Announcements

Attention: Members of Native American Heritage. Bill Thiesen, Atlantic Area Historian for the Coast Guard, is the service's subject expert on diversity history. He's responsible for researching the history of women and minorities in the Coast Guard. Any members of Fred's Place who are of Native American heritage may contact him directly at: 757-398-6643, or by email.

Coast Guard Foundation CG-6017 Helicopter Crash Relief. The Coast Guard Foundation announced today a fundraising drive for its emergency Family Disaster Relief Fund in response to the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crash off the coast of La Push, Washington this past Wednesday, that claimed the lives of three servicemen. This fund provides immediate assistance to the families of the fallen crewmembers as they deal with this tragedy. More...

Northeastern Pennsylvania Coast Guard Veterans Association. The NEPACGVA is looking for a few good men and women to join our ranks. The Association welcomes men and women veterans, reservists, and retirees who proudly served in the Oldest Seagoing Service. Presently we have over three dozen members and our ranks are growing.We meet once a month in the Wilkes Barre, PA area, at a local restaurant. We have a meal, a meeting and most of all fraternalism. Our members are of all ages and ranks/rates. Give our Membership Chair, Bob Youngblood a call at: 570-825-4151. You will be glad you did and we welcome you aboard. Semper Paratus!

Petty Officer Jones Memorial. A journey has been taken to recognize a fellow Coast Guardsman, who gave the ultimate price in the performance of his duties. It was always said nonchalantly, “We have to go out, but you don’t have to return”. Did Petty Officer Lonnie Jones think about that when the call was made to get underway? I would guess not. He just did it. Did Petty Officer Jones know his wife had just became pregnant the night when he was called out on a Search and Rescue mission and his wife would never be able to tell him? No. This is something I learned after speaking to his widow in the last few months putting together this tribute. Will Petty Officer Jones’ son get a chance to talk to his father about the sacrifices he made for strangers who were in need? No. But a memorial will be the first step to, (1) Recognize the ultimate sacrifice that Petty Officer Lonnie Jones gave at the Destin Pass during a Search and Rescue Mission, (2) Recognize the Coast Guard for their service locally and around the world, and (3) Recognizing how dangerous the Destin Pass is and hope the awareness of all of this might save future lives. As we sat around putting this project in motion, it was understood, Petty Officer Jones’ spirit would not only be a beacon for his shipmates; he would also be the “Guardian of the Pass”, and he would help his fellow Coast Guardsman return home safely.

What do I need from you? A donation to help complete the construction of a Black Granite Monument, which will sit approximately 6’ high, with 34” of it being a Coast Guard Lighthouse on the grounds of the Coast Guard Station Destin; the place where Petty Officer Jones left on March 30, 1981, but did not return. We presently have raised approximately 1/3 of the funds needed in constructing the monument, which should be seen by thousands of visitors and official guests every year. The amount of funds needed in completing this tribute is about $3600.00.

Donations for the Petty Officer Lonnie Jones’ Memorial should made out to H&S Title and Escrow, Attn: Petty Officer Jones Memorial, 151 Regions Way, Suite 1-A, Destin, FL 32541. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 850-582-6442.

CGC White Alder Memorial. Funding Request (MS Word doc).

AA’s Vigilant Vets, a recognized Online Intergroup AA Meeting.
This discussion board is intended to provide a support and networking resource to those who are in recovery and to the friends and families that are also affected by substance abuse. If you are struggling with an addiction or working in a program, please know that you're not alone. Or if you are a family member (or friend) who would like information and support, you are welcome as well. As always, everyone has the right to privacy... so if anyone is wondering about participating on the board, but having some conflict... I would like to remind you that you can either have your profile as private, have it blank, or just create a secondary account so that you may participate in complete anonymity... either way, don't miss out on something that will potentially help. The point is to get help. Click here.

Health, Safety And Work-Life LISTSERVE. A new LISTSERVE for health, safety and work-life programs is now available. Members and their families can subscribe to this LISTSERVE, and when the Commandant sends information on the programs, it will be sent to everyone that is subscribed, at work or at home, or both. There won't be a set schedule for sending out information - it will be passed as information becomes available. Additional information.

LAMS: One of the Most Powerful Leadership Development Tools in the Coast Guard To reach optimal performance, an array of tools exists to help arm Coasties with professional leadership skills. One of the most popular is the five-day Leadership and Management School (LAMS). Intended primarily for E-5s, classes are sometimes a blend of junior officers, civilians, auxiliarists and occasional senior enlisted and senior officers. FAQs (Word doc) regarding LAMS. Upcoming class schedule (xls format).

Calendar of Events 2010

September

Mobile Chapter’s (CPOA) Annual “All Hands Picnic”. Mobile Chapter’s (CPOA) Annual “All Hands Picnic” (Formerly The “Old Timers Picnic” Walters Park (Saturday) Sept. 4th 2010 On Saturday the 4th of September the Mobile Chapter of the CPOA will be sponsoring our Annual “All Hands Picnic” at Walters Park (ATC Mobile). Since this picnic was established in 1977 it has only been canceled once in its 33 year’s history. In 2005 we had to cancel it because of Hurricane Katrina. For further Information please contact me at 251-649-8800 or at (jjccc99@mchsi.com).

Registration Open For Pacific Northwest CG Ball. The event will be held at the Westin Hotel - Bellevue (WA) on 25 September 2010, hosted by Navy League of the U.S.- Lake Washington Council. Keynote speaker is VADM John Currier, USCG Chief of Staff. The Ball is for CG active, reserve, retired, auxiliary, civilian employees, civilian supporters, and members of other services. Dinner prices range from $25 to $75 and vary by status and grade. Registration here. Email any questions. The full invitation can be viewed under “EVENTS” here .

November

2010 reunion of the EDSALL CLASS VETERANS INC (ECVA). The 2010 reunion of the EDSALL CLASS VETERANS INC (ECVA) comprising 85 Edsall class DE’s, DER’s, & WDE’s will be held November 8, 9, 10, & 11th in Galveston TX. A VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY will be held Nov. 11th at the USS STEWART DE-238 the only Edsall class DE on display in North America. Contact: Mac Christy ENC USN (RET) USS KOINER DER-331, at 785-255-4368, or write to: 841 Thomas Rd., Pomona KS 66076.