t opside V olume 120 , I s s u e 2 P a ge 5
Timothy D . Precht , DCAPT-C
As members of the Auxiliary we have been asked to do more to support our active duty brothers and sisters . Can you say what you did or do fulfills our commitment to the Coast Guard ? For those of us that have stepped up , THANK YOU .
COVID knocked us down but now is the time to get back involved or get involved . Get out meetings , do VEs and PVs , get your patrol hours and teach boating safety . That has been the norm in the past , we really need to at least get back to that place . But there are other opportunities . You have heard it before , the active duty needs our help . Ever think about doing Watch Standing or helping in the galley as a CA ? Back in June I had the opportunity to work the galley aboard a 154 foot Fast Response Cutter off the coast of New Jersey . An experience that I will not soon forget and am told I am 1 of 10 that have done that in the first 6 months of 2023 . Then there are others that served aboard the Polar Star and on the Eagle . All of these are opportunities of a life time . What does it take ? Getting involved , stepping up and volunteering . Your help would be greatly appreciated .
Not up to serving aboard a boat , that ’ s okay . There are other opportunities for you . Check out the Announcements section on the 5NR web site for job opportunities . If you live a good distance away from where the need the help , many times sleeping accommodations and maybe mileage can be arranged , ASK . You will not know if you do not ask . Don ’ t wait for opportunities to come to you , find something that sounds interesting and go of it . Try it , you just might find that you enjoyed it . And then there is the sense of accomplishment .
Timothy D . Precht District Captain — Central U . S . Coast Guard Auxiliary
5th District-Northern Region
Our programs are not the only thing that you can do . Consider a leadership role . Start with an FSO position and if it works out for you , move up . Leaders are always needed in the Auxiliary . Most positions are only a year long term but you can serve 2 one year terms back to back . From the Flotilla level up to the National level , leaders are needed . An organization can ’ t function without them . We can not continue with the same people in the same roles year after year . We need “ new blood ”, fresh thoughts and new ideas as we move forward . “ New blood ” also comes from new and younger members . Bring them in . Let ’ s move this organization forward and be an active part of this meaningful organization .
Timothy D . Precht District Captain — Central U . S . Coast Guard Auxiliary 5th District-Northern Region