GLPA Newsletter Fall 2011 Issue Published by the Great Lakes Chapter of the United States Coast Guard Academy Parents’ Association in August, January, and May

GLPA Newsletter Fall 2011 Issue Published by the Great Lakes Chapter of the United States Coast Guard Academy Parents’ Association in August, January, and May.

2011-12 Chapter Officers From the Presidents Parents’ Weekend The Coast Guard has a time Parents’ Weekend is Friday, Presidents honored ceremony when a new 14 Oct through Sunday, 16 Oct. Bruce & Peg Talbot (Erin ‘13) skipper takes command of a ship. There is an excellent page on the [email protected] We attended our first Change of Academy website at http:// [email protected] Command ceremony for the Cutter www.uscga.edu/display.aspx? MACKINAW this August during id=18125. There you can find the Vice Presidents the Coast Guard Festival. A very schedule for the weekend, campus Ed & Sheri Bugyis (Stephanie formal affair, the principles all map, parking guidance, and even ‘13) dressed in their starched white on-line registration for the various [email protected] uniforms. events. Be sure to check it out. The Great Lakes Chapter This is a great time to visit Secretary change of command is a much less your cadet and the Academy. If Donna O’Brien (Kevin ‘12) formal affair with most of the prin- you can, I urge you to go every [email protected] ciples dressed in a comfy top and year, but it’s particularly good to shorts. Despite the relaxed dress go for the Swab year and the Treasurer code, the Great Lakes Chapter Firstie year. During the Swab year, Carlene Smith (Kendra ‘14) does have a tradition when the it will likely be the first good [email protected] new president (in this year’s case chance to spend time with your co-presidents) takes over. Rather cadet. They’ll really look forward Web Masters than a “passing of the torch”, we to the visit — and getting off cam- Bruce & Peg Talbot (Erin ‘13) have a “passing of the Semper pus! During the Firstie year, there [email protected] Gumby.” are meetings specifically relating [email protected] “Semper Gumby:” morphed to the final year and commence- words meaning Always (Semper) ment. Newsletter Editor Flexible (Gumby), after the Coast If you can arrive Thursday Jeff Dooley (LTJG James ‘08) Guard motto Semper Paratus evening or early Friday, attending [email protected] (Always Ready) and Gumby the one of your cadet’s classes is super flexible clay cartoon charac- good. Other highlights are meeting Facebook Page Manager ter from the 1960’s. The emphasis your cadet’s Company Officer & Donna O’Brien (Kevin ‘12) to new parents is to expect last Chief, and the Ship Simulator, [email protected] minute changes with the Coast plus many other activities. Guard and be extremely flexible in Ways and Means your plans. You can expect to see Semper Gumby at all our future UPCOMING DATES Beverly Schulz (John ‘13) Great Lakes events. [email protected] 14-16 OCT 11: During our term of office. we Parent’s weekend will be expanding the number of 9-15 DEC 11: Final Exams parent activities during the year, 16 DEC 11 – 2 JAN 12: expand the location of our activities, and increase communication Winter Leave Something you’d like to see in between Great Lakes parents, all 26 DEC 11: the GLPA Newsletter? Send it to encourage greater participation All Academy Ball in Troy, MI in to [email protected]! Sub- among our members. One of the 29 DEC 11: All Academy Ball at missions are always desired. I challenges of the Great Lakes Westin Hotel, Lombard, IL chapter that other Coast Guard am the editor, but YOU are 30 DEC 11: All Academy Ball in the reporters! (Continued on page 3) Milwaukee, WI

1 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter CGA LEADERSHIP 44 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN The Mission “The Leadership 44 project is one of the most important and exciting projects ever under- taken at the Academy. Beyond that, one of the most important aspects of the program is that it creates a fundamental building block for cadet leadership training, which will be util- ized by every single cadet – 100% – for the next two decades.” Bob Hallock ’72 Chair, Procurement Committee

Putting cadets under sail is the best way to teach our future maritime officers the ways of the sea and for them to acquire a love for its lore. Under sail, the future officer gains a greater appreciation and respect for the wind, waves, and tides.

Sailing craft also provide cadets with a valuable leadership experience – often their first experience at command and control at sea. A ship under sail tests the true character and mettle of a young officer and provides in- valuable lessons on the importance of teamwork.

