10 October 2019 River Currents - uscgaux8er.infouscgaux8er.info/10_October_2019_ River Currents...

Photo by Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PB

October 2019October 2019VolumeVolume 19IssueIssue 1010

October 2019Volume 19Issue 10

Editor: Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PBditor: Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PBEditor: Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PB

Having known Ralph for only the past 6 years, I consider myself fortunate to have known him at all. He was the very defi nition of a “good friend”. He would do anything he could for a shipmate, he was the best mentor you could have for boat crew, he was always very kind and tolerant with those of us who trained under him. When he moved to Oklahoma,our Boat Crew Program lost an immenselyvaluable member, but now with his passing,The Coast Guard Family has lost one of it’s favorite sons, and I have lost a dear friend whom I will miss immeasurably until the day I go to join him.

next monthly division meetingsthur. 24 oct. 1900 thur. 21 nov. 1900Nashville Police Dept. East Precinct936 E. Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37211 Contact: Buell Noteboom, DCDR

Phone/text -(206) 909-4127 Email - [email protected]

Special Note: The dates presented hereare not on the last Thursday of the month due to October falling on Halloweenand November always falling on Thanksgiving. I have not posted Decem-bers date which will likely be changed as it falls on the day after Christmas.

Uncle HammUncle Hamm

Wants You Wants You !!

monthlycalendarof events

monthlycalendarof events

By Buell Noteboom Division Commander

Crossing The BarIn Memory of Ralph Underwood

He is survived by his daughter Shawn Horton.Any letters or cards of condolences should be sent to the following address.

Ms. Shawn Horton1400 Bluestem Dr.Quapaw, OK 74363

Photo provided by Bradley Cochrane VCDR Elect

important datesYour Coast Guard Auxiliary dues should have been mailed or given to your Flotilla’s FSO-FN by now. The fi nal due date for most Flotillas was October 1st. If you missed the deadline, contact your Flotilla’s FSO-FN and make immediate arrangements to make your payment. You do not want to jeopardise your membership by failing to pay annual dues.

Please get this done immediately. Many aspects of our Flotilla’s vitality and business depends on a proper accountingof members who are current on their membership dues and core training.

Division Elections were held on Sept. 26th. It was a highly contested election which means there were many viable candidates to choose from. This is actually a good thing, because with a 2 year term limit we know we have a generous pool of potential candidates for future elections. In team sports we would call that a deep bench. While the vote was close, the process worked and there was no animosity amongst the candidates. I am certain those who did not win this round will continue to serve in other elected or appointed positions on many levels.Your Division Commander for 2020 will be Chris Jones and your Division Vice Commander / Chief of Staff will be Brad Cochrane. Please congratulate them and plan on attending the Change of Watch.

Flotilla 11-04 Elections will take place this month during the regular business meeting on October 21st. Let your voice be heard and be there to cast your vote.

Finish up your time sheets and Lock in your 7029’s and 7030’s on or before November 15th. The information you have on fi le may determine your recognition and awards at the Change of Watch or even Spring D-Train. There is an old adage within the Auxiliary:

“If you didn’t record it - It didn’t happen “

November 1st also marks the day you may begin wearing the Winter Dress Blue Uniform.

The Nashville and Clarksville Veterans Day Parades will both be held on Mondaythe 11th of November. Uniform of the day is usually ODU’s.

MTSU Salute to Veterans events and Football game will be happening on November 16th. This is always a great event which serves all branches of the military and homeland security.

Wreathes Across America is December 14th. We will have to see where we have been invited to participate and decide which venue or venues our Flotilla will participate at.

The Flotilla Christmas and Holiday Party is in the planning stage as well as the Division Change of Watch. Again keepan eye on your email for dates anddetails. Both are great social events, Change of Watch is a great event to attend, Its like D-train only compacted into one night. And who know’s, you may be receiving an award that night.

Nashville Boat Show, setup will be on Wednesday and the show starts on Thursday January 9th and ending on the 12th. Watch for e-mails and sign up sheets from the committee chairs.

