America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

Flotilla 86 Venice, FL www.cgauxvenice.org 7th District

Juan Hernandez PhD, Commander James Sleichert, Vice-Commander

September, 2009 Judi Bidwick, Editor Judi Bidwick, Photographer

Flotilla Commander's Message

From the Commander

Dear members,

Summer is almost over and we are looking forward to the return of our fellow members from the north. The fall season promises to be an exciting time with the election of new officers, the start of member training, the Change of Watch (COW) lunch and the SAR demonstration scheduled for Saturday, October 3^rd. In addition, the 2009 District 7 fall conference will be held in St. Petersburg, FL - September 10 - 13, 2009.

Following is a brief summary of these events.

·         Member training activities start in September, with the Auxiliary Communications scheduled for Monday 7 September at 0930.

·         The COW is scheduled for November 14, 2009 at the Pelican Pointe Club House at 1130. The cost is $23.00 per person for the buffet lunch. We hope you join us for an afternoon of fellowship and celebration!

·         Get those Cowboy Boots and Hats ready for the 2009 FALL CONFERENCE at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel, St. Petersburg, FL - September 10-13, 2009. This is an excellent opportunity to attend a District conference locally and take advantage of the activities and courses that will be offered, such as ICS210 and the TCT refresher.

We are working on an upcoming SAR demonstration event hosted by Division 8 and coordinated by Flotillas 84 and 86. This event, named “ALWAYS READY”, will take place at Flotilla 84, on Saturday, October 3, 2009, from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., and will be open to the general public. Activities include a SAR demonstration and familiarization with the services provided by the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. This event provides a forum to promote boating safety, public education, increase awareness of the role of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary in the community and, stimulate Public Relations and recruiting efforts for both the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The highlight of this event is a SAR demonstration and Static Display by Sector St. Pete and Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, with support from Auxiliary Safety Patrols, PA Exhibit Areas an appearance of OFFICER SNOOK. There will also be interaction with the Coast Guard crews and Coast Guard Auxiliary to answer questions about the Coast Guard and Auxiliary services, Missions and the equipment that will be used for the SAR demonstration.

I want to encourage every member to consider running for office in the Flotilla and become actively involved in our activities. Those of us who have been involved on a regular basis will soon be ready to change roles – WE NEED YOU to assume leadership, stimulate new ideas and carry on Flotilla activities.

Finally, I want to share with you some pictures we took of the USCG Barque Eagle while on vacation in Portsmouth, NH. The Eagle is a 295-foot, 1800 ton, steel hull, three-masted sailing vessel that is the only active tall ship in the US Maritime Services.

The history of the US Coast Guard Barque Eagle is as colorful as the vision she makes gliding through the ocean, powered only by the breeze coursing through the network of sails on her 148-foot tall masts. The magnificent ship was built as a training vessel for the German Navy in 1936, and was awarded to the United States as reparations following World War II. On May 15, 1946, she was commissioned into the US Coast Guard service as Eagle and sailed from Bremerhaven, Germany to New London.

Today’s Eagle is the seventh in a long line of USCG cutters to bear the name and is one of only five such training barques in the world. Her sister sailing vessels are in Romania, Russia, Germany and Portugal. Eagle is a training vessel for cadets at the USCG Academy in New London, Connecticut. Learning to master more than 20,000 square feet of sail and five miles of rigging are vital elements in the Academy’s program and its belief that training under sail produces officers who are true mariners.

For more than a half century, the Eagle has been a floating classroom for approximately 175 cadets and instructors from the Academy. It is on her decks and rigging that the young men and women attending the Academy get their first taste of salt air and life at sea. During five-week training cruises, cadets -- along with some 75 professional mariners -- learn hands-on seamanship and develop the leadership skills essential to command a modern day cutter.

Add photos here.

