Thanks to the Auxiliary I have another holiday tradition, the Leadership Development Academy at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. Each year leaders from District 1SR meet at the Academy to learn about leadership. I have had the privilege of attending every year since 2005 when I was elected to the office of Flotilla Commander. Lately I attend as a presenter, but I think I am learning as much or more than I did as a student. I have come to see it as a tradition that I look forward to every year. It is a chance to see old friends, make new ones, and always learn something new.
Every December, over one hundred Auxiliarists meet to learn about leadership. To be honest I never really gave much thought about leadership until I was a FC. I soon learned there is a lot more to it than “Leading from the front.” The LDA covers topics from Leadership to Time Management, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Staffing and what forms a FC must file and when. The best part is that it gives our leaders the chance to meet their fellow FCs and DCDRs. Often it is their first opportunity to meet Auxiliarists from outside their Flotillas. Plus the attendees get to stay at the Academy and soak up some the history and tradition of this esteemed institution. The presentations are great and the fellowship and networking are outstanding. Those attending see for the first time that we are part of something bigger than our Flotilla or Division and that we all have a lot in common. We each start out in an Auxiliary world limited to our Flotilla. We soon learn that there are a lot of other Auxiliarists out there, about 27,000 that we have a lot in common with - and that together we make up the largest volunteer organization in the world that supports a branch of the military.
The holiday season is the busiest time of the year and who has the time to spend a weekend away from home? I can point you to over one hundred Auxiliarists who found the time and are happy they did. Step up, become a leader in the greatest volunteer organization in the world, and find the time to spend a weekend at the Coast Guard Academy and become a better leader. Plus you can then tell your friends and family that you attended the United States Coast Guard Academy (for a weekend).
Semper Paratus.
Alex Malewski
Commodore Alex Malewski
Immediate Past District Commodore
First District Southern Region
Deputy National Commodore-Atlantic East & Operations (DNACO–O)
TRADITIONS
The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving and I am not sure if it is a sprint or marathon to New Years. A season filled with wonderful traditions, get-togethers with family and friends, terrific meals, parties and presents.
Immediate Past District Commodore's Message