I was just writing about the end of boating season, and here it is the end of the year. Where did the time go?
Elections for 2019 are over and we have chosen who will lead us into 2020. I am looking forward to working with all our newly elected and appointed leaders. Best of luck to you all! We had a great year in D1SR. The most important number is fatalities on our waterways. This year, we saw a decline in boating deaths. While we can never know how many more lives were saved, due in part to your actions, we will keep pushing ahead until there are none. Vessel exams, public education , paddlecraft classes and observations are working. Our job #1 is Recreational Boating Safety. You are Prevention!
Our Leadership Development Academy has just ended. We had an excellent turnout and teaching our appointed, and elected leaders was second to none. The staff and Instructors brought their “A” game and the weekend was full of sound principals and fellowship. Members met their counterparts from District 1SR and District 1 North. If you are a leader or aspire to get into a leadership role then the Leadership Academy is for you.
Planning is underway for D-Train 2020 and will be held at Gurneys in Rhode Island on March 6 to March 8, 2020. The annual Awards Banquet will be held at the Coast Guard Academy on April 4, 2020. Regional Based Training evens are being planned and will be hosted again around the District. Watch for Event announcements. Recruitment is working, and our numbers are swinging upwards. Thanks to all our members for your hard work to recruit new members.
A few final thoughts. It's the holidays and many active duty Coast Guard men and women are away from their families. Our"Hearth and Home program" is open for you to host active duty, for a hot home cooked meal, Please contact your Auxiliary Sector Coordinator through the chain of leadership.
Also, last year this time we had a government shut down. It is certainly possible again. While we hope it doesn’t happen, please consider donations to our active duty men and woman. You never know when someone may need it.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones, a very Healthy and Happy Holiday season, and a very joyous and prosperous Happy New Year.
Semper Paratus Shipmates
Respectfully,
Mark Stone
Mark Stone
Chief of Staff
First Souther District
Mark Stone
District Chief of Staff,
First District Southern Region
Growing in the right Direction - Perfect Vision 2020
Our Job #1 is Recreational Boating Safety. Your are Prevention! We will keep pushing ahead with vessel exams, public outreach, boating education, paddlecraft classes, member training and helping to save lives.
District Chief of Staff's Message