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New PDCA President Vows to Rebuild the Prominence of the Association

Dave Esparza, Pat Swope, Bob McKoy and Bert Blanchette carried the big burden of keeping the

PDCA above water for the past two years and deserve credit and our appreciation for their efforts. However, our organization can only exist if each and every

member makes a contribution toward our success by participating in PDCA events, assisting new Division

Commanders when requested, offering “sage” recom-mendations for the new PDCA leadership and setting an example of adherence to the Core Values of the Coast Guard (Honor,

Respect and Devotion to Duty) in their interaction with the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary, and the Recreational Boating Public.

Commodore Chris Harshfield has tasked the Association with the admin-

istration of the Memorial Marker Ceremony, the District Awards Program, the District Speakers Bureau and added the reactivation and administra-

tion of the Charles E. Redmon Radio Field Day. The new leadership of the PDCA has taken a positive and forward approach to completing each task and will have positive outcomes to show the membership by the end of its

current Watch.

Communication with the PDCA deck plate is my highest priority and ful-filling the PDCA missions will be the responsibility of every PDCA Leadership

Team member. Working together, we will make success a reality and re-store the prominence of the PDCA in minds of the members of District 11SR.

You made it possible for all of us to have the opportunity to give back to

our beloved organization and now we are asking you to join us in working toward making our efforts meaningful. Join us by volunteering for a Com-mittee. Just contact our vice president, Pat O’Leary, at pat-oleary@cox.net,

and ask what you can do to help the PDCA and the District.

COMO Harry M. Jacobs, President , PDCA

PDCA Officers and

Appointees 2019

Elected Officers

President

Como Harry Jacobs

Vice President

Pat O’Leary

Secretary

Darrell Hannon

Treasurer

Barbara De Cuir

Appointed

Coordinators

Audit

Tom Jacobsmeyer

Awards

Robert Tanner

Bylaws

Como Michael Johnson

Membership

John Aden

Memorial Marker

Barbara and Eric De Cuir

Newsletter

Victoria Jacobs

Speakers Bureau

Emil Schultz, Jr.

Spring 2019, Vol. 2, Issue 1 Editor: Victoria Jacobs, PDCR 5

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Message From The Vice President

We have a winner!

Recently, the Past Division

Commander’s Association ran a contest to design a logo to represent our or-

ganization. Three of our members submitted en-

tries. These were: COMO Blanchette, Tom Jacob-smeyer, and Robin Neuman.

Originally four designs were submitter for our re-view. We sent these out for your review back in

January and most of you got your vote in. In fact we had a record number of votes on initial ballot. However, there was a tie between two designs, so

we ran a run-off ballot between these designs. In the end, the design submitted by Robin Neuman was the one that we selected. This design was

then submitted to National for review and to be sure the correct shade of red was used. Final ap-

proval was received from COMO Harshfield.

Please join me in congratulating Robin Neuman for submitting the winning design. COMO Jacobs

has donated a gift card that will be sent to Robin.

This design was revealed at the PDCA meeting

held on April 7, and is used on the perpetual plaque showing Past Presidents of the PDCA go-ing back to 1976. We are also looking for a source

of shirts that can be made using our logo.

Pat O’Leary, Vice President, PDCA

2019 D11sr

Elected and Appointed Leaders

Elected Leaders

District Bridge District Commodore: Chris A. Harshfield Director of Auxiliary: CDR Paige A. Keenan, USCG District Chief Of Staff: Charles W. Geiger District Captain North: Norman M. Bundek District Captain South: William J. Kopenski District Captain San Diego/Inland: Christopher C. Milano

District Board President, Past Commanders Association: COMO Harry M. Jacobs Immediate Past District Commodore: Thomas J. Stoddard Commander, Division 1: Rodney L. Donohoo Commander, Division 4: Richard A. Ebel Commander, Division 5: David W. Powell Commander, Division 6: Joel E. Kaplan Commander, Division 7: Michael Kenneth Fiamingo Commander, Division 9: Lonny Bruce Singer Commander, Division 10: Lynn Eugene Dossett Commander, Division 11: Carrie F. Olson Commander, Division 12: Anne Z. Cioffi

Appointed Leaders

District Directorate Chief - Prevention: Thomas Pelosi Marine Safety and Envrn Prot: Deborah S. Johnson Navigation Systems: James A. Fipps Public Affairs: COMO Alfred J. Verdi Public Education: Michael D. Bick RBS Visitor Program: James A. Schmidlin Vessel Examination: Frank B. Boice Life Jacket Observation: Randy Wesson

