tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51086825447563895482024-03-19T00:40:49.448-04:00Sylvan Beach Flotilla / U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26, Sylvan Beach, NYSylvan Beach, NY Flotilla, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (Central NY Division 2, 9th District Eastern Region)R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-53345139335390555492024-01-07T17:38:00.000-05:002024-01-07T17:38:36.361-05:00Flotilla Has New Commander<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaI80Z83LiiJpr2DLn8gwjGxMgpUKJtilVlxP_O_uGkH8wNF-OimXpShrmnw4hITvQVWY5KPHkHfRuLj8DL9JvtQtmRiT0090hJ4rvNLhO6sUeWuyGiVGfBLvWBIaREXFS_qzzu9mLyJk3jH33A2ERMVobYNgUWxV1vAncFqCgXtFd_pWbHutKbZMhd8/s1176/1SaraBarden06151-crop.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sara Barden" border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="825" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaI80Z83LiiJpr2DLn8gwjGxMgpUKJtilVlxP_O_uGkH8wNF-OimXpShrmnw4hITvQVWY5KPHkHfRuLj8DL9JvtQtmRiT0090hJ4rvNLhO6sUeWuyGiVGfBLvWBIaREXFS_qzzu9mLyJk3jH33A2ERMVobYNgUWxV1vAncFqCgXtFd_pWbHutKbZMhd8/w140-h200/1SaraBarden06151-crop.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>Sara Barden of Durhamville is the new commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26. Elected to a one-year term, Barden was previously vice flotilla commander. She also has served a recreational boating safety program visitor as well as a diversity officer for the flotilla and Central New York Division 2.<p>Raised in the St. Lawrence River area in Jefferson County, Barden said she has “always spent time on the water since I can remember,” helping her father work on his boat and becoming adept at sailing. “I relish my time on the water,” especially sailing “my 18-foot Oday”</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>A graphic artist by trade, she holds a BFA from SUNY Oswego and works at Seifert Graphics in Oriskany.<p></p><p>She also has put her art degree to work with her love for drawing and painting, having done commissioned artwork over the years and having won awards at various art shows.</p><p>Barden noted that the Sylvan Beach Flotilla operates under Coast Guard Station Oswego’s area of responsibility, covering the eastern half of Oneida Lake during the boating season. In the off-season, some members undergo operational training to be able to conduct safety patrols and search-and-rescue while other members prepare for conducting recreational boating safety classes and boat safety inspections, among other duties.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k4QXm7m5TZIPP4UVBjyTc2N8E3ykzVDK-f1ofKHTNmv-SQUhqZw6nYLDrvFwRXJ6LfLGegmquy2HNM7lVZM8M0s5kIsKcLZ7BScepzfw17MaqNnUodR8Tjx3MdedJ26ZOL-YFcE9v9U8qwqyNdlX8eCHOOsI5RZRQo-jWkuCiwIPzUNXokt9VeSizJI/s960/1SaraBarden06151-4in.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sara Barden" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k4QXm7m5TZIPP4UVBjyTc2N8E3ykzVDK-f1ofKHTNmv-SQUhqZw6nYLDrvFwRXJ6LfLGegmquy2HNM7lVZM8M0s5kIsKcLZ7BScepzfw17MaqNnUodR8Tjx3MdedJ26ZOL-YFcE9v9U8qwqyNdlX8eCHOOsI5RZRQo-jWkuCiwIPzUNXokt9VeSizJI/w400-h300/1SaraBarden06151-4in.jpg" title="Sara Barden" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Flotilla Commander Sara Barden</b></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>“We are looking for a few more good members because we have a lot of roles to fill,” she added. “No matter what one’s interest, chances are we have a role for that, and we provide Coast Guard-certified training, to boot.”<p></p><p>She gave a few examples.</p><p>“You want to become a coxswain or boat crew member? We’ll train you. Do you like to teach? We need good instructors. Do you like paddle sports or operating personal watercraft? This is a growing area where we need trained people to conduct safety patrols and to teach safe paddling and operations to the public. Are you a computer geek or IT specialist? We have slots for you. Interested in extending your chef or cooking skills? We’ll train you to be culinary specialists who qualify to occasionally help out at active-duty Coast Guard Stations.”</p><p>Anyone interested may contact the flotilla by email at flotilla26@gmail.com.<br /><br /></p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-33930611698236401182023-02-08T15:45:00.004-05:002023-02-08T15:55:40.018-05:00Conroy, Barden Lead Flotilla in 2023<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oxgKiEDr0F9ZJp6cmsCDnPpcYp3ADoWRS9cO8IhTl0G5lL23z8CAQKZ6FFK_g2waAcnE4pKwmKxGNLH2c5aKimNAphs9s_CMAGqnjnbOL0H2AXlCImbLTwd0DNnMaH3kfx2Ls6-EsLbbJegS8Jm8GgxysIxr2O18nc8XQ-357pjDQXgZ86kk7R4k/s550/1John-Conroy_0079.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oxgKiEDr0F9ZJp6cmsCDnPpcYp3ADoWRS9cO8IhTl0G5lL23z8CAQKZ6FFK_g2waAcnE4pKwmKxGNLH2c5aKimNAphs9s_CMAGqnjnbOL0H2AXlCImbLTwd0DNnMaH3kfx2Ls6-EsLbbJegS8Jm8GgxysIxr2O18nc8XQ-357pjDQXgZ86kk7R4k/w400-h268/1John-Conroy_0079.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>John Conroy</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> John Conroy of Cazenovia has been elected commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26, and Sara Barden of Durhamville has been elected vice flotilla commander. Their one-year terms run until December 31, 2023.<p></p><p><span></span><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>•••<p></p><p>Conroy has been serving as interim commander since the passing of Past Flotilla Commander Mark Kimber on May 31. </p><p>An Auxiliarist since 2002, Conroy has served in training and operations roles. He is a past flotilla commander and past division commander. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary after attending a 13-week Boat Skills and Seamanship course.</p><p>“My real passion is being on board,” he said, “so I became operationally qualified (as boat crew, coxswain and personal watercraft operator).”</p><p>Conroy started out with Brewerton Flotilla 2-14 and served four terms as its flotilla commander. Central New York Division 2 also tapped him as its operations officer to develop training workshops and on-the-water drills. Eventually he transferred to Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26.</p><p>•••</p><p>A graphic designer and artist, Barden joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2011 and has been serving as diversity officer for the flotilla. She also had served as diversity officer for Central New York Division 2.<br /> <br /><br /></p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-52497249474229065412022-08-01T16:06:00.001-04:002022-09-15T16:30:30.503-04:00Conroy Is Interim Commander
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mhu0oL40TWkDTBKX9EFXRMVb1J-lwtapGN_KDQoFkBEsQHqP4_stNmen9EagMXbh42E3Em08BhL1yuQWcFTibLba9waWv3SgVQiKyQNLSxV1FNX1ileJ5NWBZJcbXjiW509QhElnmKalo1SgAP8W_eihUu5qnFE8i_L1b6K7YcVCKleFaNq04qR6/s1724/JohnConroy00169a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John Conroy" border="0" data-original-height="1724" data-original-width="1152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mhu0oL40TWkDTBKX9EFXRMVb1J-lwtapGN_KDQoFkBEsQHqP4_stNmen9EagMXbh42E3Em08BhL1yuQWcFTibLba9waWv3SgVQiKyQNLSxV1FNX1ileJ5NWBZJcbXjiW509QhElnmKalo1SgAP8W_eihUu5qnFE8i_L1b6K7YcVCKleFaNq04qR6/w134-h200/JohnConroy00169a.jpg" title="John Conroy" width="134" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>John Conroy</i></b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Vice Commander John Conroy has taken over as interim flotilla commander
since the passing of Flotilla Commander Mark Kimber on May 31. “We are all heartbroken from this loss,” Conroy said. “He
fought a courageous fight and was optimistic throughout his ordeal.” <p class="MsoNormal">Kimber, of
Williamstown, had been an Auxiliarist since 2011. He has served as a boat crewmember
as well as in several staff positions, including vice commander and operations
officer. Prior to transferring to Sylvan Beach Flotilla, Kimber served as a
staff officer with Brewerton Flotilla 2-14.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><a name='more'></a><p>Conroy, from Cazenovia, holds certifications as a Coxswain,
Instructor, Personal Watercraft Operator, and Vessel Examiner. An Auxiliarist
since 2002, Conroy has served in training and operations roles. He is a past
flotilla commander and past division commander.</p><p class="MsoNormal">He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary after attending a
13-week Boat Skills and Seamanship course and being invited to sign up by Past
District Commodore Tom Briggs, the lead instructor.</p><p>“Tom became a good friend and long-time mentor, and we spent
many a pre-season together teaching Boating Safety Courses
as Auxiliary Instructors,” he noted. “My real passion is being on board, so I became
operationally qualified (as boat crew, coxswain and personal watercraft
operator).”</p><p class="MsoNormal">Conroy started out with Brewerton Flotilla 2-14 and served four
terms as its flotilla commander. Central New York Division 2 also tapped him as
its operations officer to develop training workshops and on-the-water drills.
