Over the Bow Spring 2024 | Page 8

Well it ’ s hard to believe that National Safe Boating Week , Fleet Week , and Memorial Day weekend have arrived .
DISTRICT CHIEF OF STAFF ’ S MESSAGE
Well it ’ s hard to believe that National Safe Boating Week , Fleet Week , and Memorial Day weekend have arrived .
It seems like yesterday that we were celebrating the New Year and looking ahead with excitement for our first in-person D1SR D-Train in the last few years . I am happy to say that it was a huge success , and fun was had by all . D-Train provided an outstanding variety of educational opportunities for all our D1SR members , as well as those that participated from both District 1 st Northern and District 5 th Northern . D-Train also allowed for some awesome fellowship events on Friday and Saturday . We had a record 300 + Auxiliarists attend . We hope to have even more come and join us for the 2025 D-Train .
In addition , we continued with training opportunities for our members . Sector Long Island Sound North hosted a successful Regional Based Training ( RBT ) at Sector Long Island Sound on April 20 th . On June 22 nd Sector New York North and South are conducting a joint Regional Based Training at SUNY Maritime College . It will offer an excellent variety of training courses with something for everyone . Members should take advantage of this opportunity to complete some of the required workshops , and learn about other programs within our District .
As we continue to move forward and work to educate the Recreational Boating Public in all matters related to safe boating , we need to remember that each and every one of our members has something to offer . We are a melting pot of people who volunteer our time to help make sure boaters , paddlers , and others participating in water activities get home safe to their families . We need to identify our members strengths and mentor them as they progress through their Auxiliary careers . With over 2,600 members in District 1SR , I am positive that the number of years of experience between all of us is staggering . Our new members certainly can benefit from guidance from our more experienced members , and we need to re-engage some of our dormant members and get them re-involved .
We still have many events to come this year , and I hope all of you can participate and contribute to making the recreational boating public safe , and assist the Coast Guard in completing their missions . We are all one TEAM , and one family . Have a fun and safe boating season !

Michael S . Klacik

Michael S . Klacik District Chief of Staff First Southern District
OVER THE BOW USCGAUX FIRST DISTRICT SOUTHERN REGION - SPRING 2024 5