Spring Conference Wrap-Up

Eight members of Flotilla 4 travelled to the 8th Western Rivers District Spring Conference in Peoria, IL. This two day event focused on changes to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and continuing education.

Friday’s activities focused on presentation by various Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary leadership.

Saturday had a variety of breakout sessions focusing on a wide variety of topics. Annual refresher training such as the 1 Hour Team Coordination Training Refreshers, Instructor Workshop, and Operations Workshop were offered. New training was also offered like the ICS 210 training. Members were also able to take the Initial Indoctrination to Marine Safety exam. This exam is a test to prepare an Auxiliarists to support Coast Guard Marine Safety missions and is proctored by an active duty member of the Coast Guard. Five members of Flotilla 4 took this exam including Chuck Brudtkuhl, Norma Newton, Roland Newton, Suzanne Tomlinson, and Ralph Tomlinson.

There were also seminars for continuing education such as how to create a newsletter, the OTO Briefing from CWO Leavell, Basic Navigation, and a session to “Meet the Brass” and ask questions.

Members who attended the conference included Chuck Brudtkuhl, Travis Daniels, John Halbrook, Doug Jansen, Norma Newton, Roland Newton, Suzanne Tomlinson and Ralph Tomlinson.

Flotilla 4 members were recognized with a variety of awards for their service in 2008. For members who missed the banquet their awards will be presented at the Division 33 Awards Banquet on March 21 at Mahoney State Park in Nebraska.

The Fall Conference will be September 25 and 26 in Branson, Missouri. Additionally the National Conference (NACON) will be very close this year. It will be in Chicago, Illinois in August. More information will come out later this year on both events.

8WR Awards Banquet

The St. Charles High School Dance Team entertains the banquet

Tonight's after dinner entertainment was provided by the St. Charles High School Dance team who is in town for State Competition.

Awards for Flotilla 4 received at the banquet included:

a. Runner Up ScrapBook Contest

b. Runner up Best Flotilla Photo

c. Photo Awards Honorable Mention Category:

a. Fellowship

b. Member Service

c. Public Education

Basic Navigation

Marvin Butcher Teaches Basic Navigation

Students are learning about Basic Navigation from Marvin Butcher.  We are learning about vectors such as the Dead Reckoning, Time Made Good/ Speed Made Good, and the Set/Drift Vector.  

Chief of Staff's Luncheon After Actions

Auxiliarists enjoy the Chief of Staff's Luncheon

The Chief of Staff's Luncheon was well attended.  Besides an agreeable lunch, Division 33 and its members went home with numerous awards.  Over 400 people throughout the District were presented certificates for contributions to the mission of the Coast Guard. 

Flotilla 4 members who attended the luncheon included Ralph Tomlinson, Suzanne Tomlinson, Norma Newton, and Roland Newton.

All of the Division 33 recipients will receive their awards at the Division 33 Banquet at Mahoney State Park on March 21, 2009.

Chief of Staff's Luncheon

(l to r) John Halbrook, Ralph Tomlinson, and Roland Newton discuss their experiences prior to the luncheon.

After the morning seminars the Chief of Staff's Luncheon is up next.  

Operational Facility Seminar

During the conference a seminar was helped to answer questions regarding the specifics of examining a member-owned vessel for use by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.   Lots of best practices and explanations were offered by the District Staff and the OTO.  

OTO Briefing

CWO Leavell Speaks to Participants At The 8WR Conference in Peoria, IL

The Operations Training Officer (OTO) CWO Leavell held a seminar regarding recent operations updates and a Q&A for members to ask the OTO and the District Director of Response.  Members attending the seminar were also treated to a small first aid kit from the OTO to help them with their mission for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

Special emphasis was placed on safety and following procedures to ensure a safe mission for all involved.  The OTO was able to help others understand how to smooth out the operations paperwork process.

Materials Center at the District Conference

Chuck Brudtkuhl sees what is on sale in the Materials Center Store

The District Materials Center has setup shop at the District Conference to help Auxiliarists find items they need such as uniform items and uniform insignia.

Team Coordination Training Refresher Course

Mike Stanley discusses situational awareness with the Team Coordination Training Refreshers Students

(l to r) Norma Newton, Roland Newton, and Doug Jansen work on a scenario during TCT at the 8WR District Conference

Every year the Coast Guard Auxiliary requires its operational personnel to participate in Team Coordination Training.  Initially a member completes the 8 hour course and then annually a one hour refresher course.  Today Flotilla 4 Members Norma Newton, Roland Newton, John Halbrook, and Doug Jansen participated in the refresher at the 8WR Conference.

Spring Conference

Today was the first day of the 8th Western Rivers District Spring Conference in Peoria, IL.  Members of Flotilla 4 attended meetings and learned about new developments in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

Saturday Auxiliarists will learn about updates in various facets of Auxiliary programs during breakout sessions.  There will be an awards banquet Saturday night as well.

Flotilla 4 members at the conference so far include; Travis Daniels, Ralph Tomlinson, Suzanne Tomlinson, Roland Newton, Norma Newton, Chuck Brudtkuhl, John Halbrook, and Doug Jansen.  

More information will be posted as the conference continues tomorrow.