HEARTLAND GUARDIAN

Volume 3 Issue 7

July 2013

D I S T R I C T E I G H T E A S T E R N C O A S T G U A R D R E G I O N

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PAGE TWO

PAGE THREE

PAGE FOUR

Flotilla Standup

Santa Maria

Ohio River Sweep

PAGE FIVE

Rocket City

Coast Guard Day

PAGE SIX

Three Little Words

PAGE EIGHT

PAGE SEVEN

C.G.Day Photos

We say goodbye to Captain Larry

Hewett and hello to Captain

Richard Timme as Command

changes at Sector Ohio Valley.

Rear Admiral Kevin Cook,

Commander, Eight Coast Guard

District gave remarks wishing

Captain Hewett Fair Winds and

welcomed Captain Timme aboard.

Captain Timme is no stranger to

the Auxiliary having served with

MSU Pittsburg. Welcome aboard!

Left: Map of Sector Ohio Valley

Photo Below: Captain Hewett inspecting

members of Sector Ohio Valley

Photos and article: Randy Ventress USCGAUX

Photo Above: Captain Hewett with one

of his many plaudits.

Right: Front page of Program

2

NEW FLOTILLA CHARTERS

On Saturday July 27, 2013 Flotilla 7 was chartered in Division 11. Master of Ceremonies, Jack Wood, DCDR

Division 11 kicked things off introducing CDR. Juliet Hudson, Director of Auxiliary Eighth Eastern Region,

LCDR. Doug Salik, Supervisor MSD Nashville, Rick Schal, DCOS, and Randy Ventress, DCAPT-S as guest

speakers. Flotilla 11-7 is based in the Clarksville, Tennessee and Fort Campbell, Kentucky area and has

sixteen members with four more interested in joining the Auxiliary.

Members of Flotilla 11-7

Fred Gilman FC

Diane Gilman VFC

James O’Bryant FSO-PA/PB

Ken Gilman FSO-CM

Mark Chandler FSO-MT/NS

Steve Janick

Vic Daniel FSO-FN

Bill Zientek FSO-MA

Mike Long

William Welty FSO-MS

Dennis Ealey FSO-DV

Chad Ramme FSO-HR

Sam Mohler

Charlie Cusic

Aaron Lewis FSO-VE/PV

Rhonda Lewis FSO-SR/CS

Top Photo: Officers being sworn in

Photo: Jennie Gilman

Center Photo: No party is

complete without a great (diet) Red

Velvet cake

Photo: Harry Stephenson USCGAUX

Bottom Photo: The Crew

Photo: Harry Stephenson USCGAUX

Welcome Aboard Flotilla 11-7!

Photos Left to Right: CDR Hudson presents Charter to Fred Gilman FC, LCDR Doug Salik, and Rick Schal DCOS

Photos: Jennie Gilman

3

COAST GUARD AUXILIARY CELEBRATES

SEVENTY-FOURTH ANNIVERSARY

ON THE SANTA MARIA

On June 22, 2013 Flotilla 081806 celebrated the U.S. Coast Guards’ 74th Anniversary with an amateur radio

special event at a replica of Christopher Columbus’s Flag Ship, the Santa Maria, in Columbus Ohio. Flotilla

members set up and tested an amateur radio transmission facility aboard the Santa Maria and broadcasted live

throughout the day on Sunday, June 23 (20m SSB and 10m SSB) with a special event call sign, K8G.

Electronic QSL cards were issued during the event with unofficial contacts count stood at 26 with all contacts

made on 20 Meter Single Sideband (SSB) phone. The average distance of a contact made was approximately

650 miles with the most distant station contacted at nearly 2100 miles. The closest station contacted was just

under 300 miles.

WD4DC “Dan” of Sarasota, Florida returned a confirming Electronic QSL card. Flotilla Vice Commander

Leon Weisenberger of Flotilla 18-6 took the position of Chief Logger and Yeoman for this event and manned

the flotillas’ laptop computer, logging all outgoing and incoming responses. Commodore Bill McGonigal took

the duties of Radio Operator and single handedly doubled the contact count from aboard the Santa Maria

Radio Station K8G with less than one hour of operating time logged.

Plans are in the works to repeat this event on October 19th, 2013 as part of the National Commemoration of

the 74th year of the founding of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary by contacting hams on the amateur

radio bands with the appropriately assigned 1x1 call signs.