District Directorate Chief - Response Bert Blanchette Aviation: Michael A. Domino Communications: Roy L. Lay Operations: Daniel J. Dirkes Incident Management: Jon Eric Decuir

District Directorate Chief - Logistics: Randy M. Wesson Diversity: Felix B. Lopez Food Service: Barry A. Chapman Member Training: Richard A. Ebel State Liaison Coordinator Arizona: Michael R. Doyle Communication Systems: Chuck Hutchings Human Resources: Robert Yslas Information Services: G Richard Reinhardt Materials: Desiree De Liser De Morsain Publications: Susan A. Greene Planning: Charles W. Geiger

District Commodore Administrative Assistant: Mary_Jo Aleks District Commodore Aide: Karen H. Novo District Commodore Aide: Patrick J. Porter Auxiliary Sector Coordinator San Diego: Mary L. Davis Auxiliary Sector Coordinator Los Angeles: Leslie J. Ross Finance: Virgil R. Campbell Legal/Parliamentarian: COMO Michael C. Johnson Secretary/Records: Karen P. Chapman District Adviser to the Commodore - Uniforms: Joel Kaplan

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PDCA Logo items

There are no hats, shirts, or patches with the PDCA logo in inventory. Since we now have new logo, this is the per-fect time to order new items. So, we are seeking new

vendors and reviewing fabrics to get a new source and supply. Stay tuned for details.

Memorial Marker Update

There are well over 1,000 names on the stones that comprise the Memorial Marker. We esti-mate that the current stones will be adequate

for at least 10 more years. However, we are running into a challenge with engraving the

stones. There are fewer and fewer persons with the skills and jobs who will come to the site to engrave names, which has caused the

price per name to be a minimum of $75 each.

The PDCA is looking into other ways to get the names onto the stones such as using a metal

plate that can be engraved at a trophy shop, and then attached to the stone. The names

would be engraved in the same size and style as the names already on the stones, but the cost would be much less per name.

I am challenging the PDCA to “step up to the plate” and help me make the member experience in this District positive, educational, and personally satisfying. I have assigned the Association to manage the Me-morial Marker Ceremony, revitalize and administer the District Awards Program, manage the District Speakers Bureau for the Department of Public Affairs, and reactivate the Charles E. Redmon, Jr. Radio Field Day. Further, I am also giving some thought to asking the PDCA to restart and manage the District Cruise, though I have not yet made a final decision on this task. These tasks bring an opportunity to devel-op camaraderie among the PDCA and District membership and develop an infectious “can do” attitude throughout the District.

The success of my administration in delivering services to the members rests with your support for the mis-sions assigned to us. I have asked the PDCA to “step-up” to new tasking, and I am asking all of you to do the same and offer your assistance to the PDCA, your Flotilla, your Division, and the elected and appoint-ed offices of the District to help make our programs a success.

The Auxiliary is our organization, and its future is in our hands. Now is the time to make public your sup-port for its mission and demonstrate your commitment to the Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devo-tion to Duty.

Commodore Chris Harshfield

Commodore Chris Harshfield

What Would You Like To See In

Past Perfect?

The editor is always looking for material for Past Perfect. If you have something for the newsletter, either articles or idea, be sure and let the editor know.

Victoria Jacobs, Editor

9812 Santa Gertrudes Ave., Whittier, CA 90603

592-947-0928, Vjtimeless@gmail.com

PDCA Challenged to “Step Up to the Plate”

By Commodore Chris Harshfield, D11sr

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Who Do We Think We Are

National Commodore Larry King’s Vision

National Commodore’s Vision Statement

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – the best trained most valued maritime volunteer organization in the world – highly effective during nor-mal operations and ready for emergencies.

Mission

• To promote and improve Recreational Boating Safety. • To provide a diverse array of specialized skills, trained crews, and capable facilities to augment the

Coast Guard and enhance safety and security of our ports, waterways, and coastal regions. • To support Coast Guard operational, administrative, and logistical requirements.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Core Values

• Honor – Integrity is our standard. We demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct and moral be-havior in all of our personal and organizational actions. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust.

• Respect – We value our diverse membership. We treat each other and those we serve with fairness, dignity, respect, and compassion. We encourage individual opportunity and growth. We encourage creativity through empowerment. We work as a team.

• Devotion to Duty – We are volunteers who seek responsibility, accept accountability, and are com-mitted to the successful achievement of our organizational goals. We exist to serve. We serve with pride.

Watchwords

• Mission - Our members are trained and ready to execute all authorized Auxiliary missions according to exacting standards, providing the Coast Guard with an effective force-multiplier for normal, back-fill and surge situations.

