NAVEX 1st Quarter 2017 Edition First Edition | Page 5

Admiral Throop highlighted several
Mel Borofsky, USCG Aux
programs in the Auxiliary that have been
accomplished and with continued Auxiliary
support will make a significant difference
in the Coast Guard forces. Specifically,
he applauded the Chaplain program, the
Auxiliary support of the Coast Guard
security center in clearing the backlog
of security clearances, and the utility of
Auxiliary financial advisors assisting Coast
Guard members with making informed
decisions about their financial future
between the legacy retirement system
and the new blended retirement system.
He further stated, “all of these [programs]
are victories in supporting the mission
support community so that we can support the front- world what Kim Kardashian is to selfies.” The room
line operations.”
erupted in laughter and applause.
Admiral Throop concluded with three thoughts on
leadership that he summed up as follows: character,
competence, and compassion. Character, he stated,
develops over time and requires work based on
daily decisions. Competence is the proficiency and
professionalism in what you do and the core values of
honor, respect, and devotion to duty should be taught,
modeled, and reinforced at every interaction. And
finally, compassion is reflected in our humanitarian
actions.
Upon the conclusion of Admiral Throop’s remarks, the
National Board meeting took a brief recess. When
the meeting reconvened, the formalities of approving
the minutes and addressing old and new business
were completed.
If the atmosphere in the room was not warmed and
comforted enough from the cold outside because of
the previous speakers’ appreciation for the Auxiliary
members at every level, those in attendance were in
for a tropical acclimatization of epic proportions. The
next speaker was Captain F. Thomas Boross, chief
director Auxiliary and boating safety (CHDIRAUX)
USCG. Captain Boross verbally recognized his active
duty colleges that were present and then referenced
a statement made by Captain Verne Gifford, Director
of Inspections and Compliance, USCG, about Captain
“Marty” Malloy. He stated, “Marty is to the prevention
Captain Boross began his formal statements by
first quoting General Douglas MacArthur – “Success
without a successor is failure.” He then explained
that the Coast Guard has been deemed the Federal
stewards of the National Recreational Boating
Safety program and his duties as Chief, Auxiliary
and Boating Safety, are to orchestrate and manage
the program. His weapon of choice in the conduct
of that mission is the Coast Guard Auxiliary. As the
demand for services and resources eclipse the Coast
Guard’s ability to provide them, it is the supply that
the Auxiliary provides that helps the Coast Guard
meet mission demand.
Captain Boross was eager to introduce Captain Scott
Johnson, division chief, Coast Guard Office of Design
and Engineering Standards, who will be succeeding
him upon his retirement in ninety days. But before
Captain Boross could start the introduction of his
successor, Terry Barth interrupted him stating that
Admiral Throop would like to approach the lectern.
Knowing that this was probably a violation of the
national board meeting formalities, jokingly, Admiral
Throop requested a motion for a show of hands
in favor of him calling an audible and assuming
control of the meeting. Not surprising, the vote was
unanimous, the motion carried, and Admiral Throop
approached the lectern.
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