port Angeles, Stationm Neah Bay, Station Seattle, etc.  She also has linked up one of the Auxiliary Culinary qualified members in the Division with Station Quillayute River to see where that program can help them.  Her enthusiasm for Auxiliary missions is boundless.”

Introducing herself, Penny writes:
“Salt water runs through my veins.  In 1960, my parents took me to the San Juan Islands. I was hooked.  My Dad and I were in charge of a 21 foot Sabrecraft with a 35 horse Mercury on the stern.  As soon as I could, I bought my own sailboat (sorry Dad).  I’ve sailed the Caribbean, the Channel Islands off California, and the Canadian Gulf Islands.  I boated with my parents in Northern Quebec, the Thousand Islands, and other areas of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
I have 2 sons, one a boater, one gets seasick on the ferry.  My husband graciously supports my vanishing from our home when I conduct VSC’s (I completed over 100-2024).  2025, I’m AUC for Quillayute River Coast Guard Station.  This is an honor, and as you can see from the photo, I had a ride on a 47!!!  Finally, for 2025, I accepted the position of ADSO-VE-N for District 13. What an incredible opportunity to learn more about our District. I thank the Coast Guard Auxiliary for their support and Fellowship.”