• Leadership - Proficiency in leadership, at all levels, is imperative. A focused development program of training, coaching and assessment is readily available to all members.

• Excellence - Recruiting, retaining, and rewarding excellence are essential. We foster a culture of ex-cellence through inclusion and engagement to enable high quality performance, which is crucial to our ability to carry out missions.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• 18 May, Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade

• 17 to 25 August, National Conference (NACON) Rosen Hotel, Orlando, Florida. General membership portion begins Friday, 23 August.

• 14 September, District Elections and Board and Staff meeting. 1000 hrs. Lighthouse Room U.S. Cost Guard Base LA/LB, followed by PDCA meeting and elections.

• 30 September, end of awards year. Be sure forms are sent in documenting your work hours

Does your Division or Flotilla have an event coming up that you would like to make available to the PDCA membership? Send your information to the Past Perfect editor and she will send it out.

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Remembering Our Shipmates

Memorial Marker Ceremony – This year’s commemoration to our mem-bers took on some new challenges. Almost all the members participating in the day’s events were new to the putting on the Ceremony. Planning

also had a small window because of the government shutdown and the earlier date in which the Ceremony was held this year due to conflicts with the Coast Guard’s schedule.

However, all the members involved stepped up and forged ahead to make it a very memorable day under the leadership of Eric and Barbara

De Cuir and as always, the assistance of Leslie Pelosi, Auxiliary Affairs. Even though it started out to be a misty and foggy day, the weather cleared enough to allow us to have a beautiful ceremony.

Pat O’Leary, Vice President Past Division Commanders Association, served as the Master of Ceremonies. COMO Harry Jacobs, PDCA President, wel-

comed us to the ceremony. Maurice Scott, led the Honor Guard as it pre-sented the flag and raised it to half-mast. The audience was then treated to three inspiring speeches given by CDR Marshall Newberry, Chief of Prevention. Sector LA/LB CDR Paige

Keenan, Director of Auxiliary D11sr, and COMO Chris Harshfield, District Commodore D11sr.

A beautiful invocation and benediction were given by our Lay Leader Wayne Palmer, and Will Tisch

played the bag pipes which created a very emotional effect. As always, the active duty Coast Guard pro-vided the cannon fire, lead by Chief Michael Hall. That was a very chilling reminder of the sacrifices every-one has made for us in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

A fly over of an Auxiliary Aircraft, owned by Paul Raymond, was piloted by Michel Domino and Air Crew Greg Fucci was a beautiful tribute to all the members. Rob Tanner rang Eight Bells and Victoria Jacobs read each member’s name who crossed the bar. Bear Harshfield, in charge of sound, made sure everyone

presenting could be heard and Roy Lay coordinated the cannon fire and aircraft flyover. COMO Bert Blanchette made sure pictures were taken to memorialize this event.

The most inspiring, memorable and tear-jerking portion of the ceremony was the tributes members made to each of the fallen. They talked about making lifetime friends, how they were motivated, en-

courage and learned from these members. In some cases, how they had changed their lives in a

positive way.

Barry Chapman, Auxiliary Chef, and the galley crew made sure we were well fed following the

event.

This will always be the best celebration we Auxil-

iarist do for our departed members. Photo: Scott Hedblom

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2019 Memorial Marker

Shipmates Who Crossed

The Bar

Henry N. Alcott

Richard E. Baron

Ralph B. Bettman

Judith Castle

Marlene J. Charton

Carey A. Daus

Donald C. Delles

Walter L. Dexter

Helen Emer

Bernerd R. Granich

Eugene "Dean" Hadley

Robert E. Holm

Harriet L. Howard

Thurman W. Jessup

Michael P. Kane

Paul L. Krieger

La Verna A. Larkin

Melvin Lubman

Robert W. McFarland

Josephine G. Mendoza

Stephen A. Nesmith

Carl Printz

Santo A. Regalbuto

David S. Rowley

Fernando Sendra

John R. Sommer

Damaso "Gunny" Sutis

Hal Swaim

Joan E. Swartz

Walter E. Weiss

Photo: Scott Hedblom

Photo: Scott Hedblom

Photo: Scott Hedblom

Photo: Scott Hedblom

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Membership Runs the Ship!

A Ship with a captain knows its destination but can go nowhere without the crew.

Our PDCA has leadership, but what we need is a full crew!

The Past Division Commanders Association works hard to give our Auxiliary members events and fellow-ship opportunities like nothing else in the Auxiliary. Take for example the Auxiliary Memorial Marker Cer-emony. This solemn time each year honors our members who have crossed over the bar and places their name on the marker stones facing the harbor.

