Shipmates, here's our Auxiliary Diversity Moment for April to be disseminated as brief talking points for your flotilla and division meetings. This month we emphasize the plethora of missions and activities available to us as Auxiliarists. This message is to highlight those missions for us to contemplate and discuss.
In 1775, General George Washington wrote, "Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country." Today, we can now interpret fairly that his use of the term, "man," means "person." All of us. Every post. In the Auxiliary, that means every position or office, regardless of what level we hold, represents service to further the well-being of our country and communities.
The Coast Guard has tasked us with some critical missions of high-visibility. We are all aware of our goal in ensuring we provide the ever-growing boating public education on being safe on the water. We do this in through Vessel Safety Checks, conducting safe boating classes, and assisting in checking and logging various aids to navigation. Every member, either directly or indirectly, should be supporting efforts towards this end. These are the important posts.
We have many supporting missions that not everybody sees—not the active duty, the public, or even our own members at times. Providing administrative support to the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary, being involved in marine safety and related investigations, serving as culinary assistants, dealing with various port security operations, going to a local business to make sure that safe boating and related information is available to the public, serving as an ombudsman, etc. These are the important posts.
Shipmates, the overall arc of our nation's history is one of progress. That arc includes us, right here and right now. Every office. Every position. Just because a job isn't labeled "critical," doesn't mean it's unimportant. It's all honorable. Our team is the most valuable resource. The Auxiliary has something for everyone, no exceptions. We bring all our diverse backgrounds and talents, big and small to the table, and all can be employed. All of us. Every post.
Check out our National Diversity website where Commodores David Porter and Tracy Schultz have compiled two tremendous resources: "Mission Diversity," and the "Leadership Compendium." http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=d-dept
By: Michael Brown, BC-DUP Outreach (Diversity & Inclusion Directorate)
Posted by:
COMO David G. Porter
Asst. National Commodore
National Diversity Team
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