Regards,

Juan C. Hernandez, FC

Juan Hernandez

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Flotilla
Staff Officers

               CM - Juan Hernandez
               CS - Denis Keyes
               FN - Janet Heijens
               IS   - Harry Bruno
               MA - Richard Markwitz
               MS - Roman Gzyl
               MT - Lou Magyar
               OP - Jim Sleichert
               PA - Al Bidwick
               PB - Judi Bidwick
               PE - Judi Bidwick
               PS - John Kandes
               PV - Jerry Mitchell
               SR - Ruthanne Bruno



                 General Meeting:
              First Tuesday - 1930
                 Training Center
              On The Water Training
              Every Thursday - 0830
               Marine Max, Venice

September, 2009

Vice Commander
James Sleichert

Well, the summer is here in full force, but the few members that are here are used to the heat. Before you know it fall will be here and hopefully our snowbird members; we can surely use the help. Please let us know when you arrive for the winter so that we can make sure all your yearly qualifications are up to date.

Do not forget that the D7 conference will be held the weekend of the 12^th of September and will be held in St. Pete. This is the closest location for our flotilla members to attend. The main classes will be given on Saturday the 12^th of September. The full schedule is available on the 7^th District web site. Let’s try to make a showing for our flotilla and take some interesting classes. Members going for a day may think of car pooling to the event. ICS210 will be offered, but you must pre-register for that class. TCT refresher will also be given on Saturday. I believe there is something for everyone at this conference, so please try and attend.

Well, it is that time of year when the dues are due for the flotilla. Please do not wait until the last second and make us pay out money to send a registered letter. Let’s get the dues in early and save everyone involved a lot of work. There have been e-mail notifications for the dues sent to everyone, how much they are, and where to send the payment.

Remember, to run for office your dues must be paid and you must be in good standing with the flotilla.

Talking about the election, it is coming sooner than you think. Please consider running for an elected office or requesting a staff officer’s position. We truly need more volunteers for staff officer’s positions and members to run for flotilla Commander and Vice-Commander. Please think about stepping up to the plate and taking on some responsibility within the flotilla.

No matter who the Commander or Vice-Commander is, the priority in the New Year will be recruiting new members and retention of our present members. The best place to check for new members will be our BS&S classes that are coming up. Please keep current with our flotilla calendar and help whenever and wherever you can help. We have a lot of activities coming in the near future. Don’t forget to make the September 1^st meeting. See you there.

Jim Sleichert
Vice Commander

September, 2009

Communications Services
Denis Keyes, FSO-CS

On a personal note, I'm spending more time in Sarasota and plan to be here full time again. If anyone has suggestions for the newsletter, please let me know.

It's also time to start the 2010 roster. I'll be sending each of you an E Mail draft copy to make any changes or corrections.

Denis Keyes
FSO-CS

September, 2009

Materials
Ron Roth, FSO-MA

I am still out of town but you can contact me via email (rothpdm@yahoo.com), telephone (518-532-7470) or mail (456 US Route 9, Schroon Lake NY 12870) so I can order any supplies you need from the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC). Give me your current address and will have the supplies sent directly to you. Be sure to let me know what and how much you need and please place your order with me a month before you need it.

Coast Guard specifications for sew-on collar insignia for elected/appointed Auxiliary officers have changed. The new insignia have a black "A" sewn on them and they
replace sew-on insignia that have either a blue or red "A".

Recognizing that many Auxiliarists wear sew-on insignia that have a blue or red "A", a phase-in period has been established for transition to the new black "A" insignia. The phase-in period shall end on December 31, 2010. After that date, the new sew-on insignia shall be the only authorized sew-on insignia for wear on appropriate Auxiliary uniforms.

The new black "A" insignia have begun to arrive at Coast Guard Exchange System stores across the country. In addition, these insignia also will be available soon through the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Inc. web site, www.shopauxiliary.com (Use the "Members Only" link and login with your Employee ID and Auxiliary e-Directory password) and the Vanguard web site, www.vanguardmil.com/store/index.php.