License Plate Renewal Letters. I have been receiving many requests for licenceplate renewal letters. I don’t mind sendingthem out, and I would hate to see you stand in a long line only to be turned away, but I have found in my case, if you renew online, they don’t even ask for it. If you are a new member you will needa letter to get a Coast Guard Auxiliary License Plate for the fi rst time.

Also if you are getting a new plate for a different car, you will need a letter from your Flotilla Commander, but if all you need is a new sticker, save yourself the trouble and get your emission testdone, then renew online.

Above: The historic R.J. Corman Railroad Bridge, Clarksville, TN Photo by Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PB

Fall D-Train rolled full steam into Clarksville Tennessee right on schedule with over 120 Auxiliarists and their guests aboard for the 3 day event.

The gathering was held at the Riverview Inn located in historic Clarksville overlooking the Cumberland River near mile marker 126 just north of the R.J. Corman Louisville & Nashville Rotating Drawbridge.

It also arrived on the heels of hurricane Dorian and in the midst of several other tropical storms and depressions. Even with all of those threats swirling around the Caribbean and the Gulf Coast, we were honored with the presence of: Rear AdmiralJohn Nadeau, Captain Scott Johnson, Captain Amy Beach, Commander Suzanne Hemann, Lieutenant Commander Bobby Gay and Chief Warrant Offi cer Jon Tracey from the Gold Side. On the Platinum Side we were well represented by: Deputy National Commodore and Immediate Past Commodore Randy Ventress, DistrictCommodore Dave Stroup, and District Chief of Staff Matthew Meyers to name a few.Although there are meetings all day Friday, Friday night generally kicks off the mass gathering with a themed dinner and ice breaker gathering known as Fun Night.

By Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PBFall D-Train 2019

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Fun night was a Country and Western theme which I tried to dub as “A Country& Western - Boot Scootin’ - Honky Tonkin’- Hee Hawin’- Ho Down Good Time” ! But they said that was too long to remember.We were treated to the musical styling’sof Snappy Pappy featuring our own Harry Stephenson FSO-PA, BC-ACP on guitarand vocals. Keeping with the C&W theme, the meal was prepared by Mission Barbecue, and they provided more than enough to feed all of the ranch hands.

Top Left: Harry Stephenson with Snappy Pappy, Above: Jessica Clark, Rosemary Halldorsson and Carolyn Llorens taking aturn on the dance fl oor. Below: Auxiliarists Emily Beavers, Stephen Yancey, Lynn Miles and Richard Miles enjoying Fun Night in their fi nest Country & Western wear. Bottom Left: 082-11 DCDR Buell Noteboom welcomes everyone to Fun Night & Fall D-Train


Photo by Emily Beavers D-AD

Photo by Richard Miles D-PL


Below: When Fun Night was over, many mosied on over to the hospitalityroom to socialize and purchase a few raffl e tickets before hitting the Hay.

The D-Train Committeehad a couple of surprisesfor us in the form of two special Coast Guard Auxiliary BirthdayCakes. The Blue cake had a proclamation signed by Coast Guard Admiral Karl Schultz and the Red Cake a Proclamation signed by President Donald Trump.Photos by Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PB

Ask the Brass Q&A Panel from Left to Right: CDR, Suzanne Hemann; RADM, John Nadeau; CAPT, Scott Johnson; DCO, Dave Stroup; DCOS, Matthew Meyer; DNACO-MS, Randy Ventress; and CW03, Jon Tracy. DSO-MT Duncan Wilkinson is at the podium delivering the questions.

There were several meetings held in which members of the Bridge made decisions which will affect the coming year and new offi cers were elected. There were also several courses offered for furthering ones Auxiliary education including:Risk Management, TCT Refresher, Diversity, ICS-240, a Symposium for Member Acquisition, Management of Recreational Boating Safety Public Education, SuccessionPlanning, Mentoring and Coaching Guides, and The Auxiliary Flotilla Leadership Course.The Flotilla Leadership Class culminated with an event which may be unique to District 082 D-Trains, “Ask the Brass”. This is always a great experience where questions are prepared and members of the Active Duty Coast Guard as well as selected members of the Auxiliary’s leadership and staff answer them. It is a great way to gain insight as to what is goingon throughout the District and what the questions and concerns are.

