P a ge 22 t opside V olume 114 , I s s u e 1
A Message to Flotilla 7-12 By Tom Ball , Flotilla 7-12
To the Members and Officers of USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 7-12 :
At the end of 2016 , I chose to dis-enroll from Flotilla 7-12 for family and personal reasons . However , I wanted to take a few minutes to say “ thank you ” for the wonderful opportunity I was given to be associated with the Auxiliary for the past few years .
Looking back over my years involved with 7-12 , two parts of this experience quickly come to mind : first and most obviously , our mission to serve the general public and the boating population ; and second , the friendships and camaraderie built among us . When I was sworn in as a member of the Auxiliary , I only partially realized how important my role was , but I also didn ’ t realize the effect it would have on me .
I ’ ve had a great experience being a part of 7-12 , both as a member and an FSO for HR . It presented me with the unique experience of being a part of serving others in a way I never had served before . I have been involved in “ community service ” in one way or another since my mid-teens ; however , being part of the Auxiliary allowed me not to serve only a particular group of people , but allowed me to serve my country ( in a small way ) as well . That particular aspect was something I took great pride in .
I soon discovered how proud I was to be a part of an organization that reflects some of what is best about our country and our government .
I felt proud when wearing a uniform that reflected the values of Integrity , Respect and Devotion to Duty .
I felt proud of being a part of a group that starts our meetings with a prayer and is followed by all of our voices proclaiming the Pledge of Allegiance .
I felt proud of our shared commitment of our Flotilla to serve our local population , always to the best of our abilities and clearest of intentions .
I felt proud as I studied and learned more and even more proud when I shared this knowledge and these skills with others .
I felt proud as I looked around the room at our monthly meetings and saw so many men and women with various experiences and backgrounds come together because they also committed themselves to serve others in their own capacity . In small and large ways , each using his or her own talents and capabilities , each defining individual ways to contribute to the whole flotilla .
And now , I want to say thank you .
Thank you to the leadership teams over the years , thank you to the individual flotilla members : whether I knew you well or we were just acquaintances , thank you for helping me to discover my part in the Auxiliary and then to do my part and serve alongside of you .
Thank you for your friendship ; thank you for sharing your knowledge , your time and commitment with me .
Thank you for your willingness to serve others and serve our country in a small but meaningful way : when so many others may choose to sit out and let someone else do the work , thank you for doing your part to do that work .
Thank you for a wonderful 8 years . I hope each of you may be as richly rewarded on your journey within the Auxiliary as I have been . Semper Paratus ! Tom Ball