Ron Roth
FSO-MA

September, 2009

Member Training
Lou Magyar, FSO-MT

“Train, Maintain, Operate”

Member training (Operational Training) has been on break for July and August as I was in Hawaii for most of the summer. We started an AUXPATROL course on 17 August; that test will given on 24 August.

There are 11 members in the class comprised of 2 from Fl 81, 2 from Fl 82, 1 from Fl 84, 1 from Fl 85, and 5 from Fl 87. It is a nice mix. There will be an AUXCOM class starting on 8 September. OT will start up again in September with schedule to be out by next week.

Lou Magyar
FSO-MT

September, 2009

Operations
Judy Bidwick, FSO-OP

Our weekend patrols were rather scant throughout the summer but we are beginning to get back on target.

Crew, remember to get on board weekend patrols to satisfy your hours. Call the coxswain to arrange specific patrol times.

With the hurricanes beginning to burst forth, make sure your boat is equipped with fuel, water, snacks, and any other essential equipment. Make sure all lines are in good condition.

If called to perform a pre or post hurricane patrol, make sure you know the correct procedures and what information needs to be shared. This will be discussed at our training sessions.

The new sew-on collar insignia (for elected and appointed offices) for Auxiliarists is available at this time. These new collar insignia have a black “A” sewn on them and represent the new standard and replace the blue or red “A” previously worn.

A phase in period for transition has been established for these new insignia—the phase in period shall end on December 31, 2010. After that date, the new sew-on insignia shall be the only authorized sew-on insignia for wear on appropriate Auxiliary uniforms.

Please check our calendar on the flotilla website for all upcoming events. Please email Jim Sleichert or me for passwords, etc., if you have forgotten them over the summer!

Judy Bidwick
FSO-OP

September, 2009

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

Coast Guard Auxiliary is 70 Years Old

Washington -Seventy years ago on June 23, 1939, Congress chartered the Coast Guard Auxiliary authorizing the Coast Guard to use civilian volunteers to promote boating safety on the nation's waterways. On its 70^th anniversary the Auxiliary, "America's Volunteer Guardians", continues the long tradition of helping protect boaters and all Americans.

Nationwide 30,000 Auxiliarists assist in safe guarding our harbors and provide boating education and free Vessel Safety Checks to recreational boaters. Since 1996 Congress has authorized the Auxiliary to provide much needed support for most Coast Guard missions.

Over the decade, Auxiliary members:

· Saved 5,083 lives, assisted 141,980 people and saved $1,460, 055, 940 in property

· Taught boating safety to 1,678,946 people with 980,000 hours of classroom work.

· Conducted 1,170,535 Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs) over 579,000 hours

· Made over 418,000 visits Recreational Boating Safety Program Visits spending more than 279,000 mission hours

· Served 4,297,312 hours underway on safety patrols

· Verified 138,867 private aids to navigation

· Examined over 10,223 Commercial Fishing Vessels

· Provided 2,358,200 hours directly supporting the Coast Guard

· Served 44,417,850 hours

Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen recognizing the Auxiliary stated "...As the finest all-volunteer organization in our Nation, I consider each of you an integral part of our Coast Guard. We simply could not meet the challenges we face or conduct the missions we do on a day-to-day basis without your selfless devotion to duty..."

Al Bidwick
FSO-PA

September, 2009

Publications
Judy Bidwick, FSO-PB

Articles for the flotilla newsletter are due on the 20^th of the preceding month of publication. For the next newsletter, articles need to be submitted by September 20, 2009.

If you have an idea for an article and need assistance in writing or editing, please let me know and either Al Bidwick, FSO-PA, or I will be glad to help you.

There are many significant items that refer to things Auxiliarists do that might be turned into an article. In addition, there are items in other news venues that might be of interest to our readers. If you read things that you feel should be shared with flotilla members, please let me know and I can work with you, write an article myself, or use the article itself, giving credit to the author.

Most of our Auxiliary offices have newsletters that have items of interest in them. Not all of our members gain access to or read these newsletters so please share what you read and feel is important for other members.