The Coast Guard Academy’s fleet of coastal sail training craft, “the Luders,” are long past their prime and, if they are not soon replaced, the Academy will lose one of its most important platforms for leadership and character development.

The Leadership 44 Campaign seeks to raise the funds needed to replace the aging Luders fleet, which has been used for the Coastal Sail Training Program (CSTP) for more than 40 years. The Leadership 44 coastal sail training vessels • are the Superintendent’s top priority • are designed to be a floating leadership platform, providing Cadets a maritime experience that is difficult to recreate with large cutters • will be the primary platform for the 2/c Coastal Sail Training Program, which is considered by most cadets to be their seminal leadership experience while at the Academy • will provide all cadets with small craft command and control, navigation, and seamanship experiences • will be used as an extension of the cadet barracks, with each cadet Company having access to, and responsibility for, its own boat • will extend the waterfront season, providing Cadets more time underway • will allow for standardization of the off-shore sailing program • will showcase the Coast Guard Academy as one of the premier waterfront facilities in the country

Partners

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association

Coast Guard Foundation

CGA Parents Association

(Continued from page 1) parent associations do not have to deal with is the far flung geo- graphic area covered by the Great Lakes—a total of seven states make up the Great Lakes chapter.

Starting this year, we have already expanded from two events, (Swab Picnic and August Parents Picnic), both held at Coast Guard Station Michigan City Indiana to six events held in four states. Based on the response, we plan on repeating these events next year: Past Chapter President Ann Corwell passes “Semper Gumby” to • Strictly Sail Chicago Peggy and Bruce Talbot the incoming co-presidents of the Great Lakes Show, USCGA booth at Chapter during the Swab Picnic meeting at Station Michigan City. Navy Pier, January 28, 2012 http://www.cgaalumni.org then We are also increasing our click on Home Parents Association partnership with other Academy • Welcome Picnic, Station Chapters and Great Lakes. The stake-holders. The Coast Guard Milwaukee, WI June 5, direct URL is: Foundation is a separate non-profit 2012 http://www.cgaalumni.org/ organization that is a major con- • Welcome Picnic, Station s/1043/index.aspx? tributor to the cadets at he Coast Michigan City, IN June sid=1043&gid=1&pgid=1293 Guard Academy. In 2009, the 9, 2012 Coast Guard Foundation contrib-

• Coast Guard Foundation uted over $1.4 million to cadet Cruise, Navy Pier Chi- The other improvement to programs at the academy including cago, July 21, 2012 parent communication is our new $760,000 for a Leadership 44 Face Book page. Managed by coastal sailing program sail boat. • Coast Guard Festival super parent Donna O’Brien, This year the Great Lakes Chapter Grand Haven, MI, (mom of 1/c Kevin O’Brien) our partnered with the Coast Guard American Legion Hall, new Face Book page has been an Foundation on two events, the August 4, 2012 outstanding way to quickly post Union League Club reception for • August Parents Picnic, photos, videos, and important no- the officers and crew of the Cutter Station Calumet Harbor, tices about chapter activities and MACKINAW on July 14 and the IL August 26, 2012 cadet news. We hope all Great July 16 cruse and luncheon on Lakes parents will register for the board “Big Mac” for the start of If you would like to see other page to be in on the information the historic Chicago-Mackinac events please let us know! stream. We know some people Island sail boat race. This one have concerns about so called event had more parents participa- To increase communication “social media web sites” but tion than all our other events com- between Great Lakes parents, we please keep in mind our Face bined! I strongly encourage you to have completely revamped the Book page is a “locked page” visit their web site and become a chapter web page, which is now which means no one has access to contributor at: part of the Coast Guard Academy the page unless they are approved http:// Alumni Association home page. by Donna as a parent, alumni, or www.coastguardfoundation.org This move brings our chapter web Coast Guard staffer. Our Face page to the same sponsor of the Book page is at: http:// Coast Guard Academy Parents www.facebook.com, search Association message list/forums groups for “Great Lakes Parents Semper Paratus! page and photo-link pages. If you Association United States Coast Bruce & Peg Talbot have not seen the new web page, Guard Academy”. please check it out and let us know GLPA Presidents what other information you would like to see. The new web site is at:

3 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter Great Lakes Cadets at Chicago Memorial Day Parade

Four of our Great Lakes Cadets were invited to join the V.I.P.s on the reviewing stand for the Chicago Memorial Day Parade held on Saturday May 28, 2011 along Chicago's famous State Street. 2/c Stephanie Bugyis from Munster, Indi- ana, 2/c Karli Collins of Delavan, Wisconsin, 2/c John Schultz of Naperville, Illinois, and 2/c Erin Talbot of Bolingbrook, Illinois represented the Coast Guard Academy at the wreath laying ceremony as well as the parade.