A very special thanks goes to Kent Stanley (K8GPZ) for the loan of his fine and vintage transceiver that made

the whole event possible and successful, Pat Linesch (K9CGA) for bringing his Communications Van and

support tent. This made a nice addition dockside to the Santa Maria. Also to the Administrator (Director

Linda Ketcham) and the Staff (Liz and Gary) of the Santa Maria that gave us permission to come aboard and

assisted so graciously with the setup and operation of our USCG Auxiliary Special Event Station (K8G).

Note: Kent and Jenine Stanley manned this booth for questions from visitors.

Photo Right: Commodore McGonigal (AC8HN)

makes a call while Jim Reed makes an entry into

the log

Photo Left: Leon Weisenberger and Pat Linesch in

front of the Communications Trailer

Photos: Gerlinde Higginbotham USCGAUX

Photo of Santa Maria: Jenine Stanley USCGAUX

Note: Article written from information from Jim

Reed and Jenine Stanley

4

DISCLAIMER: The Heartland Guardian is an official publication of 8th Eastern Region of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The information provided here is for the edification and convenience of members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the

readers of this publication. The Heartland Guardian staff reserves the right to use or reject articles and photos; edit

submitted articles and photos for clarity, space, and or other concerns. Reprints of articles in this publication may be used

by other publications provided proper credit is given and a copy sent to the Staff of the Heartland Guardian.

Photos will be accompanied with caption and proper credit given to photographer. Articles from other publications shall be

accompanied by documentation authorizing reproduction with credit given to author and source of article.

Please direct any comments or constructive criticism to:

Publisher: Randy Ventress ADSO-PB (randyv19@comcast.net)

Editors: Thom McQueen DSO-PB (kyhoops1@fuse.net)

Valerie McQueen ADSO-PB (thebeacon@fuse.net)

DIVISION 7 PARTICIPATES

IN 24th ANNUAL OHIO RIVER SWEEP

Ed Kramer USCGAUX

On June 15, 2013, Division 7 hosted what will be known in the future as the Annual USCG Auxiliary Ohio

River Sweep. Flotilla 78 members, Bob Davis DCDR, and Ed Kramer VFC, along with four volunteers and

accompanied by USCG Seaman Joe Gougeon, a member of the Osage crew, participated in the 24th Annual

Ohio River Sweep. As the Marine Safety Officer of Division 7, I feel this event fit perfectly into our mission

as Auxiliarists.

Bob Davis suggested we concentrate our efforts on the area just outside the fences at Sewickley Moorings.

This seemed to be a collection area for debris. We felt it was a great way to give back to Sewickley Moorings

and the Osage crew for all the support they give to the Auxiliary. The debris was varied and among the items

were three tires, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation construction barrel, coolers, a fire extinguisher

and various bottles, balls, bottles and more bottles. All in all, 25 bags and the aforementioned debris weighed

approximately 700 pounds. This garbage will no longer be polluting our river.

Among the volunteers were Bob Davis' daughters, Kara and Kristin, and their friend, Elizabeth Gordon. They

were a tremendous help and have already volunteered for next year. This event was a part of the annual Ohio

River Sweep where hundreds of volunteers gathered more than 40 tons of trash and debris from the Ohio River

and its tributaries. It was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the

Ohio River Valley Water Authority.

When I contacted Betsy Mallison, the River Sweep Coordinator, to tell her the USCG Auxiliary would

participate; she said she was not aware of our existence. So, another one of our missions, Outreach was

accomplished. The event had media coverage in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review and the Sewickley Herald.

This was due to the efforts of David Zazac, FSO-PA of Flotilla 78. He does a wonderful job of media coverage

for the Auxiliary.

Next year, when we participate in the 25th Annual Ohio River

Sweep, I expect many Auxiliary volunteers. As Bob Davis stated

at the end of the day, "It was the Auxiliary, Gold Side, and the

people of the community working together to help keep the river

clean." It was a lot of work but also rewarding and fun.

JOIN US NEXT YEAR!

Photo Right: Debris collected

Photo: Ed Kramer USCGAUX

5

AUXLAMS class at the Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama

DeAnne Rodenburg DCDR-24

Members of Division 24, North Alabama and Eighth Coastal Region attended the AUXLAMS B class held 22

– 23 June 2013 at the Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama. The course is the Coast Guard

LAMS course, adapted for the volunteer Auxiliary environment, and is taught by Coast Guard trained

instructors. It is based on the Leadership Competencies, which lay the foundation for all leadership skills

necessary to be a successful leader in the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. This is a facilitated and interactive

course dealing with Self Awareness, Motivation, Strategic Leadership, Team Building, Ethics, Conflict

Management and Performance Problem Solving. AUXLAMS is the foundation course of the Auxiliary

Leadership Continuum.