The following are some of the newsletters from offices within the Auxiliary:

http://auxadept.org/enews/

http://s246219292.onlinehome.us/Div_8/Pcs_Of_8_Jun_09.pdf

http://safetyseal.net/newsletters/ve-mdv/fss08-02.pdf

I will add others in subsequent newsletters.

Judy Bidwick
FSO-PB

September, 2009

Public Education
Ruth Bruno, FSO-PE

On September 10, 2009 we will register students for our Boating Skills and Seamanship Class at the Training Center Building, 1200 Harbor Dr, Venice from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. At this time we distribute manuals and give an assignment for the first class. Classes begin September 14^th at the training center from 6:30 to 9:00 and continue every Monday and Thursday through October 12^th.

A GPS class is upcoming in October and a second BS&S class will begin in October also. We are looking forward to a busy season.

We can always use assistance in the classes. Just being there gives our students a good feeling about the Auxiliary. Assistants get 7030 time as aides.

Boating Accident Statistics Just Released for 2008

The USCG Boating Safety Division just released the comprehensive analysis of boating statistics for 2008. During 2008, the Coast Guard recorded 709 deaths, 3,331 injuries and approximately $54 million in damage to property, stemming from 4,789 recreational boating accidents.

This represents an increase in the fatality rate (a measure of the number of deaths against the number of registered recreational boats) from 5.3 in 2007 to 5.6 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational boats in 2008.

Ruth Bruno
FSO-PE

September, 2009

Personnel Services
Paul Corcoran, FSO-PS

There are two potential members in the works. One is joining the Coast Guard soon. He won't be going into the service until next June so he wants to train with us until then. I have already met with him and he intends to take the BS&S class in September.

The second new member is an e-responder and I am trying to meet with him this week. He wanted to attend our monthly meeting so hopefully he can make the September general meeting.

Paul Corcoran
FSO-PS

September, 2009

First Aid
Art Sperling, EMS

First Aid for Bleeding

Bleeding refers to the loss of blood. Bleeding can happen inside the body (internally) or outside the body (externally). It may occur:

·         Inside the body when blood leaks from blood vessels or organs

·         Outside the body when blood flows through a natural opening (such as the Nose, ears, mouth)

·         Outside the body when blood moves through a break in the skin

Serious injuries don't always bleed heavily, and some relatively minor injuries (for example, scalp wounds) can bleed quite a lot. People who take blood-thinning medication or who have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia may bleed excessively and quickly because their blood does not clot properly. Bleeding in such people requires immediate medical attention.

Direct pressure will stop most external bleeding, and is the most important first aid step.

Always wash your hands before (if possible) and after giving first aid to someone who is bleeding, in order to avoid infection.

Try to use non-latex gloves when treating someone who is bleeding. Latex gloves should be replaced in every first aid kit with non-latex gloves. Do to the increasing number of people with allergies to latex Non-Latex or synthetic gloves should be used. Remember that you are not always the one with an allergy and the victim could have a reaction to the latex.

You can catch viral hepatitis if you touch infected blood, and HIV can be spread if infected blood gets into an open wound -- even a small one.

Although puncture wounds usually don't bleed very much, they carry a high risk of infection. Seek medical care to prevent tetanus or other infection.

Abdominal and chest wounds can be very serious because of the possibility of severe internal bleeding. They may not look very serious, but can result in shock. Seek immediate medical care for any abdominal or chest wound. If organs are showing through the wound, do not try to push them back into place. Cover the injury with a moistened cloth or bandage, and apply only very gentle pressure to stop the bleeding.

Blood loss can cause bruises (blood collected under the skin), which usually result from a blow or a fall. They are dark, discolored areas on the skin. Apply a cool compress to the area as soon as possible to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in a towel and place the towel over the injury. Do not place ice directly on the skin.

Always seek emergency assistance for severe bleeding, and if internal bleeding is suspected. Internal bleeding can rapidly become life threatening, and immediate medical care is needed.

First Aid

First aid is appropriate for external bleeding. If bleeding is severe, or if shock or internal bleeding is suspected, get emergency help immediately.

