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Volume 116, Issue 1
Page 18
Division 21
Making Strides in Diversity, Recruiting, and Retention
Compiled by Victoria A. Remo, 21-04
United States Coast Guard’s Fifth Northern Region, commanded by LCDR Victoria L. Taylor, includes Division
21, East Piedmont, so named because it encompasses the Lehigh and Schuylkill River Valleys in the East
Piedmont Region of Pennsylvania. The four flotillas in Division 21, diligently commanded by Michael B.
McElwee, Division Commander, and Joseph M. Shambo, Division Vice Commander, are mission-oriented and
continue to build excellent relationships in their Area of Responsibility at Lake Nockamixon and Blue Marsh Lake,
with their stakeholder partners: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, United States Army Corps of
Engineers, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Flotilla 21-01, led by Joseph Angelo Deleva, Flotilla Commander, and Carl H. Wischner, Vice Flotilla Commander,
met this year in Lansdale on the third Tuesday of each month and focused on Public Affairs Missions with the
idea that all members always participate in public affairs missions . Specifically, these members emphasize the
wearing of proper uniforms, wearing proper ribbons, attending to personal appearance, and following regulations.
Some of the Public Affairs Missions included parades, community festivals, meeting with a large local boat club
and fishermen’s organizations, National Night Out at Macungie Memorial Park and Lehighton Park. Tables were
also manned at Jacobsburg Environmental Center. Public affairs events include educating the public on the
missions of the U.S. Coast Guard and Auxiliary and encouraging recruiting. Two members are working toward
their PA qualifications. To precipitate public interest and member retention, Flotilla 21-04 expanded its Program
Visitor mission to include community centers, libraries, insurance agents, first responder groups, and other civic
groups. Member Training and retention are evident in the Operations Program with a newly certified coxswain,
Joseph Shambo. Another flotilla member is working toward qualification in the Trident Program, and two
members are interested in becoming boat crew qualified. The members of Flotilla 21-01 had a very active and
rewarding year.
Patrick M. Morroney, Flotilla Commander, and Cloyd-James G. Scott, Vice Flotilla Commander, steered Flotilla
21-02 in the direction of recruitment and retention. Their newly recruited member is now in AP status, and there
are three prospects for new members. Current members are retained through active participation in Program
Visitation, Vessel Examination, and Public Affairs missions which also double as recruiting events. Member
Training events are planned to keep members active and interested. Flotilla 21-02 is growing in service to the
Pottstown area.
Edward H. Wandall, Flotilla Commander of 21-03, and Christopher K. Ricco, Vice Flotilla Commander, in an
effort to improve member participation this year, increased activities to create more opportunities for members
with the idea of putting the “Right People, In the Right Position, Making the Right Decisions.” In addition to
working on member retention, Flotilla 21-03 increased Public Affairs efforts to bring public awareness to the
Auxiliary and to recruit new members. This flotilla will continue to improve recruitment and retention efforts.
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