Throughout the weekend, there was a hospitality room available where members could enjoy a drink, get a snack and have casual conversations with fellow members. There was also a raffl e for several donated items, which is always a popular part of D-Trains. Of course while you are at a D-Train, it is a great time to visit the Ship Store to procure Auxiliary specialty items from Coast Guard Bear Force Bears to shoulder boards you will never fi nd in stores.




The weekend of training and meetings culminated with The Commodores Banquet.This is a black tie gala which includes the Auxiliary members present as well as guests from the Active Duty Coast Guard.

The formal portion of the Banquet began with a welcome by DCOS and Master of Ceremony Matt Meyer who introduce our guests and members of the Bridge seated at the head tables.

Commodores Banquet

This was followed by an invocation by Duncan Wilkinson.

D-Train and Change of Watch ceremonies often include a tribute to our members whohave passed away, which we refer to as “Crossing The Bar”. This term has likely beenused for centuries by seafaring people,but is most poignant in the poem, CrossingThe Bar, by English author Alfred Lord Tennyson in which he uses the extended metaphor which represents travelling serenely and securely from life through death.

In the time since our last D-Train in the Spring we have lost six members of District Eight Eastern.

Greg Knippel, Flotilla 7-02Eddie Black Sr., 08-05Dennis Doyle, 08-05Jack Sergeant, Flotilla 08-05 Retired Joe Shallbetter, Flotilla 08-11Walt Whitacre, Flotilla 24-05

Duncan then proceeded to the MemorialService and the Honor Table which are steeped in tradition both in action and in words. A portion of the recitation reads:

“We honor and cherish the memory of our shipmates, but we do not mourn for them for they have found refuge in the great harbor of eternal peace. Rather, it is for ourselves that we mourn; for our good friends have slipped their moorings in the night and are no longer among us. “We bid you “Hail and Farewell” until we drop anchorbeside you at the last great Rendezvous”.

During the memorial service, the names of those who have “Crossed The Bar” are read aloud, as each name is read, a piece of paper bearing their name is placed into an urn with a small fi re and burned.



AwardsThis is symbolic of having ones Auxiliary ID card burned, which was done in the past for security purposes. After all of the names had been read aloud, Duncan called for a ships bell to be rang 8 times. This too is symbolic as in Naval circles it indicates the end of a four hour watch. When paying tribute to our fallen shipmates you will oftenhear the phrase, “Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate. We have the watch”.

We then turned our attention to the Honor Table which is placed at the front of the room. The table is set with several sym-bolic items. This table is another way of remembering those Coast Guard Family Shipmates who are no longer with us. An empty chair is placed at the table as an honored seat for the dear departed. Duncan explained the meaning of each item then invited us to rise and remain standing for a silent toast. Just then, froma distant location, David Cox played the melancholy bugle call known as “taps”. There was a distant echo throughout the hall as the somber sound of the lone bugle enveloped the room. DCOS Matthew Meyer rendered a salute as everyone in the room raised their glasses in a unifi ed gesture of farewell making the ceremony very special.

Although most awards are given out at Spring D-Train some awards were present-ed here including:

The NACO 3 Star Award of Excellence, Core Training Award is presented to the members of Flotilla 082-24-02 Guntersville Alabama for getting their membership to a 90% completion of Core Training Courses.

Diversity Management3 Star Award of Excellence.

This award is for creating a positive environment, valuing all members and promoting individual success.

Flotilla 04-03 - Prospect, KentuckyFlotilla 11-06 - Nashville, TennesseeFlotilla 12-01 - Loudoun, TennesseeFlotilla 18-04 - Lancaster/Millersport, Ohio

2018 National “V” DirectorateCentury Club Award.

The Century Club Award recognizes members who have completed 100 Examinations and or Program Visitsduring the year 2018 in support of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety Program.

