 MENTOR PROGRAM
Jerry Hopfengardener, FSO-CC
A very belated "Welcome Aboard!" I hope you find our Flotilla as
welcoming and satisfying as I have found it. I too am a relatively
new swab, having been sworn in this past October. FC Denis Keyes has
identified our new Mentor Program as 8-6's Number One Initiative for
this Watch Year. It's his goal to strive to help each new member
find a niche in our program where she or he feels accepted and
challenged to serve the USCG. I'm honored he appointed me to the
position of Mentor Program Officer.
You have been matched with a veteran Flotilla member who volunteered
to be your Mentor. This person is willing and able to support you
through any rough waters you might encounter during the first few
months of membership - plus provide valuable information and sage
advice regarding the "who, what, when and where - and how" of
becoming a fully-functioning Auxiliarist.
Please make certain you stay in regular contact with your Mentor,
who will be advising you about meetings, uniforms to
wear, courses, and of information for Mentees.
Please never hesitate to seek advice and information that will
ensure you being involved in the Flotilla activities that are most
appropriate for YOU. And of course, don't hesitate to contact me if
you feel I can assist in any way.
The following is a potpourri of reminders and announcements I hope
you find pertinent:
-
You should
have received copies of the Flotilla 8-6 membership roster and
the excellent New Member Orientation CD produced by our
webmaster Bill Cabana, FSO/CS. Both contain essential
information. If you have not received copies, contact your
Mentor or me ASAP.
-
We rely
almost exclusively on the internet for communications among
Flotilla members. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing
our website or are not receiving routine emails from officers,
please call Bill Cabana NOW at the phone number listed in the
roster or email him at:
fso-cs@cgauxvenice.org.
-
Our Flotilla
Member Training Officer, Juan Hernandez, reminds us that all new
members must attend the TEAM COORDINATION TRAINING
program scheduled for Saturday, 16 April (0830, Mote Marine,
Keating Building, Long Boat Key). All members should attend -
even if you have not received your ID! Your Mentor should advise
you regarding uniforms, etc.
-
Please
contact your Mentor NOW regarding upcoming courses that might be
appropriate for your interests/AUX goals.
-
I look
forward to talking with you at our next Flotilla Meeting - 5
April, 1930, Training Center - 1200 South Harbor Drive.
-
I know you
will find what I and virtually all other 8-6ers have
experienced: Everyone strives to help each member be a valued
crewmember on the "Good Ship 8-6!" Please never hesitate to ask
questions - and please be willing to step forward to ensure we
will continue to be the "Flagship Flotilla!"
Jerry Hopfengardner
Mentor Program Officer
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April,
2005 Page
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