Eventually he transferred to Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26.</p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-8086744394874401442022-04-12T21:57:00.006-04:002022-04-12T21:57:44.689-04:00'Semper Paratus' is commander's guiding motto<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvULvc68k1UBuJ0awXe7ARPnJd-kVs1_0s5MpUMf8PxJuBga6rSb0M3y1u7wmSOHCx7_bMlogN7RZhy-jrN0xyUS9nRRbOzJyfOWVaEOxS0sISFg3l_5m4arqkY0zlPBPHYWOzFIWi2lpmf0duo8Il2fkn6qCm0E0PcSY8LTl8kour53RUg5Qy8Fx/s194/1Mark-Kimber_crp_0097-150px.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="150" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvULvc68k1UBuJ0awXe7ARPnJd-kVs1_0s5MpUMf8PxJuBga6rSb0M3y1u7wmSOHCx7_bMlogN7RZhy-jrN0xyUS9nRRbOzJyfOWVaEOxS0sISFg3l_5m4arqkY0zlPBPHYWOzFIWi2lpmf0duo8Il2fkn6qCm0E0PcSY8LTl8kour53RUg5Qy8Fx/s1600/1Mark-Kimber_crp_0097-150px.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mark Kimber,</b> the new Sylvan Beach Flotilla 2-6 commander, looks to live up to the Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus (Always Ready), by encouraging training and member mentoring. The aim is to be mission-ready, he notes, whether it involves teaching boating safety, conducting safety patrols, or participating in search and rescue.<br /> <br />Joining him at the helm is <b>John Conroy</b>, the new vice flotilla commander.<br /> <br /><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Kimber, of Williamstown, has been an Auxiliarist since 2011. He has served as a boat crewmember as well as in several staff positions, including vice commander and operations officer. Prior to transferring to Sylvan Beach Flotilla, Kimber served as a staff officer with Brewerton Flotilla 2-14.<br /> <br />Conroy, from Cazenovia, holds certifications as a coxswain, instructor, personal watercraft operator, and vessel examiner. An Auxiliarist since 2002, Conroy has served in training and operations roles. He is a past flotilla commander and past division commander.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><img alt="FC Mark Kimber" border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nRHQViJJVRTaPZWk3WxK-3_Z3VMA_LrcqTf4pmmt_Wp1xuLVpuBHzIElJl386lNVPdMBeZwo1XqJEx035_eWMFVc3V7X1HpICTuu3zqh1E4OMGrrNHb2ktbmhTTpIaxK3T985p1vIUeFc1487ca4B2e-ZPFN7soK4eqX4J4vwio0pHN8Q4zcgwaU/w400-h268/1Mark-Kimber_0097-550px.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mark Kimber" width="400" /></i></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>FC Mark Kimber<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha1vrePSUVNoNulRcnGpoZhVTg_EtePKivJ7gpi1WA_r4DmRNDHj1quuntdprRI1ohi9RdKzkjo03ci98fHZmjfXMUEf2QZTVCanv8BBrvfEAkoJx9GRfWViXRstFqCU6qPcEpRnA03HRVecQgEA0EbsozBmpbKu1Zmajf2a3smU1Jguu0ch1gSy6/s550/1John-Conroy_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="VFC John Conroy" border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha1vrePSUVNoNulRcnGpoZhVTg_EtePKivJ7gpi1WA_r4DmRNDHj1quuntdprRI1ohi9RdKzkjo03ci98fHZmjfXMUEf2QZTVCanv8BBrvfEAkoJx9GRfWViXRstFqCU6qPcEpRnA03HRVecQgEA0EbsozBmpbKu1Zmajf2a3smU1Jguu0ch1gSy6/w400-h268/1John-Conroy_0079.jpg" title="John Conroy" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>VFC John Conroy</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p><p></p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-21998988479958359662021-01-09T12:54:00.000-05:002021-01-09T12:54:47.902-05:00Flotilla Installs 2021 Leaders<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWiNEPtb6sclKY4zKSPW2ImM7Ix6DSSLTmB664RSAEiiohG3n8d4TLmmggqCmraxXHInWfXyl3-6O1Lv0Y6UtGIj96K-rVgF_y8Rhh7X0QCWwo8eZ62Pbmsvv5MXHHrN6akPWytYnztY/s905/Austen+Givens+581872763283701760_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="825" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWiNEPtb6sclKY4zKSPW2ImM7Ix6DSSLTmB664RSAEiiohG3n8d4TLmmggqCmraxXHInWfXyl3-6O1Lv0Y6UtGIj96K-rVgF_y8Rhh7X0QCWwo8eZ62Pbmsvv5MXHHrN6akPWytYnztY/w183-h200/Austen+Givens+581872763283701760_o.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Austen Givens</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTujIzS0VjiBv9An0ng8loW_NKhXZKKr5tXFNeGHtrJqw1b_cbbuDXy7Zo3EBzGiTNSRUU0MfrFe-Q7_y5Fa9fbkPoii41by_XMkZ1Ke5z-mnXPq19t0Oex2NAEkyel9-nvIAbsCJwZ4/s823/John+Ressue_581872763283701760_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="751" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTujIzS0VjiBv9An0ng8loW_NKhXZKKr5tXFNeGHtrJqw1b_cbbuDXy7Zo3EBzGiTNSRUU0MfrFe-Q7_y5Fa9fbkPoii41by_XMkZ1Ke5z-mnXPq19t0Oex2NAEkyel9-nvIAbsCJwZ4/w183-h200/John+Ressue_581872763283701760_o.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>John Ressue</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Austen D. Givens is the new commander of Sylvan Beach Flotilla, and John D. Ressue is the vice flotilla commander. Assuming the helm Jan. 1, both serve one-year terms. </p><p>A member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2017, Austen has served as public affairs officer for the flotilla as well as for Division 2, which encompasses five flotillas throughout Central New York. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>He is also a member of the Auxiliary’s national staff, where his duties focus upon increasing cybersecurity awareness among the Auxiliary’s 20,000+ members. A graduate of King’s College London and the University of Virginia, Austen is associate professor of cybersecurity at Utica College. He is co-author of the 2014 book, “The Business of Counterterrorism: Public-Private Partnerships in Homeland Security,” and author of the 2020 book, “Disaster Labs: How American States Use Partnerships to Manage the Unthinkable.” He and his wife, Rachel, reside in Clinton with their two children.<p></p><p>John is a certified boat crew member for Coast Guard-approved patrols and search-and-rescue missions. He is the flotilla human resource officer and also a certified telecommunications operator, serving as communications officer for both the flotilla and Central New York Division 2. </p><p>He has been a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2017. A process engineering technician at Trenton Technology, John is a certified electronics journeyman (RADAR) who served in the U.S. Navy as an avionics instructor and aviation warfare specialist. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a ship boarding team leader. He is a graduate of Cleveland Institute of Electronics. John and his wife, Kimberly, reside in Little Falls.<br /> </p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-7001510480309849452019-01-18T14:42:00.000-05:002019-01-18T21:17:52.362-05:00New Leaders at Helm<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhBTcRuuAv18AlVwYnjpPKxEpS_ga899r0IERcCz54icHaqqOdB6-1rcLhLihlJteyJSMiVffsvk1pfn5DyYGBo3p-SNl0bf9qGonT8I5vuCq4kDBg-Czq1i7aVRHdvsIGLKJbVUEJ4A/s1600/KarenBeehm0246a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Karen Beehm" border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="341" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhBTcRuuAv18AlVwYnjpPKxEpS_ga899r0IERcCz54icHaqqOdB6-1rcLhLihlJteyJSMiVffsvk1pfn5DyYGBo3p-SNl0bf9qGonT8I5vuCq4kDBg-Czq1i7aVRHdvsIGLKJbVUEJ4A/s200/KarenBeehm0246a1.jpg" title="" width="114" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Karen Beehm</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdELNz0h449cMol3TwV6ahjVnVF2Sh5fTRL6MvK5rtKLg-ZrUGOFmVqNdv63-EJhFnFiTsYv19gzXVLT5C9zIPkhkJfGDczXdPICqC4un8BHEOa2OZc-5Pnjj3eVGcosJD-sp182AtAA/s1600/John+Resssue_0372+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John Ressue" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="398" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdELNz0h449cMol3TwV6ahjVnVF2Sh5fTRL6MvK5rtKLg-ZrUGOFmVqNdv63-EJhFnFiTsYv19gzXVLT5C9zIPkhkJfGDczXdPICqC4un8BHEOa2OZc-5Pnjj3eVGcosJD-sp182AtAA/s200/John+Resssue_0372+crop.jpg" title="" width="123" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>John Ressue</i></td></tr>
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Karen Beehm of Hubbardsville is the new commander of Sylvan Beach Flotilla, and John D. Ressue of Little Falls is the new vice flotilla commander. Assuming the helm Jan. 1, both serve one-year terms. <br />
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Karen and John are certified boat crew members for Coast Guard-approved patrols and search-and-rescue missions.<br />
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Karen is a previous flotilla commander and a certified instructor. She serves as secretary/records officer for the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Central New York Division 2.<br />
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John is a certified telecommunications operator, serving as flotilla communications officer and as assistant district staff officer for communications for the Auxiliary’s Ninth District Eastern Region.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-90539439758287511922018-06-06T20:10:00.001-04:002018-06-06T20:22:38.126-04:00Base Opening Signals Arrival of Boating Season<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEhiTkHWk78ODSJ3foU3i4pYXzZs5WPo6SUEmZV71dqPDA2eMKyvu70jW9DEB4Ow5yiRThOQptgxdc5crfQ8UmRFx7O92pyR2PWzJJ7ftahp3SfJ0QJsqjL6Q9cri9hfO3mBXqSU0b-g/s1600/Troutman7337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="291" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEhiTkHWk78ODSJ3foU3i4pYXzZs5WPo6SUEmZV71dqPDA2eMKyvu70jW9DEB4Ow5yiRThOQptgxdc5crfQ8UmRFx7O92pyR2PWzJJ7ftahp3SfJ0QJsqjL6Q9cri9hfO3mBXqSU0b-g/s200/Troutman7337.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>David Troutman</i></td></tr>
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<i>By Austen Givens, Flotilla 26 public affairs officer</i><br />
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With the smell of grilling hamburgers drifting through the open door while rows of American flags fluttered in the breeze outside, David Troutman, a 38-year member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, eased back in his chair, marine radio to one side, and contemplated the meaning of Flotilla 26’s annual Base Commissioning on June 3.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>“Base Commissioning Day is special because it speaks to the idea that multiple agencies are here to help out,” Troutman said. “It gives us a chance to have a day to celebrate and have a good time after all the work that we’ve put in to get the base ready.”<br />
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The festive Sunday afternoon was preceded by weeks of preparation. Auxiliarist John Parish rattled off the tasks that had been completed during the past month: a deteriorating south porch was torn down and re-built using a fresh design and new materials, the base building had been cleaned and obsolete materials discarded, water service had been restored following the long winter, docks buckled by lake ice were repaired, grass was mowed, and weeds were whacked.<br />