·         Calm and reassure the person. The sight of blood can be very frightening.

·         If the wound is superficial, wash it with soap and warm water and pat dry. Superficial wounds or scrapes are injuries that affect the top layers of skin and bleeding from such wounds is often described as "oozing," because it is slow.

·         Lay the person down. This reduces the chances of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain. When possible, raise up the part of the body that is bleeding.

·         Remove any obvious loose debris or dirt from a wound. If an object such as a knife, stick, or arrow becomes stuck in the body, DO NOT remove it. Doing so may cause more damage and may increase bleeding.

·         Place pads and bandages around the object and tape the object in place.

·         Put pressure directly on an outer wound with a sterile bandage, clean cloth, or even a piece of clothing. If nothing else is available, use your hand. Direct pressure is best for outside bleeding, except for an eye injury.

·         Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. When it has stopped, tightly wrap the wound dressing with adhesive tape or a piece of clean clothing. Place a cold pack over the dressing. Do not peek to see if the bleeding has stopped.

·         If bleeding continues and seeps through the material being held on the wound, do not remove it. Simply place another cloth over the first one. Be sure to seek medical attention.



·         If the bleeding is severe, get medical help and take steps to prevent shock. Keep the injured body part completely still.

·         Lay the person flat and raise the feet about 12 inches, and cover the person with a coat or blanket. However, DO NOT move the person if there has been a head, neck, back, or leg injury, as doing so may make the injury worse. Get medical help as soon as possible.

·         DO NOT apply a tourniquet to control bleeding, except as a last resort. Doing so may cause more harm than good. A tourniquet should be used only in a life-threatening situation and should be applied by an experienced person

·         DO NOT peek at a wound to see if the bleeding is stopping. The less a wound is disturbed, the more likely it is that you'll be able to control the bleed

·         DO NOT probe a wound or pull out any embedded object from a wound. This will usually cause more bleeding and harm

·         DO NOT remove a dressing if it becomes soaked with blood. Instead, add a new one on top

·         DO NOT try to clean a large wound. This can cause heavier bleeding

·         DO NOT try to clean a wound after you get the bleeding under control. Get medical help

Seek medical help if:

·         Bleeding can't be controlled, or is associated with a serious injury

·         The wound might need stitches, or if gravel or dirt cannot be removed easily with gentle cleaning

·         You think there may be internal bleeding or shock

·         Signs of infection develop, including increased pain, redness, swelling, yellow or brown fluid, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or red streaks spreading from the site toward the heart

·         The injury involves an animal or human bite

·         The person has not had a tetanus shot in the last 5-10 years

Art Sperling
EMS.

September, 2009

Meeting Minutes
Ruth Bruno, FSO-SR

                    U.S.C.G. AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 86, MINUTES AUGUST 4, 2009

In the absence of the Commander, Vice-Commander Jim Sleichert called the meeting to order at 1930 with 15 members present. The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.

VFC Jim Sleichert reported:

* We received a Proclamation from the Mayor of Venice for Safe Boating Week

* The District Conference is September 10 to 13 in St. Petersburg. Members should try attending at least on the 12^th when classes are offered. Email with information will follow.

* Oct 3^rd there will be a SAR demonstration that Juan Hernandez is coordinating. Fl 86 will be the hosts of the event which will be held at Flotilla 84- 10^th Street ramp. The Coast Guard will do helo and SAR demonstrations. Various flotillas will have booths. Members will be needed to assist.

* The Change of Watch is scheduled for 11/14/09 at Pelican Pointe, Venice. This will be a luncheon and the cost is $23 pp.   Reservations and checks should be directed to Janet Heijens.

* The Sun Fiesta Parade is scheduled for 10/17. We are looking for boats and members to participate.

* The Home Depot event is also scheduled for 10/17 from 10-2.   We also would like a boat for that event and will need volunteers to man a booth.

* Dues are due $50.

