Winter 2022 | Page 4

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From the Desk of the Commodore , continued

Scores of AuxCA ( Culinary Assistant ) members provided food preparation and serving Coast Guard units , 8 Auxiliarists serve as radio watchstanders at Coast Guard stations , 18 in-port watchstanders on small cutters , 6 Clergy Support members expand Religious Ministry within the Coast Guard , 5 members support functions at Atlantic Strike Team and 3 Auxiliary Health Support members regularly provide health care assistance at TRACEN ’ s Medical Clinic . We have supported Sector Delaware Bay ’ s Waterway department with ATON verification and Commercial Fishing Vessel Examinations .
This period also proved the value of fellowship . We decided to err on keeping our members safe . We even found ways to look after each other , including virtually . And the vast majority of our members remain safe .
I am also looking forward in 2022 : This March begins Topside ' s 80th year of publication ; launched in March 1943 , Topside is the oldest continuously published Auxiliary newsletter in the U . S . And we will soon be finalizing updating the District Policy Manual chapter by chapter . Though daunting , this is a very worthy project for all our members now , and in the near future . CDR Taylor-Davies and our EXCOM spearheaded assigning various elected and appointed leaders in the reviewing , editing , and updating process . It has allowed members to be stakeholders in our district ’ s policy process .
Yes , I am personally honored to be your District Commodore during these trying times ; I am thankful for having Kurt Sarac as our Chief of Staff and thankful for our EXCOM leaders . D5NR members saw opportunities everywhere , every day , and made the most of them . We got in front of problems by being flexible and able to go around , over , and beyond challenges . Most importantly , we trusted ourselves enough to take the first steps to face problems and make corrections long before guidance was provided - as leaders do .
Stay Safe my Friends .