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Anticipation for the boating season was evident.<br />
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Auxiliarist Helen “Lou” Cummings said she was eager to get out on the water and work with the public while Auxiliarist Sara Barden noted: “I’m looking forward to seeing what I can learn. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can get involved in that I haven’t been involved in before.”<br />
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Auxiliarist Matthew Jennings emphasized Base Commissioning Day as a unifying force for the Flotilla and its partner agencies.<br />
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“It’s good to reunite with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and our shipmates after the long winter,” he said. “It’s good to get re-familiarized with things such as knot-tying and responding to a man overboard call. I want to continue to help others.”<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD3hESYHMkJDj9waUwRk6kKrJJauJ2ujem_DgahKXZRkL__hurRNLaeUbzej57flectBZR7knePTLuYl8O_jEc2VrBIFxDpTSKaOM4POCQ3XOnAT0pP1UQ4k4Bppyu02dcKUqFZ3gpnr6/s1600/IMG_0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stillwell Jennings Beehm prepare American ensign" border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD3hESYHMkJDj9waUwRk6kKrJJauJ2ujem_DgahKXZRkL__hurRNLaeUbzej57flectBZR7knePTLuYl8O_jEc2VrBIFxDpTSKaOM4POCQ3XOnAT0pP1UQ4k4Bppyu02dcKUqFZ3gpnr6/s320/IMG_0267.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Auxiliarists Bonnie Stilwell (left), </i><br />
<i>Matthew Jennings (center), and </i><br />
<i>Karen Beehm ready the American ensign.</i></td></tr>
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At just past 1 p.m. Flotilla Commander John Conroy stepped to the lectern on Base 26’s new south porch and asked attendees to take their seats. As if on cue, the sun began to peek through the cloud cover that had dominated the morning.<br />
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Immediate Past Vice Flotilla Commander Karen Beehm offered the invocation. A bell tolled twice in memory of Auxiliarists Robert Campbell (Flotilla 26) and Thomas Callender III (Flotilla 2-14) who crossed over the bar during the past year. A third strike of the bell honored all armed services members who had passed away.<br />
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Conroy acknowledged and thanked Lt. James Paravati and Deputy Robert Snider from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Then a Flag Detail comprised of Auxiliarists Bill Cummings, Lou Cummings, Karen Beehm, Matthew Jennings, and Bonnie Stilwell raised the American ensign to a recording of “The Star Spangled Banner” played by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy band. Asked about the recording later, David Troutman, who was responsible for providing the music, grinned. “It’s from a CD I found called ‘Semper Paratus’.”<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLdLDdmOja39XWnGY1v_8sN1ATxfAymolOpKbW9VRUkY8kE3B9C4Eu6UQB1XSR4btD8M8mC20k89ghufd_Zf0sKokK9zccHuJqu4HC2aH4I2aVoFnIP297B1RZDv0DGXQaZrI4RGv88kx/s1600/IMG_0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Members and guests listen" border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1201" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLdLDdmOja39XWnGY1v_8sN1ATxfAymolOpKbW9VRUkY8kE3B9C4Eu6UQB1XSR4btD8M8mC20k89ghufd_Zf0sKokK9zccHuJqu4HC2aH4I2aVoFnIP297B1RZDv0DGXQaZrI4RGv88kx/s400/IMG_0269.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Members and friends of Flotilla 26 listen to opening remarks </i><br />
<i>at Base Commissioning Day.</i></td></tr>
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Conroy spoke about the history of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which began in its current form in 1941, and Flotilla 26, which this year kicks off its 62nd boating season. Conroy stressed the vital role that training plays.<br />
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“Within the last two weeks,” he said, “members from this unit participated in HAZWOPER Training conducted by the Marine Safety Team out of (Coast Guard) Sector Buffalo. In addition, just this weekend, a number of Auxiliarists donated their valuable time to conducting exercises out on Oneida Lake, and in the Canal, to improve their skills in Search and Rescue.”<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6-tB10adYf2xKUoisftCJSdcbVTbp-qumZo-Dlfb94wcrYPK0qeWMFyj5hasW-d0_-btce0NW83aHGQGCNaqHDLYqVMT5k1q7zxId-XtQ6WkwWg4fAj2J9s7aUH0RQkfDjxppXyB5wjM/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ressue at attention" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="814" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6-tB10adYf2xKUoisftCJSdcbVTbp-qumZo-Dlfb94wcrYPK0qeWMFyj5hasW-d0_-btce0NW83aHGQGCNaqHDLYqVMT5k1q7zxId-XtQ6WkwWg4fAj2J9s7aUH0RQkfDjxppXyB5wjM/s400/IMG_0272.JPG" title="" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Auxiliarist John Ressue listens to a </i><br />
<i>speaker at Base Commissioning Day.</i></td></tr>
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Central New York’s Division 2 Vice Commander Bill Cummings sent greetings from Division Commander Gene Little and thanked Flotilla 26 for its dedication and hard work in support of Team Coast Guard. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Paravati expressed his agency’s gratitude to Flotilla 26 members for their partnership, camaraderie, and dedication to marine safety.<br />
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Following the ceremony attendees broke for a potluck lunch. Hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salads, sausage rolls, casseroles, dips, soft drinks, brownies, and pies packed the galley.<br />
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As members of Flotilla 26 tucked into their meals, they shared plans for the summer. Lou Cummings said she was particularly looking forward to Harborfest, an annual event near Coast Guard Station Oswego. John Parish stressed the importance of seeking out and recruiting new members in the coming months. Bill Cummings, who recently was certified as a Coast Guard Auxiliary financial educator, speculated that he might return to Station Erie or Station Oswego at some point to hold seminars on the Coast Guard’s new Blended Retirement System (BRS).<br />
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By 3 p.m., with the base opening celebration nearing an end, Flotilla 26 members were finally ready for something that they all had expected to show up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUYBPuPJJIARrKUff5yieVvwyeMqf4BiaGLJwNN_mbOEOIMgPHKo5AztTtrQiULKIzTUIZWkmSdwl3M4JKIO8J805fIbWAaJSmeJWQBTvMhmtaQdtJhGGS_5Wd9i9Qa3_DybJwj1RxbHg/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stilwell meal" border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="713" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUYBPuPJJIARrKUff5yieVvwyeMqf4BiaGLJwNN_mbOEOIMgPHKo5AztTtrQiULKIzTUIZWkmSdwl3M4JKIO8J805fIbWAaJSmeJWQBTvMhmtaQdtJhGGS_5Wd9i9Qa3_DybJwj1RxbHg/s320/IMG_0276.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Auxiliarist Bonnie Stilwell (right) and a guest enjoy a lighter </i><br />
<i>moment during fellowship on Base Commissioning Day.</i></td></tr>
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The 2018 boating season had arrived.<br />
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Austen Givenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163607089096095666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-33482027663219125472018-05-12T08:37:00.000-04:002018-05-12T14:20:02.910-04:00Paddlecraft Safety Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_Kbfq3VK5E92onPKYLqKrgWlgPaML8-gtO5HSLaOm9tYIep7SZh5EoNzkSHa44SO7ZUqppeD_W2BukGKSawikfUOgwtkQgMYj_Hra0_nzZOwM_6BEAMMFLKMRy9tSkrp8sZr0elRXvo/s1600/IMG_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Patrick Christopher" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_Kbfq3VK5E92onPKYLqKrgWlgPaML8-gtO5HSLaOm9tYIep7SZh5EoNzkSHa44SO7ZUqppeD_W2BukGKSawikfUOgwtkQgMYj_Hra0_nzZOwM_6BEAMMFLKMRy9tSkrp8sZr0elRXvo/s200/IMG_0054.jpg" title="" width="175" /></a></div>
With injuries and deaths occurring among the rapidly growing number of paddlesports enthusiasts, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 sponsored kayak safety training for members May 9 during its monthly meeting at its Sylvan Beach base.<br />
<a name='more'></a>The purpose of the training was to enable more Coast Guard Auxiliarists to reach out to the boating public to help ensure the safe and enjoyable use of kayaks and other paddlecraft. <br />
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This is “important information to keep us updated on the Auxiliary’s focus on this emerging area of concern,” noted Flotilla Commander John Conroy. <br />
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Oswego Flotilla 24 Staff Officer Patrick Christopher, a kayaker and paddlecraft vessel examiner, conducted the training. It included a safety checklist, such as checking for slow leaks, properly fitting hull caps, life jacket and emergency alert device such as a whistle.<br />
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The U.S. Coast Guard has tasked the Auxiliary with the recreational boating safety mission.<br />
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<span id="goog_1327293344"></span><span id="goog_1327293345"></span><br />R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-8350119146335459972018-04-16T13:51:00.000-04:002018-04-16T13:51:03.684-04:00A New Member Comes Aboard<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt5tE4ZRJtk4ADo_3ZglAa8A1WeJZAZQsfr9kTE4_M6TOr7IPBb1eqVdsHrfW6wwYNPaOqTj16M5fYMrCzZiyrpjgSY7rKfWJx-eWccAx9dGCrfQ4cOsygzNw0WygpU6gMulnTyuRUQR6/s1600/Andrew+Carr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="AUX Andrew Carr typing" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt5tE4ZRJtk4ADo_3ZglAa8A1WeJZAZQsfr9kTE4_M6TOr7IPBb1eqVdsHrfW6wwYNPaOqTj16M5fYMrCzZiyrpjgSY7rKfWJx-eWccAx9dGCrfQ4cOsygzNw0WygpU6gMulnTyuRUQR6/s200/Andrew+Carr.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><b>Area Professor, Cybersecurity Expert Joins Flotilla 26</b></div>
Andrew Carr joined Flotilla 26 in early 2018. We recently sat down with Andrew to learn about what prompted him to join and what he would like to do in the Auxiliary.