MINUTES: There was no meeting in July. The June minutes were available for reading. A vote to approve will be taken at our next meeting as there was not a quorum present.

FINANCE: Janet Heijens presented the Finance Report for June and July 2009.

STAFF REPORTS: Staff reports appear in the current Fore and Aft.

FSO-CS: Denis Keyes discussed the meeting of the WCIND Grants that he attended.   We have received a 50/50 matching grant which will be available beginning Oct 1^st. More information will follow.

FSO-PS: Paul Corcoran stated he has one recruit who will be a Coastie by next June. He is looking to join for further training.

FSO-PE:   Ruth Bruno announced registration for the first BS&S class is September 10^th with the class beginning Sept 14 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Schedules are available for all on the back table.

MAINTENANCE: Jim Sleichert said the shed is up and we will need to organize a group to work in October doing pressure washing, painting etc. Please let Jim know if you can assist. Also our front lights are broken once again. Jim said he will look into replacing or repairing them.

AWARDS:

Instructor: Janet Heijens

3^rd yr recert Coxswain: Charles Dulany        3^rd yr recert. Crew: Robert Chapman, Henry Reynolds

NEW BUSINESS: Jim Sleichert announced the Nominating Committee for elections: John Susek, Michael Marmion, Judi Bidwick. John Susek did the first reading of the election requirements. Any member who is qualified and wishes to run should submit a letter in writing.

Patrick Wheeler discussed ideas for recruiting new members. Ideas will be considered.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2035.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruth Bruno, Secretary

September, 2009

Monthly Calendar

Flotilla General Meeting………........Tuesday, September 1

AUXCOM Class Begins………...……Tuesday, September 8

BSS Registration....................................................Thursday, September 10

BSS Class……….....................................................Monday, September 14

Safety Month………………. October

USCG Demo/Auxiliary Public Affairs Event …......... Saturday, October 3

Sun Fiesta Parade…........................................................Saturday, October 17

Home Depot Safety/Public Affairs Event ……...........Saturday, October 17

GPS Registration……............................................….Wednesday, October 14

BSS Registration…….................................................….Thursday, October 15

September, 2009

General Announcement

To: ALAUX
From: CHDIRAUX
Subj: PRESIDENTIAL LETTER TO THE AUXILIARY -024/09

1. In recognition of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's 70 years of
outstanding service, President Obama issued the following letter to the
Coast Guard Auxiliary. It was read at yesterday's anniversary celebration
at Coast Guard Headquarters, and a framed copy was presented to National
Commodore Nick Kerigan by Admiral Thad Allen. Please see the Coast Guard
press release at http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/786/282969/). Additional
photos will soon be posted through SITREP.

Congratulations again, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary!

"From the President of the United States of America

        June 19, 2009

        I send my warmest regards to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
in celebration of your 70th anniversary of service to our Nation.

        Formed by an act of Congress on June 23, 1939, the United States
Coast Guard Auxiliary has distinguished itself through gallant service in
support of the U.S. Coast Guard and the safety of our Nation's recreational
boaters. Today's 29,000 Auxiliarists, and the legions of those who have
gone before them, have willingly sacrificed their time and resources to save
hundreds of lives, conduct thousands of search and rescue missions, and
prevent millions of dollars in property loss.

        In the wake of staggering national challenges posed by the tragic
events of September 11, 2001 and the devastation wrought by Hurricanes
Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
selflessly served millions of hours to protect our citizens and improve
maritime safety and security. Members of the Auxiliary have always
displayed unparalleled devotion to the welfare of America's recreational
boaters through public education programs, vessel safety checks, and marine
dealer visits. These efforts have proven invaluable to accident prevention
and the vast enjoyment of our Nation's coasts, rivers, and lakes.

        I congratulate you for your steadfast commitment to the highest
standards of citizenship, patriotism, and community service. On behalf of
all Americans, I wish you all the best for a memorable celebration. May you
continue to find happiness and fulfillment in your many contributions to our
country.

        //s//Barack H. Obama, President."

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