Coast Guard launches Cutter Waesche

SAN FRANCISCO - The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche transits through the San Francisco Bay for the first time en route to its homeport of Alameda, Calif., Feb. 28, 2010. The Waesche is the second Legend Class cutter and is scheduled to be commissioned in May. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Metcalf)

USCGC Waesche transits San Francisco Bay

James Howard heads to Iraq

James Howard, Flotilla 16-07, is headed out for another trip to Iraq.  Here's the story from TV12 news:

A local radio and tv personality also left for Iraq Sunday.

Sunny 92.3's and WDEF News 12 This Morning's traffic reporter James Howard is on his way to visit local troops from the 2-52nd out of Cleveland.
A lot of supporters came to see him off on his 4th trip.
James got on a plane Sunday afternoon headed first to Charlotte, then Washington, and straight to Kuwait, where he'll meet up with the military.

James says it's hard to leave his family, but he know his trips support the soldiers and their loved ones.

He says, "I talk to soldiers, and it's a big thing for them to see just a normal guy that they're used to hearing on the radio or seeing on television. Just a normal guy from their home town come in and eat chow with them, you know. It's a opportunity for me to let our community know what these men and women are doing for our country and for the country of Iraq."

James will be gone for two weeks.
He'll meet the local unit in a few days.
Listen for his trip updates on the morning show.
 
http://wdef.com/james_howard_leaves_for_iraq
.

In memory of Coast Guard crew CG-1705

This Friday, 6 NOV 2009, a memorial service will be held at Air Station Sacramento to honor the 7 Guardians and 2 Marines lost in the tragic mid-air collision off the coast of California.
We members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary should all take a minute to remember the sacrifices made by all members of Team Coast Guard, both past and present.

This Friday fly a Coast Guard flag if you have one or fly your National Ensign in remembrance.
The National Ensign will remain at half mast at all Coast Guard Stations until Friday.




Lieutenant Commander Che J. Barnes; age 35

Lieutenant Adam W. Bryant; age 28

Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman; age 43

Petty Officer Second Class Carl P. Grigonis; age 35

Petty Officer Second Class Monica L. Beacham; age 29

Petty Officer Second Class Jason S. Moletzsky; age 26

Petty Officer Third Class Danny R. Kreder II; age 22.

The names of the missing Marines are Major Samuel Leigh, age 35, and First Lieutenant Thomas Claiborne, age 26.
.

Division 16 Picnic - Huge Success

What do you get when you combine a torrential downpour of rain, good friends, and plenty of great food? The Annual Divison 16 Picnic! We had one of the best turnouts in years and thank goodness it was indoors. We had so much rain that day that the county fair was cancelled, but nothing dampened the spirits or the appetites as we enjoyed an afternoon of food and fellowship. This year we were pleased to have 48 people in attendance and we're already making plans for next year.

Coast Guard Launches New Recruitment Campaign

In its first new recruitment campaign since "The Shield of Freedom" in 2002, the Coast Guard has a new recruitment slogan: "Born Ready". Here is a postcard mailer and a video commercial to give you a taste of the new concept.

For more information, visit the Coast Guard recruiting website: http://www.gocoastguard.com/

Honoring Our Coast Guard & Navy Veterans

What an honor it was to play Taps for the memorial service held by the crew of the USS Savage at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The USS Savage, although a Navy ship, was manned in WWII by an all Coast Guard captain and crew. Three of the veterans attending were Coast Guard and these Navy vets treated them with the utmost honor and respect. After ringing a bell for each of their deceased shipmates the CG vets threw a wreath into the water of the lake behind the pavilion as buglers David Cox USCGAux, and Maj. Andy Addison, USAF (Ret) played Echo Taps. Many Coast Guard Cutters and CG manned Navy ships participated in WWII action.
For more on Coast Guard history go to: http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/h_AtlWar.asp

Wreaths Across America

This December we will once again participate in a very meaningful ceremony at the Chattanooga National Cemetery called Wreaths Across America. Last year Terry Siler laid the ceremonial wreath representing the US Coast Guard. We will bring this up for discussion at our next division meeting to see how we might want to help out this year. Anyone wanting to sponsor a wreath for $15 each, contact Terry Siler for details.

For more information: http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/