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<a name='more'></a><b>Q: How did you first hear about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Andrew</i>: I first heard about the Auxiliary from a co-worker of mine who is in Flotilla 26. That was the first time I had ever heard of the Auxiliary, frankly. I went to the Auxiliary website and started doing Google searches to learn more about it.<br />
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<b>Q: What were your initial impressions of the Auxiliary?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Andrew</i>: The Auxiliary seems like it has good intentions and good goals. I would say that it has an idealistic mission and a significant role in the advancement of the Coast Guard.<br />
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<b>Q: What do you hope to achieve in the Auxiliary?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Andrew</i>: I’ve looked for several years for an organization where I think I can make a real impact. I’m a physically fit person with special skills in cybersecurity. I wanted to join a group that supports my ideals; I have a lot of respect for military and law enforcement personnel. So in whatever small ways my skills can go toward helping military and law enforcement personnel do their jobs would be great.<br />
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<b>Q: Are there particular functional areas that interest you?</b><br />
<br />
<i>Andrew</i>: Yes, there are several. Given my professional background, working in information systems seems like a good potential fit. Working on marine safety and environmental issues would also be good. I could also see myself as a training officer, since I’m a professional educator, or working in operations.<br />
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<b>Q: Can you tell us about your day job?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Andrew</i>: I am a professor of cybersecurity at Utica College. I began working here as a part-time adjunct lecturer in 2011, and came on full-time in fall 2016. I specialize in digital forensics.<br />
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Austen Givenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163607089096095666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-2740983124898014112018-02-15T18:59:00.000-05:002018-02-15T18:59:00.348-05:00D-Train 2018 is coming!District 9ER's 2018 D-Train is coming!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14roYFbwK5fuTYlWI1FoP-mqGngjAg3ny/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view a promotional brochure with all of the relevant details.Austen Givenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163607089096095666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-18261155486668243412018-01-08T19:45:00.002-05:002018-01-08T21:14:48.887-05:00The 'Commander-in-Chefs'<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRQJvsBDVKEkLSYHDLfXLVVfZf4-pCrDjfXP-wuHAslaVb6d5QlRAUuc4h6sRlvg3lujsWxLU5lPTcsWFbCekogjXR8HP3gQGnXvGcF-MoqNYugC4Yr0D-6pSqDFY6zXdpuVaTPUj3k4/s1600/Lou-Bill+Cummings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Lou and Bill Cummings" border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1200" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRQJvsBDVKEkLSYHDLfXLVVfZf4-pCrDjfXP-wuHAslaVb6d5QlRAUuc4h6sRlvg3lujsWxLU5lPTcsWFbCekogjXR8HP3gQGnXvGcF-MoqNYugC4Yr0D-6pSqDFY6zXdpuVaTPUj3k4/s200/Lou-Bill+Cummings1.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a>
Couple Tackles Food Service with Gusto</h3>
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Bill Cummings and Helen “Lou” Held-Cummings of Utica have
been Coast Guard Auxiliarists for more than 15 years. Each has distinguished records
of service and leadership in the Auxiliary. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL28RuzFYU5SdQtoHESVZIOjOUNX5vT6nvCPsoCnGKKdhvD2z56D4giRGRkUOozUu2BwMTJD8aArwjFw_CPwaaVvGuRtKKpNTlgO3q9fbLC-V9aApYGHMPjSanvAjOlp0fupqwShYX1UQ/s1600/CummingsDressBlues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bill and Lou Cummings" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL28RuzFYU5SdQtoHESVZIOjOUNX5vT6nvCPsoCnGKKdhvD2z56D4giRGRkUOozUu2BwMTJD8aArwjFw_CPwaaVvGuRtKKpNTlgO3q9fbLC-V9aApYGHMPjSanvAjOlp0fupqwShYX1UQ/s320/CummingsDressBlues.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and Helen "Lou" Cummings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bill was previously District 9ER captain, Division II commander, Division ll vice commander, Flotilla 26 commander, Flotilla 26 vice commander and is currently Division II vice commander and boat crew coxswain.<br />
<br />
Lou is currently Assistant District Staff
Officer for Food Service (ADSO-FS), a position she has held for over a year, Assistant
District Staff Officer for Records (ADSO-SR), and a boat crew member. She also held the positions of Division II commander, Division II vice commander, and Flotilla 26 commander and vice commander.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bill and Lou’s clear dedication to the Auxiliary extends to
their participation in the Food Service (FS) program. Auxiliarists who enter
the FS program receive formal training and guidance that permits them to
prepare and serve food in Coast Guard galleys on land and at sea. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We recently caught up with Bill and Lou to ask them about
their experiences in the FS program, the challenges they’ve faced, and what
they find to be most rewarding. Our conversation has been lightly edited for
length and clarity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Q: Tell us about your experience in the FS program thus
far. When did you start?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Bill: </i>We’ve been part of the food service program since before
there was actually a formal food service program. Years ago we volunteered to
travel up to Station Oswego to cook for the 'gold side' (active duty side) there. I’d say it’s been
at least 12 years that we’ve been part of the program.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Lou: </i>It’s been great—they’re really supportive at Station
Oswego. Food service has a big impact on morale for active duty Coast Guard
personnel. If they’re just back from a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission, for
example, it’s not uncommon for them to want a meal, which is very
understandable. And you know, they really appreciate it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7Zse517y9iE1mc_r7BC3Wgxrn7htfohpfDZzpaqiiGsQW6SCrUtC9Tylc2atAEF9I49gy_hyrzd8tGKBZhZJKInjlDqi-KdQRIUydwwcm4h_T9f1rocbEyWvBAEpbKon7zLG8Ae3YHRv/s1600/LCummingsKitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Helen "Lou" Held-Cummings" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7Zse517y9iE1mc_r7BC3Wgxrn7htfohpfDZzpaqiiGsQW6SCrUtC9Tylc2atAEF9I49gy_hyrzd8tGKBZhZJKInjlDqi-KdQRIUydwwcm4h_T9f1rocbEyWvBAEpbKon7zLG8Ae3YHRv/s320/LCummingsKitchen.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou Cummings shows off one of her delicious creations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>Bill: </i>It’s probably one of the most fulfilling things we’ve
done. Here’s a funny story. Our son, Dan, is in the Army but stationed at
Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. He has a neighbor who is in the Coast Guard.
He mentioned to his neighbor that his mom volunteers to cook at Station Oswego.
Well, it turns out that this neighbor had previously been stationed at Oswego,
and recognized Lou and me based upon my son’s description of us. It was one of
those “small world” moments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Lou:</i> Bill and I recently went to Puerto Rico, and while we
were there we paid a visit to the Coast Guard Station. We were chatting with
some of the crew there, and it turns out that a number of them had just come
from Oswego, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Q: What sort of training do you have to complete to enter
the FS program?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Lou: </i>There is a classroom training portion and a practical
portion. You have to demonstrate proficiency in a number of tasks, such as
being able to read a recipe and translate that recipe into a finished product.
You might have to show the ability to prepare a cold salad, eggs, or meats in
different ways. The active duty Coast Guard has culinary specialists (CSs) and
you work directly with them in the galley. If the CSs know that you’re coming
to get qualified in advance, then they will plan a menu to help you get your
qualifications—there might be a grilled item, a baked item, a broiled item, and
so on. You also have to take a written test. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sanitation and cleanliness are extremely important in all of
this. You have to pass a medical physical and receive a Hepatitis A
vaccination, then provide documentation certifying these things, before you
even set foot in a galley. Food safety is critical for the Coast Guard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do not let your lack of culinary knowledge keep you from
volunteering for the program. You will
be trained in all aspects of the galley.<s><o:p></o:p></s></div>
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It’s not that hard to get certified, but you’ve really got
to stick with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Q: Did either of you have prior experience working in
commercial kitchen environments, such as restaurants or bars, prior to entering
the FS program?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Bill: </i>Yes. Years ago I was a manager-in-training at
Friendly’s, a fast food chain. Later I was a district food service supervisor
for Sav-On, a group of convenience stores operated by the Oneida Indian Nation.
We would sell some proprietary food operations as well as franchise operations.
I was a buyer for the food service orders, oversaw the food prep, store
sanitation and store menus, as well as profit and loss statements. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKc3JqlsqjxHdOUKME865A2rR_s_qdgqgoNcIBBPwwrxukmm113kAQhTyA5MchR6TMvDQIPmdZmyRi_kHRCGadIKt5Pd1EwbTgFBQ43lE0zx_Z8xxlLLG4hwF9EGtqMA95qdO-A2njroX/s1600/BCummingsKitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bill Cummings" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKc3JqlsqjxHdOUKME865A2rR_s_qdgqgoNcIBBPwwrxukmm113kAQhTyA5MchR6TMvDQIPmdZmyRi_kHRCGadIKt5Pd1EwbTgFBQ43lE0zx_Z8xxlLLG4hwF9EGtqMA95qdO-A2njroX/s320/BCummingsKitchen.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Cummings carries a tray of cinnamon rolls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>Lou:</i> I used to live overseas in Germany and was very
involved in family activities with the Army. My boss was a former Army cook, so
when we did events, they were big. When I came back to the States, I did a lot
of battalion functions. But as far as being professionally trained as a chef,
no, I’m not. We also have a big family, so holidays at our home involve a lot
of cooking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Q: What’s the most challenging thing that you’ve had to
prepare?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i>Bill:</i> Lou and I are not big seafood eaters, so preparing
fish can be hard. Sometimes they’ll go the market and get a fresh swordfish, so
that kind of thing can be tricky.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Lou: </i>But the great thing is that every time you go into the
galley, the CS will provide you with a recipe and he or she will go through the
whole process with you. Sometimes CSs will ask if you want to fix something in
particular, as well. They’re always up for new ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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New galleys can be challenging. I usually work out of
Oswego, but this past summer I had the opportunity to work at Station
Erie. You expect all galley equipment to
work the same way. I prepared some
cinnamon rolls that came out crispy on the outside but raw and gooey on the
inside. Apparently they had a propane-based oven that had been recently converted
over to natural gas, causing a fluctuation in oven temperatures. I was checking
the oven every five minutes after that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Bill: </i>What Lou just brought up is interesting. There are so
many opportunities that can come up in the FS program. You can even go on a
Coast Guard cutter for weeks at a time if you’re qualified and can cook. There
is a big need.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Q: What would you say to a new Auxiliarist who is
thinking about taking the plunge into the CS program?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Lou: </i>As long as you have a willingness to learn, and a
passion, I’d say go for it. Some members in the past had this idea that it was
a cheesecake job, but you have to wash dishes and mop floors, just like in
restaurant kitchens. There is a huge satisfaction in preparing meals that bring
a smile to faces of the crew!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Bill:</i> When we work at [Oswego’s] Harbor Fest, it’s a
twelve to fourteen hour day. But the crew recognizes us and thanks us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just to show you how much they appreciate it, back when I
worked for the federal government, I got deployed to Iraq. When I came back
after my deployment to Oswego, I was told, jokingly, that I could never go to a
place like that again—that’s how much they care about us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I also remember one time that there was a young Coast
Guardsman at Oswego—it was his first duty assignment—and his mom was concerned
that he wasn’t going to get a proper Thanksgiving meal. Well, we got Lou on the
phone and talking to her about what they were preparing for Thanksgiving, and
that really helped to put the Coast Guardsman’s mother at ease. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Lou: </i>What people may not realize is that at small Coast
Guard stations, it’s like a little family. You get to be a part of that family
in the FS program. You get to see the active duty side in their home space. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And they look out for us. If we’re looking tired in the
kitchen, they will pop in and help us out. Once, after we had put in a 14-hour
day, they went out on a SAR mission. At that point we had gone to bed because
we needed to get up early to cook again the next morning. The gold side is
authorized a midnight meal if they go out on a SAR after a certain hour. They
know they can wake us up and we’ll gladly come and prepare something for them.
They came back late after their SAR mission, but they didn’t wake us up,
because they realized we were tired and needed to rest. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Q: Any concluding thoughts or comments about the FS
program that you would like to share?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i>Bill: </i>It’s a rewarding field and a great opportunity for
Auxiliarists.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Lou:</i> Just remember that you don’t have to be an expert.