Div. 4 - James Hangis and Peter Evans.Div. 5 - Lawrence Stulz and Carl MosbaughDiv. 6 - Sharon and Jerry HounshellDiv. 7 - Anthony WatersDiv. 8 - Jim Hufnagel Div. 11 - Randy Hawkins and Michael DeBiaseDiv. 12 - Peter Kraslawsky, Richard Johnson, Roy Walton and Bill White Photo by Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PB

o so ,

Div. 16 - James and Doris Armour.Div. 24 - Lynn Miles, Tommy Thomas and DeAnne Rodenburg

District Board

Anthony Waters, 082-07-02 Pittsburgh, PA Receiving his 2018 Century Club Award.

We were then introduced to our new or renewing District Chief of Staff (DCOS) and District Captains (DCAPT). They all came forward, raised their right hands and took a public oath to serve the US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary lead by Rear Admiral John Nadeau of the US Coast Guard.

For 2020 your Coast Guard Auxiliary Eight Eastern District Bridge will be made up of:

DCO Dave StroupDCOS Matthew MeyerDCAPT-E Keith BlosserDCAPT-W Skip NunweilerDCAPT-S Chris Whitacre

This was followed by a Frocking Ceremony as USCG CDR Suzanne Hemann affi xed an Aiguillette (a cord hung in loops from the left shoulder), on the uniform of newly sworn DCOS Matthew Meyer.

Members of the Gold Side and the Auxiliarycongratulated and shook hands with all of the members of the District Bridge.





Key Note AddressCommodore Dave Stroup introduced the Key Note Speaker of the evening.

The featured speaker for the evening was Rear Admiral John Nadeau, Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District out of New Orleans LA, with an area of operationsspanning 26 states. He gave us a great pep talk and thanked us for our continuing support of the Coast Guard in response to natural disasters, working as Financial Advisors, Aux Chefs, and Chaplains. He especially thanked the Auxiliary for ourover the top support of the men, women and families of the US Coast Guard and

Civilian Employees in providing food, toiletries, fi nancial aid not to mention moral support during the government shut down. With those words one could hear and feel the passion in his voice, and his heartfelt respect for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He truly made the Auxiliarists present feel a part of the Coast Guard Family made up of Active Duty, Reserve, Civilian Employees and Auxiliary.

He congratulated us on celebrating our 80th Anniversary of serving and securing the waters of the United States. He also thanked and congratulated us on the outstanding work we do in the pursuit of Recreational Boater Safety. But the main thrust of his message echoed that of Coast Guard Admiral Karl Schultz, which he reit-erated several times throughout his speech.

“Come what may our charge is to remain Ready, Responsive and Relevant ”


Photo by Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PB Photo by Ramon Llorens, Jr. DSO-PB

ReadyWe will be prepared to serve and protect theAmerican people and our national interests.

ResponsiveWe will be a professional and agile armed force,

law enforcer, regulator, and maritime fi rst responder on which our partners confi dently rely to address the Nation’s

increasingly complex maritime challenges.

Relevant We will employ our bias for action to excel in mission executionas we protect and defend the homeland. Our Coast Guard isstrong, and that is a testament to you. Thank you for the

D-Trains are serious business and a lot of planning and preparation goes into makingeach one successful. But D-trains are also fun and a great addition to the Coast Guard Auxiliary experience. One gets the opportunity to learn, meet fellow Auxiliaristsand travel to cities within our District you might not otherwise think of visiting. In fact we may have put Clarksville on the map, only a week after we gathered there, Money Magazine voted it the best place to put down roots. I would like to extend a Special Thank You to all who helped make Fall D-Train Clarksville a success.

Jessica Clark and Larry Carter of 082-11-04 Having a little fun at the Commodores Banquet

Bronze statue of Clarksville native, Frank Sutton/Sergeant Carter downtown Clarksville

If you missed The “Train” this time, you missed a good one. But rest assured, it is heading to Columbus Ohio, March 19 -21for Spring D-Train 2020, mark your calendar,watch for class offerings and getready to get on board.

dedication, hard work, and sacrifi ce you and your families make daily to successfully accomplish all of our missions. I am incredibly proud of this great organization and humbly honored to serve alongside you as we build on past success and lead our Coast Guard into the future.

Karl L. Schultz – Commandant of the United States Coast Guard

USCG Photo by PO-1 Jetta Disco

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