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Michael F. Raffel is the District Chief of Staff for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, First District Southern Region. He has been an active member of the Auxiliary for over 16 years and has held various elected and appointed offices at multiple levels of the organization. Most recently, he served as District Captain for Sector New York North.
Raffel has also served as a Flotilla Staff Officer, Division Staff Officer, and Assistant District Staff Officer in various mission programs including; Operations, Vessel Examinations, Program Visitation, Computer Services, Secretary, Public Education, and Marine Safety. He also was designated and served as the U.S. Coast Guard Station Kings Point Liaison for his flotilla. Raffel’s qualifications include Boat Crew Crewmember, Instructor, Vessel Examiner, Recreational Boating Safety Program Visitor, Telecommunications Operator, and Fingerprint Technician. He is AUXOP qualified and has earned the Recreational Boating Safety Specialist Device.
In recognition of his service, Raffel has earned numerous awards, including the Auxiliary Achievement Medal, Auxiliary Commandant's Letter of Commendation, Auxiliary Sustained Service Award recognizing more than 7,500 hours of volunteer service, the Auxiliary Membership Service Award, the Coast Guard Unit Commendation, the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, the DHS Outstanding Unit Award, as well as multiple other service performance awards.
Beyond his contributions in leadership and operations, Raffel has been instrumental in organizing his District’s Annual District Training event (DTRAIN), multiple Regional Based Training events (RBT’s), a Staff Officer College for Appointed Staff Officers, and assisting in the promotion of additional high value training opportunities throughout the District.
Raffel retired from the transportation industry after a career spanning over 20 years. He currently resides in Putnam County, New York, and continues to dedicate himself to advancing the Auxiliary’s mission and values.
