Coast Guard Auxiliary
Opportunities and Duties

     "The Coast Guard Auxiliary is good because I like the people. I can serve my country. And we serve the public," Auxiliary Public Affairs Officer Karl Andrews explained. It has been around since 1934. Coast Guard Auxiliary Recruiter Jack Godwin emphasized the opportunities to learn with Auxiliary flotillas along the Gulf. It is a gratis activity, but some expenses for Auxiliary members are covered. Recently retired Officer Robert Burton spearheaded an active discussion centered on the work of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. "And, no, the Auxiliary doesn't give tickets or have any law enforcement duties."

     Robert Burton (standing) laid out the mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for "Men's 710 Breakfast and Speaker Fellowship" meeting at Zion Lutheran Church at its August 10, 2010 meeting. Friends and neighbors from the Baldwin communities are invited to a complimentary breakfast as well as interaction with these representatives of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

     Auxiliary officers were special guests at "Men's 710 Breakfast and Speaker Fellowship" at Zion Lutheran Church for August. "Yes, they enjoyed a complimentary breakfast at 7:10 AM! Those Auxiliary know how to get going in the morning," an attendee noted.

     The primary missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary relate to boating safety for the public. It promotes recreational boating safety, public education, training, and general marine safety. It supports the Coast Guard on a number of levels, including watch-standing, radio watches, safety patrols, boat crew operations on Coast Guard vessels, search and rescue procedures, public affairs missions, etc. In more remote locations, the Auxiliary carries a significant part of the Coast Guard mission for those areas, e.g., Alaska.

     The Baldwin County community is regularly invited each month to "Men's 710 Breakfast and Speaker Fellowship" at Zion Lutheran Church, located a block off State Highway 104 at 15875 4th Avenue at 7th Street in beautiful Silverhill, just across the street from Silverhill School. It is a community opportunity to share an hour with an interesting speaker AND a complimentary light breakfast, courtesy of Zion's men.

     Information about opportunities and the mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary can be obtained at US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 8CR-03-06 Fairhope, AL Web site.