Reservist

ISS3 2014

Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security

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Together, Active Duty, Reserve, Auxiliary, New York Maritime Academy Honor Guard, and many volunteers worked closely to coordinate the ceremony. Within each of these groups were several components and most notably First District Auxiliary Southern Region Band, led by Flotilla Commander, John Sasso. The Master of Ceremonies was Capt. Schaefer, USCGR. Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Santo Cricchio (USNR) provided an invocation and benediction. In addition, State of New York Maritime College President, Dr. Michael Cappeto, provided remarks. When ceremonies involve a myriad of working parts the event takes on a life of its own. A good story should always have a mix of some humor and touching moments. This story, which centers on the frocking ceremony for Rear Adm. Pelkowski, had plenty. — Story by Lt. Monica Villegas Capt. Frank H. Schaefer, USCGR and Aux. James Chin also contributed to this article. Photos by PA2 AnnMarie Gorden Joseph Pelkowski leads the pledge of allegiance at the ceremony. Sector Sault Sainte Marie hosted a Reserve Senior Leadership Workshop Sector Sault Sainte Marie hosted their second annual Reserve Senior Leadership Workshop bringing together senior sector and sub-unit leadership (both active and Reserve), along with personnel from the 9th District Reserve Force Readiness Staff (DXR) and Planning & Force Readiness, as well as the district Command Master Chief and chaplains, and Atlantic Area Senior Reserve Officer Rear Adm. John Welch. Cmdr. Mary Zvara, SRO, led and facilitated the round-table discussion forum which allowed opportunities to openly engage in extensive discussions regarding critical key issues facing the Reserve. This facilitated the gathering of pertinent information by the Senior Enlisted Reserve Advisors in attendance who then shared it with their crews during their next drill weekend, thereby minimizing cost of all hands travel within the Sector's vast area of responsibility (AOR). Continuing the effort to have the annual meeting was critical to ensuring everyone would be able to express deck-plate concerns, be part of discussions with those at senior levels, as well as, focus on the important work being completed within Sector Sault Saint Marie's AOR. The two-day event covered topics which included Boat Forces Implementation Plan, Sector Utilization of Reserve forces and augmentation, high year tenure, Reserve CRSP, officer competencies, billet reductions, an officer specialty code presentation, retention and promotion panels, and officer/ enlisted career best practices. The Chief and Officer calls were planned to provide attendees insight from attending senor leadership and to foster career connections. The event also marked Rear Adm. Welch's final sector visit prior to his retirement. It was invaluable to hear his views on the current and future state of the Coast Guard, the potential impact of future budgets on the Coast Guard and specifically the Coast Guard Reserve program. He advised everyone to be mindful of what will be needed during the reduction of forces to maintain productivity and focus. Most importantly, Rear Adm. Welch was able to impart his wealth of knowledge and history within the Coast Guard as he encouraged personal growth and fostering mentorship. Participants, including Rear Adm. John Welch, gather for a group photo during the Senior Leadership Workshop at Sector Sault Ste. Marie. Issue 3 • 2014 � RESERVIST 15

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