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Austen Givenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163607089096095666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-77162186588999837862017-11-19T19:02:00.001-05:002017-12-06T09:10:45.479-05:00Conroy, Kimber to lead Flotilla 2-6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUINfQ9TGL_F8XEcCTdd1FBgZoH-jbINnY_e2PyyFWrj1w8GfKoIqzy0zVn1bEMj14D_4j8GwyTiNbpTo84bMnLND4ScgVkPbRTTKmKpJGjfU_5qBvNm6KBE4Cy1Uubs7XHH1vmU9ym4/s1600/JohnConroy00169a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="John Conroy" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1070" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUINfQ9TGL_F8XEcCTdd1FBgZoH-jbINnY_e2PyyFWrj1w8GfKoIqzy0zVn1bEMj14D_4j8GwyTiNbpTo84bMnLND4ScgVkPbRTTKmKpJGjfU_5qBvNm6KBE4Cy1Uubs7XHH1vmU9ym4/s200/JohnConroy00169a.jpg" title="" width="100" /></a></div>
On November 8th Flotilla 2-6 members voted to elect John Conroy and Mark Kimber as the new Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Vice Commander, respectively.<br />
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Conroy and Kimber replace outgoing Commander Bill Cummings and Vice Commander Karen Beehm, whose terms of office end this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv40WQXPMTtN40KtxPmHxr1xx-cUl5E6VTi4TyuaDVlPAl8NyYXLKmpsuzEfVIkvutesrGDDiDBi8an9d904U0CwwXPn75ngd_i-GpjiITaiVZZpzQdU6FwhPONSxm4WgzybHBoYfEqyTK/s1600/DSC00297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John Conroy" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv40WQXPMTtN40KtxPmHxr1xx-cUl5E6VTi4TyuaDVlPAl8NyYXLKmpsuzEfVIkvutesrGDDiDBi8an9d904U0CwwXPn75ngd_i-GpjiITaiVZZpzQdU6FwhPONSxm4WgzybHBoYfEqyTK/s400/DSC00297.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly elected Flotilla Commander John Conroy, seen during a 2013 Search and Rescue Exercise at Base 2-6.</td></tr>
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"It has been my honor to have served as Flotilla Commander these last two years," Cummings said. "The role of Flotilla Commander is sometimes difficult, but working with members of our team is always a rewarding experience. I will continue in the future to help mentor our new members and to promote the outstanding work of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Semper Paratus."<br />
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"I think that John will do a great job as Flotilla Commander," added Beehm. "I look forward to a safe and productive year."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMgUktgH-PhPOq2QpnMZH43rEutGMFryyV3AVCAZ2M0oAAVk2GgySqwNOMB0Mhv8XhcXXF359t1zKAPiaQfRckX_1tvDd8e-oIHh3KWCEQlY3MRkuyqs3TppCRqzn_HY1a8zdBslR_7h6/s1600/IMG_7287+Bill+Cummings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bill Cummings" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMgUktgH-PhPOq2QpnMZH43rEutGMFryyV3AVCAZ2M0oAAVk2GgySqwNOMB0Mhv8XhcXXF359t1zKAPiaQfRckX_1tvDd8e-oIHh3KWCEQlY3MRkuyqs3TppCRqzn_HY1a8zdBslR_7h6/s400/IMG_7287+Bill+Cummings.jpg" title="" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outgoing Flotilla 2-6 Commander Bill Cummings</td></tr>
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Conroy, from Cazenovia, holds certifications as a Coxswain, Instructor, Personal Watercraft Operator, and Vessel Examiner. He has been an Auxiliarist since 2002.</div>
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Kimber, of Williamstown, has been an Auxiliarist for six years, and is certified as a Boat Crew Crewmember. Previously, Kimber served as Staff Officer for Staff Records (FSO-SR) and Vice Commander (VFC) with Flotilla 2-14.<br />
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"My goal as VFC is a simple one," Kimber noted. "[To] support and carry out the directives of the Flotilla Commander and support our members--especially helping our newer members find their 'niche' within the Auxiliary."</div>
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Austen Givenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163607089096095666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-18177469683683563342017-10-21T19:20:00.000-04:002017-11-20T09:08:13.690-05:00Flotilla 2-6 cleans up for fallOn Saturday, October 21st, Flotilla 2-6 members gathered for the annual base cleanup and shutdown.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outgoing Division 2 Commander and Flotilla 2-6 member Mike Kennedy clears leaves from the grounds of Base 2-6 on October 21st, 2017.</td></tr>
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A late start to the fall meant that there were fewer leaves on the ground than usual. Many Flotilla 2-6 members stored outdoor furniture, raked leaves, and removed dead trees from the grounds of Base 2-6. Others folded and removed furniture inside Base 2-6 and gave the base interior a thorough cleaning.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAxu59lsh7tVLgvjqAANSBvNwda-6Dr2GZfhZBvKnoRCIr9Pg0Q8Dyfp5xj5VSbK2yeOMet8GIN7tua_dWIQ9rUzs5HjdiYujrkuzY0uRpQZS62QtR-3QjOMGD-rP4T3xCssLcuNeeVRv/s1600/IndoorMaintenance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Light fixture maintenance" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAxu59lsh7tVLgvjqAANSBvNwda-6Dr2GZfhZBvKnoRCIr9Pg0Q8Dyfp5xj5VSbK2yeOMet8GIN7tua_dWIQ9rUzs5HjdiYujrkuzY0uRpQZS62QtR-3QjOMGD-rP4T3xCssLcuNeeVRv/s400/IndoorMaintenance.jpeg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The annual fall cleanup day included maintenance to indoor light fixtures.</td></tr>
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<br />During the winter, Flotilla 2-6 meetings will be held at the Utica Public Library.</div>
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Austen Givenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163607089096095666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-82212805001947173332015-12-01T20:51:00.002-05:002015-12-01T21:02:18.248-05:00Kennedy Elected Division Commander<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYGi_pAefwkTLYbWQQl1MYxazhSx98FiiXhxpbvo-I7kkR20wKzfpYumLvV1tNAtcHu5Dzy2EJOTfITsvUSKyEn_Z2vkWO_iJAEgHFTXiAl75SwqNcWXwICgxOJCzqZYGANuon9hd_Dw/s1600/Mike+Kennedy_0237a1crop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYGi_pAefwkTLYbWQQl1MYxazhSx98FiiXhxpbvo-I7kkR20wKzfpYumLvV1tNAtcHu5Dzy2EJOTfITsvUSKyEn_Z2vkWO_iJAEgHFTXiAl75SwqNcWXwICgxOJCzqZYGANuon9hd_Dw/s200/Mike+Kennedy_0237a1crop1.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
Michael Kennedy of Fayettville has been elected commander of Central New York Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 2. He takes office Jan. 1 and is a member of Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26.<br />
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Elected Vice Division Commander was Robert F. Shanahan Sr. of East Syracuse, who is also commander of Brewerton Flotilla 2-14.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>They will serve one-year terms. The Central New York Division 2 encompasses five flotillas in an area stretching from Ithaca to Oswego. <br />
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Kennedy is former commander of Brewerton Flotilla 2-14 and is qualified as an instructor, personal watercraft operator, coxswain and in Auxiliary Operations.<br />
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Born and raised in Camillus, Kennedy has been active in the community, serving as a scoutmaster and as a member of the Camillus Fire Department, including serving as chief. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and is retired from Time Warner Cable.<br />
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Kennedy and his wife, Shirleyanne, have three daughters and a son.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-69489749054201165502015-03-17T17:19:00.000-04:002015-03-17T17:19:03.708-04:00East Syracuse Man Heads Central NY Auxiliary<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI97MCoQM_xvRRPsw0kFiiw-AS0c4wRy9JnWqDJlkhFgzBmV9yM1rg4bDWq5QtKMPnoiBSfdkKnhxpBGrOxWqW3H68VFokWj_VTWxwXRLs93wzWh9HDuSEHYCoVmsZPdzdNlhoZdjbTE/s1600/RickKunz_8410a1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kunz" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI97MCoQM_xvRRPsw0kFiiw-AS0c4wRy9JnWqDJlkhFgzBmV9yM1rg4bDWq5QtKMPnoiBSfdkKnhxpBGrOxWqW3H68VFokWj_VTWxwXRLs93wzWh9HDuSEHYCoVmsZPdzdNlhoZdjbTE/s1600/RickKunz_8410a1a.jpg" height="166" title="" width="114" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Rick Kunz</b></i></td></tr>
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Rick Kunz of East Syracuse is the new Coast Guard Auxiliary commander of Central New York’s Division 2, which oversees flotillas in Oswego, Brewerton, Syracuse, Ithaca and Sylvan Beach.<br />
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He and Vice Division Commander Paul Phelps of Ithaca were sworn in at a recent Change of Watch Banquet by Coast Guard Commander Nathan Podoll from the Coast Guard’s Great Lakes headquarters in Cleveland.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Podoll also helped to honor two Coast Guard Auxiliarists for rescuing two paddlers who had fallen into the water and were at risk of being swept into harm’s way during a paddlesports event at Oswego Harbor in June 2014. <b> </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJGkvcS03ogW7eji5vBrcIWREnuiSBBHV4-Fa3dHrBND-8bJNBkhqcymKwoFQwlmRyDlFakEnD9U3z182fhQ5oCSbtNkz2W7KEIdPTlS6yY_j6_g0bDoMNRr6dk40jN8hoEYTFFKeKGo/s1600/DaleCurrier-GeneLittle_8478a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dale Currier and Gene Little" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJGkvcS03ogW7eji5vBrcIWREnuiSBBHV4-Fa3dHrBND-8bJNBkhqcymKwoFQwlmRyDlFakEnD9U3z182fhQ5oCSbtNkz2W7KEIdPTlS6yY_j6_g0bDoMNRr6dk40jN8hoEYTFFKeKGo/s1600/DaleCurrier-GeneLittle_8478a1.jpg" height="212" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Dale Currier and Gene Little</b></i></td></tr>
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<b>Dale Currier</b> of Oswego and <b>Gene Little</b> of Ithaca received the Division’s Operational Excellence Award. Currier is a member of Syracuse Flotilla 21.<br />
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<b>Little, who is with Ithaca Flotilla 22, was also named Auxiliarist of the Year for his collaborative work in fighting invasive species and in training the public and first responders in cold water survival.</b><br />
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Commander Podoll referred to the rescue as one of the many services Coast Guard Auxiliarists perform. He also mentioned recreational boating safety classes, vessel exams, lake patrols, partnerships to stem the spread of invasive species, and search-and-rescue exercises.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJNW2E9iMLOi7FZHov-AdT84VojL8MA_0i4EM352mLbwwpZA8gVvbCs8Y6-1vythJmkJZRvJUypLeVFShJatBO7Y6ooSJcZXVUYWKciB34RP0pnbwMJfOmIMQofwO3fbHNz88IF77R1Y/s1600/NathanPodoll_8390b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Commodore Podoll" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJNW2E9iMLOi7FZHov-AdT84VojL8MA_0i4EM352mLbwwpZA8gVvbCs8Y6-1vythJmkJZRvJUypLeVFShJatBO7Y6ooSJcZXVUYWKciB34RP0pnbwMJfOmIMQofwO3fbHNz88IF77R1Y/s1600/NathanPodoll_8390b1.jpg" height="204" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Commander Podoll</b></i></td></tr>