The course is taught in two sessions three to five weeks apart, arranged by the respective host POCs. Elected

leaders at all levels of the organization should take this course and will be given top priority. However,

Auxiliary personnel interested in becoming leaders are eligible for this course as long as the class size does not

exceed 35 students.

Auxiliarists are required to successfully complete a minimum of seven (7) credits from three categories of

courses to receive the AUXOP qualification. The list of courses in the leadership category includes the

Auxiliary Leadership and Management School (AUXLAMS). AUXLAMS is also a prerequisite for Flotilla

Commanders (FC) to attend the Auxiliary Mid-Level Officers Course (AMLOC-05A).

AUXLAMS recently received a favorable review by the Accreditation Council on Education (ACE) and has

been recommended for 3 upper-division undergraduate college credits. This is the first Auxiliary course to be

reviewed by ACE and the only one with a college credit recommendation.

Front Row – Left to Right –

Rita Blair Division 24

William Stadtlander Division 24

DeAnne Rodenburg Division 24

Roseanne DeRamus Division 24

John Greene 8th Coastal

Bradley Smith Division 24

Joe Kleri Division 24

Back Row – Left to Right

Justin Elam Division 11

Robert Essig Division 24

Lois Wilkinson Division 24

BenjaminDavis 8th Coastal

William Benson Division 24

Duncan Wilkinson Division 24

Michael Brzezicki Division 11 (Lead

Instructor)

Photo: Chris Whitacre USCGAUX

Article: DeAnne Rodenburg

STARFISH

When the tide goes out, if a starfish is slow in following the tide, a

tidal pool is usually the salvation of the fish. However this is only if

the starfish can find a tidal pool in time. Living outside water and

even in a tidal pool for a long period of time would be deadly for the

starfish. When a tidal pool is found, the starfish will hold on until

the tide comes back in.

“Starfish are born with the knowledge that the tide may go out, but it

will always come back in.”

The Starfish Files (Alex Hiam)

6

COAST GUARD AUXILIARY PREPARES YOUTHS FOR CAREERS ON THE WATER

High School students from all over Ohio flooded Alum Creek Marina in Delaware, Ohio, for the 12th Annual

“Coast Guard Day” session. Nearly 40 students and counselors attended the day-long activities on June 25, as

part of the Summer Transportation Institute, a program put on by Central State University (CSU) in

Wilberforce, Ohio.

Jay Garcia, past Commander of Flotilla 18-7 and current Assistant Diversity Officer for District 8, Eastern

Region, has coordinated Coast Guard Day since its inception. His goal with the program has always been to

bring awareness of the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary to the community at large and to help the students plan

their future. “The Coast Guard has so much to offer, and we try to expose them to all the possibilities that are

out there. Plus, many of these kids don’t come from great backgrounds so it’s rewarding to see them enjoy a

day on and around the water. Most of have them have never even been on a boat before so that’s why we end

the day on a high note with a cruise around Alum Creek Reservoir,” explained Mr. Garcia.

The activities at Alum creek are just one part of CSU’s Summer Transportation Institute, jointly sponsored by

the Federal Highway Administration and the Ohio Department of Transportation. The program for 9th – 11th

graders is four weeks, and each week is devoted to a particular transportation segment: Air, Land, Sea and

Energy. Gorgui Ndao is the project director of CSU’s program and explained why this program is so

important to these students. “We want to get them at this early stage of their lives and expose them to career

paths they may never have thought about, especially careers in the transportation Industry.” Mr. Ndao

indicated that a good number of students who go through this program will end up enrolling with CSU and

pursue a career in a transportation-related field. He couldn’t say how many ended up enlisting with the Coast

Guard but he said the interest level is always high after Coast Guard Day.

Besides Coast Guard and Auxiliary speakers, the Auxiliary has invited professionals from various occupations

operating on or near the water to speak to the students, such as members of ODNR and the U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers. This year, Alum Creek Park Ranger, Sylvia Chelf, from the Engineer’s office spoke about the

design of the reservoir and it’s intended use as flood control, water supply and most important for boaters,

recreation. Besides serving the 3.5 million visitors that Alum Creek State Park will get each year, Ms. Chelf

spoke about the varied jobs available through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, most of which are for

civilians.