The cadets got to meet the parade Grand Marshall, 4-star General Raymond Odierno and Chicago's new mayor Rahm Emanuel, and chat with Coast Guard Rear Admiral Michael Parks, Great Lakes District Commander. Admiral Parks was VERY nice to the cadets, taking time to get to know them and encourage them to consider an “at float” assignment coming out of the academy saying, “It will make you a better person as well as a better officer.” LT Leo Dombrowski, Coast Guard Academy Class of 1950, also spoke to the cadets about his experiences in the Coast Guard during the atomic bomb testing in the South Pa- cific!

The third picture on the right shows the reviewing stand on State Street with our cadets di- rectly behind Rear Admiral Parks as a Chicago High School JROTC unit passes in review. The Coast Guard had a nice parade unit with a color guard in dress uniforms, a Response Boat Small on a trailer and a HH-65 rescue helicopter flying over head. A short video of the Coast Guard unit in the parade is posted on You Tube at http:// youtu.be/GDVzIBlJHxE

4 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter

August Picnic at Station June Picnics Calumet Harbor

Station Calumet Harbor is the largest and busi- est station in the 9th Coast Guard District. They run over 200 search and rescue (SAR) Cases and 1000 law enforcement boardings each year, conduct about 10 Presi- dential Security 2015 Swabs at 11 June Picnic at Station Michigan Zones, and over City: James Mueller of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Sloane 75 major marine Hecimovich of Milton Wisconsin, and Kyle Sutschek of events including Park Ridge, Illinois the Chicago Air and Water Show.

Touring the 47’ Motor Lifeboat at Station Michigan Parents get a tour of the station facilities. Note the 25’ City Response Boat Small (RBS) on a trailer with bug net- ting over the windshield, ready for transport

Station Milwaukee Picnic on June 18 with Chris and Parents get a briefing on the 45’ Response Boat Marry Pappe, Carlene and David Smith, and Peggy Medium (RBM) and Bruce Talbot. 5 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter

Reporting-in Day at the USCGA

A PERSONAL STORY: I spent some time talking to our daughter Erin

about her Cadre experience along the brick and iron We just returned home from R-Day and it is fence that rings Washington Parade Grounds when I amazing to see it from the eyes of Cadre Parents. We spotted a lone female Swab. talked to many parents while at the table giving advice on where to meet after the class picture and to bring I walked over and asked, “Are your parents here?” water and something to eat for the 10-minute good- “Yes . . .” her voice trailed off. I could see her eyes bye. I had three apples and looked for Swabs that were filled with water as she tried to hold back the seemed to be alone during the 10 minute good-bye. I tears. I looked around and saw no unaccompanied par- spotted a tall boy standing in the middle of Washing- ents. Maybe she didn’t understand my question, or ton Parade Ground with no one around him. I walked maybe she had already said her goodbyes and left be- up and asked, “Are your parents here?” fore the tears flowed. He said “No, sir.” I was amazed how fast they “Where are you from?” I asked. learned that every man except the Company Senior Chief is addressed as “Sir”. “Texas, sir” she replied. “Well, now you do. Welcome to the Coast Guard “Oh, Texas! We love Texas. My wife and I want to Family.” I shook his hand and handed him an apple. retire in Port Aransas.” “Eat this. You'll need the energy.” “We just moved there. I don't know where that is,” “Thank you, sir,” he replied. she replied. I scouted around and spotted a very thin young She looked a little shell shocked. I had seen that man standing alone. same look in my daughter's eyes two years ago when she was a Swab. “Are your parents here?” I handed her the apple and said, “You can do this. “No, they dropped me off” he said with a foreign Just take one day at a time. Forget about yesterday and accent. don’t worry about tomorrow. Just live for today and “Where are you from?” Swab Summer will be over before you know it.” “Antigua” Wow, I just found one of the foreign The call went out from the Cadre to form up again. country cadets! Peggy and I watched as our daughter worked on getting the Swabs from Bravo Company into a neat unit and “Welcome to the Coast Guard Academy. Here’s then march off the field to Chase for their first night in an apple, you'll need the energy.” He smiled and the Coast Guard. thanked me.

