P a ge 6 t opside V olume 79 , I s s u e 4
J . Douglas Willwerth , DCAPT-W
Greetings Shipmates !
It is hard to believe we are winding down the operational season of 2021 . Thinking about where we were a year ago and even earlier this year , we didn ’ t know what the future held for our participation in any programs due to the pandemic . Despite that , you stayed ahead of any concerns and made a contingency plan to train , just in case . Here we are now more than 6 months later , and look at what you have accomplished ! The Western Area has had much success in operations and recruiting this year . Congratulations to everyone , despite the ongoing challenges , some of which still exist . I have said and acknowledged this before , we have some of the best and most resilient volunteers of any organization in the United States . While leadership provides direction , you have stepped up to the plate to show how the Flotilla members are the backbone of the Auxiliary and are able to get the job done !
I am honored to be elected again to represent the Fifth Northern Western Area as your District Captain for another year in 2022 . I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Division leadership teams this year and appreciate the support and talent they represent . As a team , we have been able to accomplish great things by working together and maintaining good communication . When emailed to me , the Division and Flotilla newsletters are a pleasure to read , knowing the detail of what you do at the ground level , especially when that information isn ’ t always conveyed through the COLM . This practice is truly encouraged and appreciated !
With the cold weather and snowflakes looming around the corner , let ’ s continue to be diligent in maintaining our core training and start thinking about achievements and goals , formulating a plan for the year ahead . For members struggling with entering information into AUXDATA II , try and make it a goal to partner with another member to learn the system . Maybe your Flotilla can hold a training session to aid in the learning process . Your time and efforts should be documented to help the Coast Guard with funding , and also to assure recognition to those members providing any service to a mission or a program .
I would like to wish all of you a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday ! Thank you for all that you do in the Auxiliary ! Keep up the great work , and I will look forward to working with many of you in the upcoming year ! Please share a special thank you and recognition to those significant others that help support us in all of our activities and missions .
Very Respectfully ,
Douglas Willwerth District Captain-Western Area Fifth Northern District United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
J . Douglas Willwerth District Captain — West
U . S . Coast Guard Auxiliary 5th District-Northern Region