During the event, family and friends are invited to come forward and give a few moments of memories about loved ones who served. A bagpiper plays Amazing Grace and Taps is sounded and overhead, a Coast Guard Auxiliary aircraft gives a flyover.

Afterward, a wonderful barbeque lunch is served and all hands and guests are invited into the Galley for a meal fit for a king. All of this magical, heart filling experience would never take place without the mem-bers of the PDCA.

We raise money for, promote, organize and supervise the entire event. But none of that experience would happen….without YOU. And getting more of YOU, is what I plan to do.

Commodore Jacobs asked me to head up a membership drive this year to increase the ranks of our organi-zation. So I have a list of the many Past Division Commanders and plan to call them, email them, even stop by in person to help them to sign up and become an active part of the magic we create.

I remember when I joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary as a new member and in the oath I took, it said that the enjoyment I would get out of my service is directly proportional to the time I invested.

And I invested a lot of time. Like you! But after several years I drifted away and got wrapped in in every-day life. Like you.

I forgot how much the PDCA does. I forgot how my volunteer service can make a difference in someone's life directly and indirectly.

And there YOU are. You are busy. You have a job, family and barely enough time for fun. But what about time for someone you never met?

What about time for an organization that supports the Core Values of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and its members?

The Past Division Commanders Association is involved in many areas you may not even realize.

This year the District Commodore has directed the PDCA to get involved in ensuring greater equity, impar-tiality and accountability in the District Awards process.

The PDCA Speakers Bureau provides members who speak at Civic Groups, Schools, Colleges, Yacht Clubs and more. They give the public a better understanding of the missions of our Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. And yes, we are already planning the next Memorial Marker Ceremony.

So that is what I am here to do. Bring YOU back, get YOU involved and remind you like the Memorial Marker Ceremony reminded me last weekend that we only get out what we put in.

Therefore if you aren’t a member yet, come aboard. We can’t get underway without a full crew.

It’s great to feel you made a difference, that your Auxiliary job mattered….and if you are active with the PDCA, know that it does.

If you haven’t joined yet email me at Dr4fish@aol.com and I’ll send you and application and help you get started. IF you prefer a phone call, then call me at 714-813-8119 and I’ll help you get started.

Semper Paratus!

John Aden, PDCA Membership Coordinator, 714-813-8119, Dr4fish@aol.com

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Coast Guard anticipates an increased presence in Southern California

Source: The Log, April 5, 2019. Photo: Seaman Ryan Estrada

Coast Guard Adm. Karl Schultz, in a State of the Coast Guard address he made on 21 March at

San Pedro, said the military arm could increase its presence in Southern California. The expand-

ed presence, according to Schultz, could include construction of a new air station at Ventura County Naval Station, home porting of two Off-

shore Patrol Cutters at the Coast Guard base in Los Angeles by 2021 and adding four new Fast

Response Cutters (also in Los Angeles).

“Just up the coastline at Point Mugu, we are building a new Air Station at the Ventura County Naval Station,” Schultz said during his

address. “And the pier to my left [here in San Pedro] will be the homeport of our newest cutters. Not only will the first two Offshore Patrol Cutters be sta-

tioned here, but the port will soon have four new Fast Response Cutters.” One of those Fast Response Cut-ters – Terrell Horne – was christened on March 22, one day after Schultz’s speech.

Schultz added the Coast Guard has an “extensive shore infrastructure backlog that now exceeds $1.7 billion.”

The remarks were made as part of his first ever State of the Coast Guard address.

The Coast Guard will continue to maintain its operations at the Port of Los Angeles, a commercial harbor also home to several recreational boating marinas.

“Our mission ready total workforce is the civilian port security specialist striving to enhance safety and secu-rity standards,” Schultz said. “The rescue swimmer who saves the fishermen minutes before their boat sinks; the cutter crew intercepting illicit drugs carried aboard a low-profile vessel; the elite deployable specialized

forces team boarding noncompliant vessels in the Arabian Gulf; and, the volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliarist educating recreational boaters on the Great Lakes.”

Adm. Karl Schultz, Commandant, United States Coast Guard. Photo: Rudy Lopez, Fl. 62

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Protocol

There are several related definitions for the word “Protocol.” For our needs we will use a few of the appropriate ones for the Military, Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

A Definition of protocol

A code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services). A Set of policies or procedures for events and/or actions.

We, in the Auxiliary, as part of the Military/Coast Guard are obligated to follow the protocols defined in the Auxiliary Manual and other documentation that are available online.