Bruce R. Talbot

June 27 Reporting In Weekend at the Academy—we met new Swab parents and had great success selling the silver Coast Guard “cover” necklaces. Staffing the table is Kari and David Baisden and Peggy Talbot.

6 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter

America’s Tall Ship, USCGC Eagle at Reykjavik, Iceland

In celebration of the 75th Anniversary, the US Coast Guard Barque EAGLE went to Europe, leaving New London on May 7th with approximately half of the class of 2014 who became 3/c cadets while at sea. The crossing of the Atlantic included difficult storms and strong waves damaging sails and rails. They stopped in Waterford, Ireland prior to the celebrations and festivities in Eagle’s original home of Hamburg, Germany. The last port of call for the Phase 1 cadets was England where Eagle sat on the Thames River for what turned out to be an extended stay. The Phase 2 group had a couple days in London and then expected to set sail only to find out they had a non-functioning gyrocompass. They got a hard lesson in finances as they tried to budget the extra 8 days. Finally, they left with a new schedule for Iceland, ar- riving 4 days late but still planning the same number Above: USCGC Eagle moored in Reykjavik of days in port. Though this group experienced 15 foot Below and next page: Great Lakes cadets in Reykjavik swells, the Phase 2 cadets were well aware they would not win in the battle of who had the roughest seas.

A second lesson in finances came as they faced Reykjavik, Iceland – an expensive city. There were many beautiful places to see and hike but getting there was not inexpensive. One group took a bus to end up waiting for over 2 hours for a second bus to get to their destination. As parents “stuck” in this beautiful country during our Semper Gumpy test, we took advantage of seeing more of the scenic volcanoes, craters, glaciers, and birds, seals, and horses. When Eagle finally arrived, she was a beautiful sight to see. We caught her first passing a lighthouse and then watched her majestically come into the harbor. She was received well by the people and tourists of Iceland and our cadets represented the US well in sharing our tall ship. As they left Iceland, Eagle stopped at sea at the Maren Balke spot of the sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Alexan- der Hamilton and placed a wreath. The Hamilton was the first US warship sunk after the US entered WWII and its exact position had just been found in 2009 by the Icelandic Coast Guard. From there, Eagle headed north to cross the Arctic Circle, believed to be the first time to cross that latitude. Many new Polar Bears were given blue noses. Eagle went on to Halifax, Nova Scotia, back on the scheduled itinerary. The Phase 2 cadets finished their cruise in Boston docked bow-to-bow with the USS Constitution. Eagle finished its anniversary cruise with stops in New Bedford, MA and New York City where Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napoli- tano joined the Eagle crew and swabs for a naturaliza- tion ceremony. Carlene and David Smith (Kendra, ‘14) Sam Birch 7 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter

Kumar Brunhart-McBratney Jamie Chicoine Will Howard Kent Hunt

Jacob Kramb Matt Kuehl Brandy Lowary

Lexie Ludewig Ryan Moore Carter Schlank Kendra Smith 8 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter

GLPA at the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Michigan

GLPA Presidents Bruce and Peggy Talbot rented a house in Grand Haven, Michigan for the annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, a week long celebration of the U.S. Coast Guard. There are a large vari- ety of activities, events, and attractions for all ages during the week, including parades, car shows, carni- val rides, tours aboard Coast Guard Cutters, the Coast Guard Silent Drill Team, etc. The Talbots plan to make this an annual event for any GLPA parents who want to join them.

Coast Guard Silent Drill Team

Bruce & Peggy Talbot, 3/C Kendra Smith, Carlene & David Smith, and Ed & Sheri Bugyis CGC Biscayne Bay, CGC Katmai Bay, CGC Alder, CGC Mackinaw

Crew assembled aboard the CGC Mackinaw for Change of Command Ceremony

Arrival of the USCGC Mackinaw

Rear Admiral Michael Parks 9th Dist. Commander (center forward) presided over the ceremony. 9 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter

GLPA at the Chicago to Macki- Cadet & Alumni News nac Island Sailboat Race and Photos

2/C Stephanie Bugyis (’13) was a member of the color guard at Mystic. She was a SWAB cadre for Bravo for part of the summer.