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Division 2 members performed over 7,500 hours of service for the Coast Guard and community in the past year, Podoll noted. That’s “absolutely fantastic.” <br />
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The commander, who served on a Coast Guard cutter in Alaska before being assigned to Cleveland, is director of the Auxiliary for the Ninth Coast Guard District. <br />
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The district’s operations training officer, Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Kleisath, pointed to the Oswego rescues as a great learning experience. While Currier and Little trained for on-the-water rescues, he said, nothing compares to what is learned when performing in real life. He also pointed to the Auxiliary’s critical role as safe boating educators. “You’ll never know” how many “lives you’ll save.”<br />
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Also participating in the awards and swearing-in ceremonies were former Ninth District Eastern Region Commodore Nancy Rutiger and outgoing Division Commander John Conroy of Cazenovia.<br />
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Several other awards were announced:<br />
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<li><b>Syracuse Flotilla 21 </b>was named Flotilla of the Year for its support of Coast Guard Station Oswego, Conroy said, along with its role in rescues and boating safety. 2015 Flotilla Commander Dan Garcia of Baldwinsville and Vice Flotilla Commander Dan Golley of Cicero accepted the award on behalf of flotilla members.</li>
<li><b>Helen Cummings</b> of Utica, a member of Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26, received the Division Commander’s Award for her accomplishments in the new role of diversity officer.</li>
<li><b>Don Campbell </b>of Lansing, a member of Ithaca Flotilla 22, received the Vice Division Commander’s Award for his behind-the-scene work, including serving as division finance officer.</li>
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Kunz was previously vice division commander and before that was commander of Brewerton Flotilla 2-14. Born in Syracuse, he grew up in the Town of Cicero on the shore of Oneida Lake in the Maple Bay Area. After graduating from Cicero High School, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving as a marine machinery technician at the Life Boat Station on Galloo Island on Lake Ontario and then as a small boat engineer at Station Oswego participating in search-and-rescue operations on Lake Ontario. <br />
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After leaving the Coast Guard, he became a member of the South Bay Volunteer Fire Department in 1976 and served with the department until moving to Northern California in the autumn of 1980 where he worked in the auto industry for 24 years. After the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Kunz joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Alameda, CA.<br />
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After returning to Central New York in 2003, he reconnected with the South Bay Volunteer Fire Department, working as an engineer and on water rescues, and linked up with the local Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. He has been involved with working and training with the Auxiliary, Station Oswego and first responders from several fire departments on the west side of Oneida Lake.<br />
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Kunz is a qualified boat crew member, instructor, vessel examiner and Auxiliary chef supporting Coast Guard Station Oswego. He is married to the former Theresa LaVergne.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-39742312080781641492013-11-25T17:09:00.002-05:002013-11-25T17:10:32.359-05:00Conroy Re-Elected Division Commander<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPrCD3iCzTeRqbr18QLBvlXVMW-dPVBmTgCdHQ1YUG2AEt2T9Dp-HtwbDzscHuAUy_4wk6u7UVc4LwvcytRXfBhWaV64moFtd71aMi-BGD6JtZSomQP9u36-InAWIVo_uXV2KnNFmZck/s1600/JohnConroy00169a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John Conroy" border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPrCD3iCzTeRqbr18QLBvlXVMW-dPVBmTgCdHQ1YUG2AEt2T9Dp-HtwbDzscHuAUy_4wk6u7UVc4LwvcytRXfBhWaV64moFtd71aMi-BGD6JtZSomQP9u36-InAWIVo_uXV2KnNFmZck/s200/JohnConroy00169a.jpg" title="" width="66" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>John Conroy</i></td></tr>
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John Conroy has been re-elected commander of Division 2 for 2014, and Rick Kunz has been re-elected vice division commander. The elctions took place earlier this month. Division 2 encompasses the Coat Guard Auxiliary's Central New York area and includes flotillas in Oswego, Brewerton, Syracuse, Ithaca and Sylvan Beach.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-44807734059189677272013-09-06T21:17:00.004-04:002013-09-06T21:19:03.158-04:00Fall Training Conference in Oswego Sept. 20-22Central New York's Division 2, in conjunction with Ninth District Eastern Region, holds a fall training conference Sept. 20-22 in Oswego. <a href="http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=092&category=fall-conference" target="_blank">More information and conference brochure.</a>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-57561115220413191262013-07-04T12:54:00.001-04:002013-07-06T16:40:44.213-04:00Oneida Lake Search Turns Up No Capsized Boat<div class="MsoNormal">
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A U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol boat was waiting out a
storm in the canal at Sylvan Beach Sunday afternoon (June 30) when Oneida
County Sheriff's Marine Unit contacted the crew for help in
searching for an overturned sail boat in the North Bay area and possibly a
pontoon boat in distress. Three 9-1-1 callers had reported seeing what appeared to be boats
in trouble.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Ralph Moore and Matt Jennings</b></i><br />
Photo by Melaine Paatz</td></tr>
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"We contacted Coast Guard Station Oswego…to let them
know we were going out to assist," noted Flotilla 26 Coxswain Tom Paatz of
Dolgeville, who had been patrolling Oneida Lake before the storm hit with crew
members Melaine Paatz of Dolgeville, Ralph Moore of Sauquoit and Matt Jennings
of Oneida.</div>
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It was 3:10 when the storm it. At 3:25 they got the call for
help. As they got underway again, the heavy rain slowed to a drizzle and the
winds were on the wane, he said.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU_bQRX5Ubz-0GvlaE7gW5MZsCC6u0XMo2zWb6Xorx6Rg1ygU5_g2un5fcihKF-QhXVdmnROu21h70vBNLs0DPVP4QbubzZWXap35yOUpMJW-7fmfPZ30MSR72PF77CZefJwKxA2feVE/s1050/Search-Paatz4293a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Melaine and Tom Paatz in Patrol Boat" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU_bQRX5Ubz-0GvlaE7gW5MZsCC6u0XMo2zWb6Xorx6Rg1ygU5_g2un5fcihKF-QhXVdmnROu21h70vBNLs0DPVP4QbubzZWXap35yOUpMJW-7fmfPZ30MSR72PF77CZefJwKxA2feVE/s320/Search-Paatz4293a1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Tom Paatz at helm; Melaine jots down search coordinates.</i></b><br />
Photo by Ralph Moore<b><i><br /></i></b></td></tr>
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"When we got out there, the Sheriff's Marine One was coming
east, about a half mile off shore. We stayed a mile off shore, heading
west."</div>
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The Coast Guard gave Paatz coordinates to run a 2.6-mile-long
parallel search pattern from near Buoy 107 to North Bay.</div>
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Sylvan Beach and another volunteer fire rescue boat joined
the search, along with Onondaga County Sheriff's helicopter. Once the copter
flew over the area, spotting nothing, the sheriff and fire rescue boats decided
to pull out of the search.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjJzd1aJuz1IZK174gOsMj2fMkq750yZfwCHPRXLPXyvKEkHocR2vGdVfNZpq8-6BsR6fXUaVB7C7Nqmwk3xAXxi9zH13lyRFzDRW_FvhCh38SecvmZe0p23ZsOQznzv4A-ISDgD7LUA/s1322/Search-CGHelo4296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coast Guard helicopter" border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjJzd1aJuz1IZK174gOsMj2fMkq750yZfwCHPRXLPXyvKEkHocR2vGdVfNZpq8-6BsR6fXUaVB7C7Nqmwk3xAXxi9zH13lyRFzDRW_FvhCh38SecvmZe0p23ZsOQznzv4A-ISDgD7LUA/s320/Search-CGHelo4296.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Coast Guard rescue copter joined search.</b></i><br />
Photo by Ralph Moore <i><b><br /></b></i></td></tr>
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Coast Guard Sector Buffalo had the Auxiliary crew
continue its search, and flew in a Coast Guard rescue helicopter from Sector
Detroit. The helo flew a search pattern both north and south of the Auxiliary
patrol boat search grid.</div>
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After finding no overturned boats or debris, the search
ended about 8:30 near Godfrey Point, and the Auxiliary crew was back at the
Sylvan Beach base by 9:30.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe18cBOfprkEfL1GwPuBBA_c0xKqfqUGm9Ky1n-kfeSIrAc39Au5X-Esbn8UW9d9BhRhyLdmXek8rapP2rJsa_z-PYVE6LDvB61HIKSL1ABT4JhVWVZlDlf7ZKg4qEmlHPBhP4NqAGaw/s1050/Search-Sunset4302a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sun sets on Oneida Lake search." border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe18cBOfprkEfL1GwPuBBA_c0xKqfqUGm9Ky1n-kfeSIrAc39Au5X-Esbn8UW9d9BhRhyLdmXek8rapP2rJsa_z-PYVE6LDvB61HIKSL1ABT4JhVWVZlDlf7ZKg4qEmlHPBhP4NqAGaw/s320/Search-Sunset4302a1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Search drew to a close as sun set on Oneida Lake.</b></i><br />
Photo by Ralph Moore<i><b> </b></i></td></tr>
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Since there were no follow-up calls about missing boaters, Paatz
surmises that when the storm hit, a large sail boat he had seen out on the lake
most likely dropped its sail, and when people on shore didn't see the sail
anymore, they may have thought the boat capsized.</div>
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While doing the search grid, the crew came upon a lost
boater who needed directions to Sylvan Beach.<br />
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R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-70362279060637459602013-06-23T07:25:00.000-04:002013-06-23T07:26:39.647-04:00Central NY Coast Guard Auxiliary Has New Leader<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6TUvjJRxpxoFBz2AQZCrfj11ckfu-m-ynWPSpFoid0uaWeCI0ovIP6KbkYyOWFT3eEKQwbuS4leaqgb86fuesBTcRWzBvcamotBmXZ5g39LfB8KAPzZQDBmFziKFqEPpB8sMx_Z_8Y4/s1600/JohnConroy00169a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="John Conroy" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6TUvjJRxpxoFBz2AQZCrfj11ckfu-m-ynWPSpFoid0uaWeCI0ovIP6KbkYyOWFT3eEKQwbuS4leaqgb86fuesBTcRWzBvcamotBmXZ5g39LfB8KAPzZQDBmFziKFqEPpB8sMx_Z_8Y4/s200/JohnConroy00169a.jpg" title="" width="133" /></a></div>
John Conroy of Cazenovia is the new commander of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 2, overseeing the Central New York area of operation. Division 2 encompasses five flotillas in Oswego, Brewerton, Syracuse/Phoenix, Ithaca and Sylvan Beach. <br />
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Conroy will fill the remaining 2013 term of the previous commander, who had to step down due to his health. A special election took place June 19, with District Commodore Robert Laurer presiding. <br />