We strive to emulate the Coast Guard, as a granted privilege, in all we do. There are events that we

participate in that require us to follow these protocols. Some of these events are: SALUTING, FLAG ETI-

QUETTE, SHIPBOARD ETIQUETTE, WARDROOM ETIQUETTE, INVITATIONS, RECEIVING LINES, INTRODUCTIONS, SEATING, FUNERALS, CHANGE OF WATCHES (The CG Auxiliary does not have “Change of Command”).

There are several events that we have over a typical calendar year that have a prescribed protocol. We should endeavor to “get it right” for the event. A few of the noteworthy embarrassing things that happened so far this year are: announcing/introducing wrong names for individuals, announcing/introducing wrong

titles for individuals, seating arrangements, inappropriate “Arrival of Official Party,” and a few others that will become apparent in future newsletters.

We will attempt to bring you appropriate protocol information for your use. Lastly, most importantly, AL-

WAYS have someone, with experience, PROOFREAD your scripts, well before an event. This will hopefully prevent some of the mishaps that have taken place.

It may be beneficial for each Division to appoint a Division Protocol Officer to help within the Division on

events, and help the Flotilla Commanders and Vice Commanders, who many times are quite new to the Auxiliary. The District has a Protocol Officer that is also available to help.

In upcoming newsletters there will be information on meetings and Change of Watches.

COMO Bert Blanchette, District Protocol Officer, auxblanchette@earthlink.net

www.d11s.org/.../Courtesy_Protocol_and_Ceremonies.ppt

Using The Correct Acronyms

Things change. Over the years some Auxiliary acronyms for leaders have changed too. Remember these correct titles and acronyms for elected leaders: District Chief of Staff (previously VCO)—DCOS; District De-

partment Chief—DDC; District Captains (previously RCO)—DCAPT; Division Commanders (previously DCP)—DCDR; Division Vice Commanders (previously VCP)—DVCDR; Auxiliary Sector Coordinator—ASC. FC is Flotilla Commander, and VFC is Flotilla Vice Commander, NOT Vice Flotilla Commander.

USCGA is the Coast Guard Academy. USCGAUX is the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Coast Guard rank is spelled with all capitals, and no period. It’s CAPT, not Capt.

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MAKE THE PDCA EVEN BETTER

VOLUNTEER YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS PDCA Election meeting will be held on 14 Septem-ber 2019 in conjunction with the District meeting. PDCA President Harry Jacobs appointed a Nomi-

nating Committee Chaired by Commodore Michael Johnson. Eric De Cuir and Victoria Jacobs volun-

teered to participate as members of the commit-tee. Harry also announced that he would not be a candidate for a second-term, so both the Offices of

President and Vice President will be OPEN. Mem-bers interested in running for either Office should

email Commodore Michael Johnson at comojohn-son@gmail.com.

District Commodore Tasks PDCA with Reactivating

the Charles E. Redmon, Jr. Radio Field Day

Commodore Harshfield has just tasked the PDCA with reactivating and administering the Charles E. Redmon, Jr. Radio Field Day and Commodore

Michael Johnson has agreed to chair the planning committee. This a major undertaking which re-

volves around a fun event that demonstrates to the Coast Guard the readiness and ability to pro-vide radio communications during an emergency

or exercise. As such, it will require a large group of volunteers to make the event a reality.

If you are interested in emergency communica-

tions and would be willing to assist Commodore Johnson, please email your name and contact

information to him as soon as possible. His email is comojohnson@gmail.com.

This activity is open to everyone, not just auxiliary

members who are Amateur Radio Operators (HAMs), AUXCOM, or TCO qualified. Mobile de-ployments include a lot of specialties and skills,

such as Food Service, Incident Management, Maritime Domaine Awareness, Public Affairs, In-

formation Services, Communications Services, Operations, etc.

You want positive meaningful activity? Volun-

teer to help with Field Day!

Harry, Foxtrot Xray, kf6sgu, NF114AU

Assignment to Duty

Commodore Harshfield assigned the PDCA four administrative tasks for 2019:

The Memorial Marker Ceremony

The District Awards Program

The District Speakers Bureau

Charles E. Redmon Radio Field Day

Coast Guard Auxiliary Association

Member Benefits

Reminder—Use the benefits you have as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association. You can save money, have the vendor automatically make a contribution to the Association based on the amount you spend at their website, and when you purchase uniform items from the Association web-site our district receives a portion of the sales.

For more information take a look at:

https://www.cgauxa.org/auxa/shop/

Additional benefits of Association membership are shown at on their website at www.cgauxa.org.

Photo: Victoria Jacobs