The Coast Guard Foundation hosted a luncheon event aboard the CGC Mackinaw at the start of the annual Chicago to Mackinac Island sailboat race. Everyone aboard the Mackinaw had an excellent view of each group’s start. Over 350 boats competed in the 333 mile long race. ————————————————- 3/C Kendra Smith (‘14) is back in class at the Academy and recovering nicely following surgery for a benign tumor that was discovered after Kendra was having trouble during fitness training. CGA Certified Athletic Trainer Sara MacDonough Civitello pulled Kendra out and referred her to the Medical Clinic, where she was checked thoroughly and sent to the Emergency Room. Kendra’s parents Carlene and David Smith wished to express their gratitude to Civitello, the personnel at the Medical Clinic, and Commandant of Cadets CAPT John O'Connor for all their efforts.

————————————————- While we missed some, we managed to gather the fol- Peggy Jordan Martin is pleased to announce lowing GLPA members for a group photo. Back Row: Schultz (Martin & Bev), Nolan (Mike & the wedding of her son, LT Victor Yaguchi Barb), Howard (John & Julia), Sutschek (Scot & Mi- (USCGA '07; Falcon Pilot Station Cape chelle), Dooley (Anne & Jeff), Vinnie Matic Cod) to Sneha Barve of Naperville, IL on Sept 2 Front Row Bruce Talbot, Smith (David & Carlene) & 3rd, 2011. Victor and Sneha have been friends Bugyis (Ed & Sheri), Peggy Talbot, Carol Matic since high school, and have dated since 2004. A Christian wedding on Friday will be followed by an Indian wedding on Saturday. The after party will be a Cubs game on Sunday. Sneha has attended college and law school in Chicago; we all hope she can adjust to the quieter life of Cape Cod and the long commute off-Cape for lawyer job opportunities in the Boston area.

One missing from the group shot is Kristi Collins of Delavan Wisconsin, pictured with her brother.

10 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter Useful Links

Coast Guard News & Newsletter Links ♦ Coast Guard Visual Imagery Database, your link to Coast Guard video, photos, art, graphics, and audio: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php ♦ Proceedings: http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/archive/index.asp ♦ Coast Guard Magazine: http://www.uscg.mil/magazine/ ♦ The Reservist: http://www.uscg.mil/reservist/ ♦ Seapower Magazine: http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/ ♦ Coast Guard News Channel: http://www.coastguardchannel.com/index.shtml ♦ Navy Times: http://www.navytimes.com/ ♦ Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety: www.USCGboating.org ♦ CG Auxiliary's official e-magazine "SITREP": http://www.teamcoastguard.org ♦ Maritime Safety: http://homeport.uscg.mil

Basic Military Information ♦ Military Ranks – Military ranks & insignia: http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/insignias/ officers.html ♦ Military Pay Scales: http://www.dod.mil/dfas/ ♦ USO Web Site – A key resource for all military personnel: http://www.uso.org/ ♦ Cutters & Aircraft of the Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/ ♦ Coast Guard awards and medals: http://kepler.egr.duke.edu/USCGRibbons.html ♦ The Service Academies: http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/20.html ♦ Washington Post military index: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/govt/fedguide/ military.htm ♦ Military School: http://www.military-school.org/ ♦ Military schools throughout the U.S.: http://www.military-net.com/

Official (mostly) Coast Guard Links ♦ US Coast Guard Academy – "THE" home page: http://www.uscga.edu/ ♦ US Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association: http://www.cgaalumni.org/ ♦ Academy Coast Guard Exchange System – Shopping!: http://www.shopcoastguard.com/ (There are also LOTS of CG items on E-bay — check it out!) ♦ Critical Academy Dates: http://www.uscga.edu/calendar.aspx ♦ USCG Auxiliary – National home page for the Auxiliary: http://www.cgaux.org/ ♦ DOD Installations: http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/sites.html ♦ "Semper Paratus", the official Coast Guard song: http://www.uscgaparents.org/links/semper.htm ♦ History of Coast Guard Day: http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/military/coastgrd.html ♦ U.S. Coast Guard – Home page of the "World's Premier Maritime Service": http://www.uscg.mil/ ♦ CG Work-Life Program: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/hsc/worklife/ ♦ Coast Guard Wives: http://www.coastguardwives.com/ ♦ Coast Guard units: http://www.uscg.mil/top/units/ ♦ Chief Warrant Officer Association: www.cwoauscg.org ♦ Chief Petty Officer Association: http://www.uscgcpoa.org/ ♦ The Foundation for Coast Guard History: www.fcgh.org/

