I recently got to enjoy some of the benefits of leadership in the Auxiliary when I was invited to attend the District 5 SR Board and Staff Meeting in Williamsburg, VA. Not only did I get to see some old friends and make new ones , but I also was extended a good deal of authentic “Southern Hospitality.” I learned a lot about the great work being done in the District and was told many times that District 5 SR is the best District in the country. After all I heard and saw I do have to agree that District 5 SR is arguably the best District. I say arguably because I know of 15 other Districts that will argue the point.
Everyone couldn’t have been nicer or friendlier and from the start I felt at home. As a representative of the National Board , there is an expectation that I not only participate in the meetings but that I thank, support, and encourage the members of District 5 SR on behalf of the Auxiliary. That is , thank them for what they have done, support them in what they are doing, and encourage them to do more. And that I did. As far as encouraging goes, fell back on the three Bs, Begging, Badgering and Brute Force (figuratively of course).
I am not above begging when it comes to getting folks to do more for the Auxiliary and if that doesn’t work, badgering follows. Then, if that doesn’t work I just grab them by the collar (figuratively of course) and say come on let’s do this.
I also reminded the members of District 5 SR how important they are to the Auxiliary. Simply put every member is the most important member. That one Vessel Exam you do it the most important Vessel Exam because it all starts with that one. That one PE Class is the most important PE Class because if you didn’t teach that class and the next Auxiliarist doesn’t teach his class we will never have the numbers we have today. What you do for the Auxiliary, for the Coast Guard is the most important effort there is. It all starts with that one member, you. You stepping up to do your part.
Together, we make up the largest volunteer group in the world supporting a branch of the military. Think about that, how special it is. There are volunteers all over the country, all over the world but none like us, we are special. We are unique. We server the Coast Guard, our Country and no one does it better. Not even close.
Semper Paratus.
Respectfully,
Alex Malewski
Commodore Alex Malewski
Immediate Past District Commodore
First District Southern Region
Deputy National Commodore-Atlantic East & Operations (DNACO–O)
Benefits
There are many benefits to being a member of the USCG Auxiliary. The list is long, but I think my favorite is the opportunity to meet great people. I have been a member almost 17 years and I can’t begin to count the number of great people I have met and how many of those are now good friends. As membership have its benefits, so does being a leader in the Auxiliary. No, there is no company car or big pay raise but you do get to meet even more great Auxiliarists.
Immediate Past District Commodore's Message