District Commodore ’ s Message
And as they say , “ where has the year gone ?” Well , let ’ s look back at where we were . We have so much to be proud of this year .
We started the year still in the COVID pandemic . We could not have in-person meetings or training . No vessel exams , public education , or marine dealer visits . We improvised , adapted , and overcame as we leveraged technology . We stuck together and supported each other . We became smarter and found new ways to do missions we couldn ’ t do in person . Some said it was the end of the Auxiliary , and I say it made us stronger .
I have emphasized many times that we could offer more classes , provide leadership training and member training . We introduced Continuing Leadership Education ( CLE ). Virtual classes offered a variety of topics drawing 150 members . We held our annual Leadership Development Academy , online . successfully with 175 members graduating . Risk Management Refresher training was held virtually as well as aviation training . ( Sorry , no online swim test .) Our members made it successful due to your commitment to the Auxiliary , the Coast Guard , and the recreational boating public .
Vessel safety checks were offered online to boaters to prep for the season . States allowed us to teach virtual boating safety classes . Our Program Visitor ’ s were creative by mailing information to our partners and emailing QR codes for more information . It was successful and we may have saved lives .
By mid-year , we received guidance to start conducting different programs in person . By July , we were back to business – not 100 percent but we were doing things in person . Culinary assistants were back in galleys , we were conducting surface operations and training , watchstanding , partner visits , vessel exams , teaching boating safety classes , supporting the Coast Guard Academy , in the air flying missions and training . Finally in-person flotilla , division and District meetings returned . Some fellowship events were taking place . We were hitting our stride .
Members kept asking me the question , “ When do we get back to normal ?” So here is my answer . Normal is not what you did yesterday , it ’ s what you are doing today . Stop looking back . Let ’ s look forward . Normal is what you make it to be . By doing the things we all do to keep this organization moving , that ’ s normal . It ’ s called “ Change ” and change is sometimes hard .
Change is important , because it keeps us fresh , and resourceful . It allows us to look forward to and define where we want to go and how to get there . But what it isn ’ t – it ’ s not yesterday . It ’ s not the old normal . It is something that we should all openly embrace . Who would have imagined 5 years ago , just 5 , that we would be conducting online training and meetings ? Change isn ’ t always easy , but it ’ s needed . And we did it . And we were successful !!!
Election season is now completed . I would like to wish you all congratulations in your new leadership positions . This organization needs leaders , not managers . Lead , make decisions , make the hard changes and “ Own It !” Our members deserve nothing less . Look for the Leadership Development Academy registration coming soon . It will be held January 7-9 , 2022 , at the Coast Guard Academy . I hope to see our newly elected leaders there .
For all members – our D-Train will be held March 3-6 , 2022 . This will be all that you have been asking for , and more ! A lot of planning is going into this event and will be a D1SR solo D-train . It is sure to be spectacular and it will be right here in Stamford , Connecticut . So , I expect to see you all there . Because that ’ s what you asked for .
As we close the year , I would like to say THANK YOU ! For everything you do . For staying active in these tough times . For making this thing work . For taking pride in our organization . For your friendship .
I would like to wish you all Happy Holidays and a very Happy and Healthy New Year . We have seen lives cut short . Hold on tight to the ones you love and cherish . We only get one chance at this thing called life . Make it the best you can . God Bless you all , God Bless the United States Coast Guard , and God Bless the United States of America .
Very Respectfully ,
Mark A . Stone
Mark A . Stone District Commodore First Southern District
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