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Serving with Conroy on the bridge as vice division commander is Richard Kunz of East Syracuse. <br />
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Conroy has been the division's operations officer for a number of years, serving as a liaison with the active duty operations training officer at Coast Guard Sector Buffalo and coordinating search-and-rescue training on Oneida Lake and other waterways. In his role, he also outfitted boat crew members with rescue and survival equipment. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTcK6fvSn6o/UbT5o9qLcPI/AAAAAAAAC2c/pII6UPgph78/s1600/DSC00499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John Conroy on personal watercraft" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTcK6fvSn6o/UbT5o9qLcPI/AAAAAAAAC2c/pII6UPgph78/s320/DSC00499.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>John Conroy monitors training during<br />search-and-rescue exercise on Oneida Lake.</b></i></td></tr>
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He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2002 after attending the Auxiliary's 13-week Boating Skills and Seamanship Course. He became an instructor for boating safety courses, and 2003 became operationally qualified to serve as a patrol boat crew member. A year later he qualified as a coxswain. Then he qualified as a personal watercraft operator, patrolling Oneida Lake along with Auxiliary patrol boats. <br />
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A native of Little Falls, NY, Conroy grew up and attended schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He graduated cum laude from American International College in Springfield, Mass. <br />
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Conroy and his wife, Sandy, have three children, Jennifer, Daniel and Shannon. <br />
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<br />R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-27389226215853246332013-06-02T23:49:00.004-04:002013-06-02T23:50:57.502-04:00Musket Fire Signals Start of Boating Season Operations<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRPXJs-yePzauW0G5QtQBAwiesPCgzubcIBzEUpfclfXjg8hMt6HbQq7XfenfylHCWh487neOaWhyphenhyphen6HgE9vQlBMdZ55gijB6-gAJorGc12OgvgkmoBO3LH4EuuXm8ahYjFCA0VNaIXtI/s1600/CGAux-Reenactors177a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Civil War re-enactors" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRPXJs-yePzauW0G5QtQBAwiesPCgzubcIBzEUpfclfXjg8hMt6HbQq7XfenfylHCWh487neOaWhyphenhyphen6HgE9vQlBMdZ55gijB6-gAJorGc12OgvgkmoBO3LH4EuuXm8ahYjFCA0VNaIXtI/s1600/CGAux-Reenactors177a1.jpg" height="163" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Civil War re-enactors.</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Volleys of musket fire echoed through the U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 Base at Sylvan Beach Sunday afternoon (June
2, 2013).</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The squad of Civil War re-enactors paid tribute
to the fallen men and women of the Coast Guard and Auxiliary. The musket fire
also brought to a close annual base commissioning ceremonies, officially
signaling the start of the flotilla's Oneida Lake operations for the 2013
boating season.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Re-enactors serve as honor guard for CAP cadet color guard.<br /><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/101922172326026649588/albums/5885075737528472609" target="_blank">MORE PHOTOS</a></i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Flotilla Commander <b>Karen Beehm</b> of Hubbardsville said the Coast
Guard Auxiliary has served local boaters for more than 50 years, responding to
distress calls on Oneida Lake, making numerous safety patrols, providing free
vessel safety checks, and offering "countless hours of public education on
boating safety."</div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The re-enactors from the Syracuse-based 12th
Infantry living history regiment also helped to open the ceremonies by
escorting Civil Air Patrol cadets from Utica Cadet Squadron who presented the
colors and stood at attention during the playing of the national anthem and the
Coast Guard anthem, "Semper Peratus" (Always Ready). </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlzsjC8ztcqtgaeRjKP41LHcaPuWEiJhEBvc5ISXLo_DBDIyCKsDlofRpcAVSHu5Z-fJGizAwOIf2YVhieNln3QA5GjAj_PI6LNeP4K0btgJ43xbAFQwsUTV2lAQ6Ba1jub0syFhpyEA/s1600/CGAux-Muskets3567a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Re-enactors fire muskets" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlzsjC8ztcqtgaeRjKP41LHcaPuWEiJhEBvc5ISXLo_DBDIyCKsDlofRpcAVSHu5Z-fJGizAwOIf2YVhieNln3QA5GjAj_PI6LNeP4K0btgJ43xbAFQwsUTV2lAQ6Ba1jub0syFhpyEA/s1600/CGAux-Muskets3567a1.jpg" height="198" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Re-enactors fire Civil War muskets</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flotilla Vice Commander <b>Bill Cummings</b> of Utica introduced
the cadets and re-enactors, along with special guests that included the Oneida
County Sheriff's Marine Patrol, BM2 <b>Walter Kendall</b>, a coxswain and law
enforcement Coast Guardsman from Coast Guard Station Oswego, and Coast Guard
Auxiliary Division 2 Acting Commander Rick Kunz of East Syracuse.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Civil Air Patrol -- the search-and-rescue,
cadet mentoring and aerospace education auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force -- has
participated in the Coast Guard Auxiliary base commissioning for the past
decade, noted Capt.<b> Paul Kulesa</b> of Utica, who escorted the color guard cadets,
Cadet 1st Lt. <b>Anders Hansson</b> of Rome and Cadet Airman <b>Benjamin Miller</b> of
Vernon.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"It's part of our community service,"
Kulesa said. Plus, "we believe in inter-service cooperation."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Civil War re-enactors included Capt. <b>Jim
Hurd</b> of Oneida, First Sgt. <b>Neil MacMillan</b> of Syracuse, Pvt. <b>Shane Camp</b> of
Perryville (Canastota), Pvt. <b>Harold Reichard</b> of North Syracuse, and Pvt. <b>Nathan
Bowers</b> of Syracuse. Joining them were three women dressed as spouses of 12th
Infantry soldiers. They were <b>Shantille Camp</b> of Perryville (Canastota), <b>Jan
Reichard</b> of North Syracuse, and <b>Peggy Reilly</b> of North Syracuse.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The re-enactors saw their participation as a way
to "show our respect and appreciation" for those who are serving
community and country today, noted Captain Hurd.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"It's an honor." </span></div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/101922172326026649588/albums/5885075737528472609" target="_blank">MORE PHOTOS</a>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-44223275538407392622013-05-29T22:14:00.000-04:002013-05-29T22:47:18.820-04:00Civil War Re-Enactors to Help Commission Base<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvjKTDJUejs/T8w3N7MJxoI/AAAAAAAAA5M/-k8C34BC5fk/s1600/DSC07321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Civil War re-enactors" border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvjKTDJUejs/T8w3N7MJxoI/AAAAAAAAA5M/-k8C34BC5fk/s200/DSC07321.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sound of musket fire by Civil War
re-enactors and a flag raising by Civil Air Patrol cadets will highlight the
base commissioning of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 on
Sunday, June 2.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The annual commissioning ceremonies, which start
at 1 p.m., officially open the Cove Road base for the 2013 boating season,
noted Flotilla Commander Karen Beehm.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coast Guard active duty and auxiliary personnel
from around Central New York will join the flotilla for the ceremonies and a
picnic reception, she said.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 12th Infantry, a Civil War living history
regiment based in Syracuse, will provide a contingent of re-enactors. The Civil
Air Patrol's Utica Cadet Squadron will provide a color guard squad.</span></div>
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For more than 50 years, Beehm said, the Coast Guard
Auxiliary has served local boaters, responding to distress calls on Oneida
Lake, making numerous patrols to ensure safety on the lake, providing free
vessel safety checks, and offering "countless hours of public education on
boating safety."</div>
R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-38608058612933774892013-01-16T21:33:00.000-05:002013-01-19T00:54:19.380-05:00District Symposium Open to All MembersThe Combined District Symposium in April is jam-packed with training sessions for members.<br />
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R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-34054629840856364902013-01-13T17:55:00.003-05:002013-01-13T21:11:09.122-05:00Awards Highlight Change of Watch Dinner<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkBSVj3xJ4lyM464vQjxswuy3LPS3w5h_Uo4uTz7onO_ruzjhbQ_c6Hd4PBuAAwso_qyJcpoi34tIcScRN39r-dIq3_pqgmNw7wV3q4U1ryiHmYX0MC7XKx2yc19gJSfYhlj7B4o8vrQ/s1600/1RobertNewton1901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Robert Newton" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkBSVj3xJ4lyM464vQjxswuy3LPS3w5h_Uo4uTz7onO_ruzjhbQ_c6Hd4PBuAAwso_qyJcpoi34tIcScRN39r-dIq3_pqgmNw7wV3q4U1ryiHmYX0MC7XKx2yc19gJSfYhlj7B4o8vrQ/s200/1RobertNewton1901.jpg" title="" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Robert Newton</b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXI2c4PyMN_ctnQHIXQfBRvjaApjkY3aoqty3ehMmftVsPpRUOCkVfkzzVpkvrA9gsdCy8KTV7mMpFdAKinaWzsr4ntLrJr8zpZeNVsC_kRmAlaaUah__CoAWboB6wkxaH5ezRO4iG9Q/s1600/1DavidTroutman1883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David Troutman" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXI2c4PyMN_ctnQHIXQfBRvjaApjkY3aoqty3ehMmftVsPpRUOCkVfkzzVpkvrA9gsdCy8KTV7mMpFdAKinaWzsr4ntLrJr8zpZeNVsC_kRmAlaaUah__CoAWboB6wkxaH5ezRO4iG9Q/s200/1DavidTroutman1883.jpg" title="" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>David Troutman</b></i></td></tr>
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SYLVAN BEACH -- Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 held its Change of Watch dinner Jan. 12, installing elected leaders and appointed staff officers. A highlight of the Change of Watch was the presentation of awards to top performers, including the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation to the search-and-rescue team of David Troutman of Rome, Robert Newton of Blossvale, Ralph Moore of Sauquoit and Mitch Ford of Utica.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfFbGhC-6Y1NHVkZbOE6KfGi9YDP_2RtxL7nuD0sqcGfmmwUJBBXLRjDEI7Hb0n90Cg6h6I32fL8rWzIYylW49181N8cxxVC2zQPwtyUr92tidDsCV1QIozrFGEhp6NUY_A8V3R_qOZs/s1600/OpAwardsPics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Operations Award Winners" border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfFbGhC-6Y1NHVkZbOE6KfGi9YDP_2RtxL7nuD0sqcGfmmwUJBBXLRjDEI7Hb0n90Cg6h6I32fL8rWzIYylW49181N8cxxVC2zQPwtyUr92tidDsCV1QIozrFGEhp6NUY_A8V3R_qOZs/s400/OpAwardsPics.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>T. Paatz, B. Cummings, M. Paatz, H. Cummings, B. Stilwell</i></b></td></tr>
