Finally came the graduation which was a formal ceremony that included numerous proud traditions. Several hundred were in attendance. In addition to the graduation ceremony itself, one of these events was a dinner on base where we were introduced to the Company Commanders for the class. I did notice several people in uniform helping out with the meal service. Following the dinner I was approached by a gentleman wearing Operational Dress Uniform. He was with the USCG Auxiliary and helping out with the food service for the dinner.
He asked me if I was familiar with the USCG Auxiliary. I explained that I had been a recreational boater for years mostly sailing in the Hudson River and Long Island Sound and that I had been qualified with a “Captains License”. I also explained that I had organized and participated in five relief trips to Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina and that during these trips, my younger son Jason
(graduating that day from Cape May) had participated in all of those Katrina relief efforts. He asked if I am still interested in volunteer work. I didn’t realize it at the time but he was reeling me in. He basically said “so, you like volunteering and you like boating right?” To which I responded, yes, sure. He then explained the role of the USCG Auxiliary, their mission and opportunities available to members. When he saw that he had peaked my interest, he looked me in the eye and with a very serious voice, closed with this line… “I bet you can’t give me one good reason why you are not in the Auxiliary.” I accepted his challenge but couldn’t think of one reason why I was not in. He then explained how I could get in touch with USCG Auxiliary Flotillas near where I live.
CALL TO DUTY - COAST GUARD AND COAST GUARD AUXILIARY Auxiliaa AUXILIARY
Jon and Jason Bernz.