Unofficial (but good) Coast Guard Links ♦ CoastieChicks.net – Support for CG Spouses: http://coastiechicks.net/ ♦ USCGA Girlfriend and Boyfriend Support Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ USCGAGIRLSANDBOYS/ ♦ Fred's Place – Dedicated to U.S. Coast Guard Active Duty, Retired, Reserve, Auxiliary, "All Those Who Served", Coast Guard SPARs, and past or present civilian co-workers: http:// www.fredsplace.org/ ♦ Coast Guard Foundation: http://www.coastguardfoundation.org ♦ Title 14, United States Code: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/14/ ♦ Federal Agencies – a pretty complete listing: http://www.lib.lsu.edu/gov/index.html ♦ Naval and Maritime Links: http://vlnavmar.usnaweb.org/ (Continued on page 12)

11 GLPA Fall 2011 Newsletter Useful Links (continued)

Other Military Academy Parent Associations ♦ USNA Parents Network: http://www.usna.org/ ♦ West Point Parents Net: http://www.west-point.org/ ♦ USAFA Parents Clubs: http://www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/development/parentsclubs.asp ♦ USMMA Parents Association: http://www.usmma.edu/parents/Default.htm ♦ NAPS Parents Page: http://www.usna.com/NAPS/

Fun Coast Guard Links ♦ Ken Laesser's Coast Guard History Page: http://www.laesser.org/ ♦ Kids Corner – Coloring books, fun, games & links to kid's sites: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nmc/ mail.htm ♦ Trivia quiz: http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/World/A-year-at-the-US-Coast-Guard-Academy- 173127.html

Mission Statement of the Great Lakes Sites to Remember… Chapter of the U.S. Coast Guard The Great Lakes Parents’ Association web- Academy Parents’ Association site is located on the CGA Parents’ Associa- The Association is a non-profit organization tion website at http://www.cgaalumni.org/ which exists for the sole purpose of support- s/1043/index.aspx? ing the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and its sid=1043&gid=1&pgid=1293. The purpose of Corps of Cadets. It seeks: the site is to provide a resource of information on meetings, newsletters, meeting min- • to expand public understanding and appre- utes, directions to meetings, links for Coast ciation of the Academy Guard and Coast Guard Academy informa- • to encourage well-qualified young men and tion and a place to see our cadets and the women to apply for appointments as ca- quality of their achievements. The web site is dets of particular interest to parents of Swabs and 4th Class cadets and potential cadets, but all • to promote communication between par- cadets and their families have found the site ents, cadets, and the Academy admini- to be interesting regardless of their level of stration progress through the Academy. • and to make known to its membership the opportunities for participating in Academy Also, we’re on Facebook! go to http:// and support projects offered by the U.S. www.facebook.com and search groups for Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association “Great Lakes Parents Association United and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. States Coast Guard Academy”. It’s a locked page, so you’ll have to be approved to join.

Want to feed your cadet? Just go to www.uscgaparents.org, click on “Members” and scroll down to Cadet Cakes or Ensign Edibles for more information. As you can see, there’s a lot of great information available on this site.

The USCG Auxiliary is the volunteer unit of the USCG. It performs the same missions as the regular Coast Guard (except law enforcement and combat). Our duties include surface patrols (safety, search & rescue, pollution, re- gatta); air patrols; vessel safety checks on boats; teaching safe boating classes; speaking to children about safe swimming & safe boating; visiting marine dealers & others to spread information about boating regulations; pollution; Homeland Security; recruiting students for the AIM program and the Coast Guard Academy; radio watch standing at USCG stations; cooking for the crew at USCG stations; and supporting the USCG in any way we can. Since 9-11 the USCG and the Auxiliary have come under the Department of Homeland Security and we have been asked to perform more duties and get the word out to the general public so that they can assist us by becoming extra eyes and ears. Go to www.cgaux.org for more info.