This past weekend I had the privilege of
THE EAGLE will be going out on a 4- month deployment to Europe. Aux CAs have been covering the galley on weekends so the crew can take leave before the trip.
This weekend there was a special visitor, USCG Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan. The Admiral and her party came aboard for breakfast. CSC Billows prepared the meal for them in the wardroom.
After the meal Admiral Fagan and her party had a tour of the boat and stopped in the galley where I was working. I spoke with her for about 15 minutes about the CA program and thanked her for her continued support.
I mentioned to Admiral Fagan that I was a part of the AUXCA team that worked on her Frocking and Ancient Gold Trident events. Before Admiral Fagan left the galley, she gave me her Commandant Coin.
I had a crew of 10 people and a group of 40 Sea Cadets I prepared 3 meals a day for by myself. Needless to say I was quite busy, but once I received that coin it reminded me why we do what we do for the Coast Guard!
This year is my 20th year in the Auxiliary and my 19th year in the AUXCHEF / CA program. Being a part of the AUXCA team is such an honor and definitely keeps me from retiring from the Auxiliary!!
All the best,
Joe Joe Villafane
62 OVER THE BOW USCGAUX FIRST DISTRICT SOUTHERN REGION- WINTER 2023