One of the highlights of the day was a visit from District 8, Eastern Region, Commodore William McGonigal.

He spoke about the variety of careers available to Coast Guard personnel, the Coast Guard Academy, and most

importantly, boating safety. “When you’re on the water there are ‘Rules of the Road’ just like when you’re in

a car. You just need to know how to read the signs on the water.” He talked about how crucial the role of the

Auxiliary was on inland bodies of water like Alum Creek, “You may wonder what the Coast Guard Auxiliary

is doing in a place like Alum Creek, but there are more boating fatalities here than any other body of water in

Ohio outside of Lake Erie.” Commodore McGonigal ended by stressing the importance of wearing lifejackets.

The day wrapped up with the students taking a cruise around the reservoir, making it a day many of them

won’t soon forget.

Article and photos on next page: Curtis Pratt USCGAUX

7

COAST GUARD DAY

(Continued from previous page)

Photo Left: District 8, Eastern Region, Commodore,

William McGonigal, takes a moment to explain to the

students at Coast Guard Day the importance on

knowing the “Rules of the Road” even on the water.

Photo Right: Division 18 volunteers, SO-PB

Kent Stanley (with his four-legged service

buddy) and SO-FN Leon Weisenberger explain

the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s mission to some

of the students.

Photo Below: Students line up to see the

Division 18 patrol craft. “I think we’re gonna

need a bigger boat!”

Photo Above: Jay Garcia, presents Central

State University’s Gorgui Ndao with the

Coast Guard Auxiliary Ensign, making him

an “honorary” Auxiliary member for his

years of support

8

Submission Requirements for Heartland Guardian

The following requirements are suggested for consideration of any articles and photos submitted to Heartland Guardian.

Photos should be .jpg format and minimized for use on websites

NO cellular phone photos unless the quality of the photo is clear and crisp

Articles previously published in another newsletter should be noted as such and reprinted with permission

Credits for photos are required with Name and Unit

Photos not taken by an Auxiliary member or copied from outside sources should be labeled as such

Please send a caption with the photo, not embedded in the photo itself

NO facial photos of minors

Articles should be original unless credit is given to the author and permission has been acquired

Articles with photos should be no larger than one page due to space limitations

Articles should be noted with name of Author and Unit

No Personal Identifying Information will be printed in the newsletter, so please do not submit this. Examples are Employee

Identification Numbers, Social Security Numbers, phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses. If including an email address

is important to the article, please have member send via United States Postal Service a letter authorizing use of the email

address to the Staff of Heartland Guardian.

Three Words Can Make a Difference

Adopt Character Quality Traits

Patience, understanding and compromise are three character quality traits that when adopted and adhered to

will help solve most problems that confront an Auxiliarist on a daily basis. Stacey Carter is quoted as saying,”

“Life is all about timing... the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the

unattainable... attainable. Have the patience, wait it out. It's all about timing.”

This is evident in the decision making process of the Chain of Leadership and Management in the Coast Guard

Auxiliary. With patience many times the solution to a situation or problem comes to you instead of you

chasing it down. Here again, the problem is the patience to wait for the solution to arrive at your doorstep.

Patience is the most difficult trait to master and creates the largest stumbling block to solutions. How many

times at a flotilla or division meeting did you want to comment on an issue and found yourself biting your

tongue as an adversary as a debate rambles on and on. By waiting patiently, your adversary buried himself in

his own rhetoric. Problem solved. There are situations that the solution is not coming fast enough and then

mistakes are made. A different course may be tried, but patiently staying the course will bring the solution to

fruition.

Understanding is more of a working tool in confronting problems. It is an agreement of opinion or feeling and

an adjustment of differences. It is important to understand all sides when there are various opinions as to a

solution. To gain a better understanding of an adversary’s point of view in a problematical situation, try

walking in the other person’s shoes. Look at the problem from his perspective and evaluate his position on an

issue. Try stepping out of the picture and looking at the picture or problem as others see it and just maybe you

will see that they are not all that right and you are not all that wrong. At this juncture, we now apply the last

character quality trait, compromise.

Compromise is the give and take in the settlement of differences and consent is reached by mutual

concessions. Compromise is the ability to work through a problem by integrating the pros and cons of both

sides of an issue and deriving from this an amicable solution. Learning to approach management decision

making by always using the character quality traits of patience, understanding and compromise will make for a

better leader and result in better and more timely solutions to problems.

Norm Arbes USCGAUX