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The team was cited "for exceptionally meritorious service" from July 5 to July 6, 2012, while searching for survivors of a fatal recreational boating accident on Oneida Lake.<br />
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Other awards:<br />
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-- Thomas Paatz of Dolgeville received the top division and flotilla
operations awards for spending 68 hours patrolling Oneida Lake and
assisting boaters in distress.<br />
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Also honored with flotilla operations
awards were Bill Cummings of Utica for 60 hours; Melaine Paatz of
Dolgeville for 54 hours, David Troutman of Rome for 54 hours, Helen Lou
Cummings of Utica for 45 hours, and Bonita Stilwell of Canastota for 41
hours.<br />
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-- David Troutman of Rome received top division and flotilla awards for making 347 boating safety visits and conducting 21 vessel safety exams.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh64fU3L7oRnq-DiB_kOBBUNZw9_vXI3xNN45Av_dvX6T0TGSGKYQJ7OJKhOnMrVSdL8faEp1Z7gAHLaYcoo_oxAgrtXL9DYcX-QLtYJO1sPToPb9MBOqoc7etQ6NN6KgWzU40efHTJcY/s1600/1RobertStronach1871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcyjNDhm9k8uu5XUfD_8sOKsUlAmhoC2GA091D81zca4Rmbq-T6ud_Xx2WGbJoRiNoCp24IERWhyhj-my3H4cwh_J2VfhaeMqsnVLQLgvSzs83ClUqpzQla_PR8gfaGIFNJi7I-NqVVI/s1600/1VitoMasi01887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vito Masi" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcyjNDhm9k8uu5XUfD_8sOKsUlAmhoC2GA091D81zca4Rmbq-T6ud_Xx2WGbJoRiNoCp24IERWhyhj-my3H4cwh_J2VfhaeMqsnVLQLgvSzs83ClUqpzQla_PR8gfaGIFNJi7I-NqVVI/s200/1VitoMasi01887.jpg" title="" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Vito Masi</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh64fU3L7oRnq-DiB_kOBBUNZw9_vXI3xNN45Av_dvX6T0TGSGKYQJ7OJKhOnMrVSdL8faEp1Z7gAHLaYcoo_oxAgrtXL9DYcX-QLtYJO1sPToPb9MBOqoc7etQ6NN6KgWzU40efHTJcY/s1600/1RobertStronach1871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Robert Stronach" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh64fU3L7oRnq-DiB_kOBBUNZw9_vXI3xNN45Av_dvX6T0TGSGKYQJ7OJKhOnMrVSdL8faEp1Z7gAHLaYcoo_oxAgrtXL9DYcX-QLtYJO1sPToPb9MBOqoc7etQ6NN6KgWzU40efHTJcY/s200/1RobertStronach1871.jpg" title="" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Robert Stronach</b></i></td></tr>
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<br />
-- Robert Stronach of Marcy was named the flotilla's Coast Guard Auxiliarist of the Year for "outstanding contributions in public affairs." <br />
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-- The district commodore's certificate of appreciation went to Vito Masi of Vernon Center, Robert Newton of Blossvale and Helen Lou Cummings of Utica for "selfless dedication of time."<br />
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-- Vito Masi of Vernon Center and Robert Stronach of Marcy were inducted into the division's Port and Starboard Club, which honors auxiliary members "who always conscientiously carry out their duties and assignments in a quiet, efficacious and orderly manner, never expecting thanks or recognition for doing so."<br />
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THE MERITORIOUS Team Commendation was signed by the commander of Sector Buffalo on behalf of the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. The commendation reads: "During the late evening of July 5, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 responded to a request from Coast Guard Station Oswego to participate in a search for survivors of a boat collision. Flotilla Base 26 communications center quickly notified the auxiliary boat crew and coordinated flow of information to all concerned assets; to include, the Oneida County Sheriff's department, New York State Police, the local fire department and Coast Guard Station Oswego. The auxiliary boat crew was able to get underway in a matter of minutes from first notification and went on to expertly conduct multiple ordered search patterns during this comprehensive, multi-agency late night search operation. The team worked directly with Coast Guard Sector Buffalo and the onsite Coast Guard helicopter to search areas of concern throughout the evening and well into the next morning. The team tirelessly searched for the missing persons until the search became a recovery operation. Other agencies involved praised the auxiliary search and rescue team for their effectiveness and proficiency. The dedication, pride and professionalism displayed by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26 Search and Rescue Team are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary."R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-80587140872546567302013-01-01T23:30:00.000-05:002013-01-13T21:57:29.166-05:00Flotilla Elects 2013 Leaders<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62OanXVXN95COO7yvvjwt2ArnHF7hLkvl3xxfPT_nlTX3JaHJNRfGoPH8fBystny7BaXGrtNx3NcgzOW3oDVipqvbXEcojr06coD6VIExY8aOIMS9qE_uyaE_AqVfe_Bv2ohDRnIjuK0/s1600/KarenBeehm0246a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Karen Beehm" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62OanXVXN95COO7yvvjwt2ArnHF7hLkvl3xxfPT_nlTX3JaHJNRfGoPH8fBystny7BaXGrtNx3NcgzOW3oDVipqvbXEcojr06coD6VIExY8aOIMS9qE_uyaE_AqVfe_Bv2ohDRnIjuK0/s200/KarenBeehm0246a1.jpg" title="" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Karen Beehm</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyOby-kg9FYHGhnxOk0arqo8mMM5D7EzFE2JIn8wcqpJ8QRMGW1D5i7XNCVcvLSH2smuTTAr4MclgFLfGy16F7aYEQ6wa7V8QW4UttRPAQpXKr7aMAmGQhllg4aq2Wk98FT0wwHqBfi4/s1600/BillCummings197a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bill Cummings" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyOby-kg9FYHGhnxOk0arqo8mMM5D7EzFE2JIn8wcqpJ8QRMGW1D5i7XNCVcvLSH2smuTTAr4MclgFLfGy16F7aYEQ6wa7V8QW4UttRPAQpXKr7aMAmGQhllg4aq2Wk98FT0wwHqBfi4/s200/BillCummings197a1.jpg" title="" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bill Cummings</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SYLVAN BEACH -- Karen Beehm of Hubbardsville has
been elected commander of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 based in
Sylvan Beach. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">William Cummings of Utica has been elected vice
flotilla commander.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They lead the flotilla in 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beehm is a former vice flotilla commander who
has served in a number of staff positions, including operations officer. She is
a qualified instructor.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cummings is a former flotilla and division
commander. He </span>is a qualified coxswain, instructor, recreational boating
safety visitor, qualification examiner, vessel examiner, assistant harbor
safety specialist, and uninspected passenger vessel examiner.<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Coast Guard Auxiliary supports the U.S.
Coast Guard and the public by </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">patrolling
the waterways, responding to boaters in distress, conducting search and rescue
operations, promoting and teaching boating safety, offering free vessel exams,
and providing auxiliary chefs (AuxChefs) for short tours at Coast Guard
stations, on Coast Guard cutters, and at VIP events.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108682544756389548.post-57841648012584824702012-10-11T00:06:00.000-04:002013-01-13T21:59:25.037-05:00Crew Finds Stranded Boaters During Night Search<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08Boyj16UqKe4oXg91ea3GB8N3jRNNped-mvQOvtk-V9OENIB3MogZMCNvQ2qN_MAi8fAMMnj8mMzL6_I-Oj8g2DH_Zl5mDcbGIB8-CPgcucSaxk7plJvS7pJRs8AoxltFzNcHBWwDMU/s1600/Patroboatl1795aa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Auxiliary Patrol Boat" border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08Boyj16UqKe4oXg91ea3GB8N3jRNNped-mvQOvtk-V9OENIB3MogZMCNvQ2qN_MAi8fAMMnj8mMzL6_I-Oj8g2DH_Zl5mDcbGIB8-CPgcucSaxk7plJvS7pJRs8AoxltFzNcHBWwDMU/s320/Patroboatl1795aa1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
SYLVAN BEACH -- It was after sunset and getting darker on a moonless mid-August night when 911 got a cell phone call from two boaters stranded on Oneida Lake. They had run out of gas, and weren't sure where they were. Then the cell phone died.<br />
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The 911 dispatcher contacted Coast Guard Station Oswego watchstanders, who dispatched a search-and-rescue crew from Flotilla 26 in Sylvan Beach.<br />
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<a name='more'></a> Coxswain and Communications Officer Dave Troutman was underway on his patrol boat by 10:14 p.m. with a crew that included Flotilla 26 Commander Bill Cummings and his wife, Central New York Division 2 Commander Helen Lou Cummings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHr80qcWQVbC89wIzXxUrFpAdnPU7jipdERvqdfF4M7u3P0rUklVjP3ma5ERR1k-LMOlyuocDHwa2kz58Jbhopw_7WZJMO2-To5w7w1E2tuljAk49-6v7GmxYBnZns-A0hgyCjMt7q_Fg/s1600/CrewPhotoComposite.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bill and Helen Cummings, and Dave Troutman" border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHr80qcWQVbC89wIzXxUrFpAdnPU7jipdERvqdfF4M7u3P0rUklVjP3ma5ERR1k-LMOlyuocDHwa2kz58Jbhopw_7WZJMO2-To5w7w1E2tuljAk49-6v7GmxYBnZns-A0hgyCjMt7q_Fg/s320/CrewPhotoComposite.png" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Bill Cummings, Helen Lou Cummings, Dave Troutman</b></i></td></tr>
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"We didn't have much to go on," Troutman said. "The Coast Guard figured the boaters were somewhere within an eight square-mile area, so we headed out to start a search pattern."<br />
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To make matters worse, it turned out that the boaters didn't have the required flash light or flares aboard, nor running lights.
Eventually the crew spotted an occasional flash of light in the distance, and steered toward it.
It was the stranded boaters, who were spraying a can of carborator cleaner into a lighter to create a flash of flame.<br />
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Effective, but dangerous. "That stuff is fairly volatile," said Troutman.<br />
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As the patrol boat drew near, the crew determined the two men were safe and unharmed, but discovered another problem. The men only had one life jacket between them. So the crew tossed them another life jacket, instructed the men to put them on, secured a tow line, and told the men to sit back and enjoy the ride to Sylvan Beach.<br />
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"This was an example of what not to do when boating," noted Bill Cummings. "Not enough life jackets, no registration, no flares, no flashlight, and no running lights on the boat for nighttime operation."<br />
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In 2011, added Helen Cummings, the Coast Guard tracked 758 water-related fatalities across the U.S., and 619 of them were not wearing life jackets.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16393346559736236002noreply@blogger.com