A Musical Change of Watch

None other than Miss New York State USO, Stacey Wells, regaled division 14 at its annual Change of Watch, held at the Old Bermuda Inn on Staten Island, on 14 January 2007.  Stacey gave a stellar performance for the much appreciative crowd of Auxiliarists and guests.  Dressed in a traditional USO show garb, Stacey started out with the National Anthem and ended with “God Bless America”.  In between, she crooned all the crowd’s favorites, both current and classic, leaving nary a dry eye in the house. 

The Change of Watch was well attended.  Sector New York was represented by Commander Eric Christensen, USCG, who in his capacity as Chief of Prevention, informed us that the Auxiliary is to be integrated on the local level in Strategic Planning, as a regular functioning organization within the Maritime Security Committees.  We will see this occur almost immediately in the NY/NJ area. 

CWO Curt Barthel, USCG, formerly the Auxiliary Liaison Officer for Sector New York, graciously acknowledged the contributions of Division 14 over the past years, and informed us of his new horizons as a future District ATON Officer.  He promised to tell us where as soon as he finds out! 

VCO Steven Ackerman spoke convincingly of the need for us always to be on top of our game, and illustrated new procedures to help us improve in all of our mission areas.

RCO, Sector NYS David Ten-Broeck spoke eloquently of the closeness between Division 4 (Commodore Ten-Broeck’s home division) and Division 14, and of his wish that the relationship would grow and strengthen over time. 

To the normal business of the time-honored proceedings, Commander Christensen administered the oath of office to the newly elected DCP, Steve Kisver and VCP, Sherry Kisver.  CWO Barthel installed the Division Staff.  Commodores Ackerman and Ten-Broeck conducted the installation ceremonies for the Flotilla Elected and Flotilla Staff Officers respectively. 

Awards were plentiful and well deserved!  The coveted Doc Lawton Award went to Stew Sutherland, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Division.  The Charles Kramer, Sr. Award, recognizing the individual who renders indispensable assistance to the Division Captain was awarded to Steve Kisver.  The Captains Award for outstanding achievement within the division was awarded to Chris Wiackley. 

In a special awards ceremony, Commander Christensen presented outgoing Division Captain Bob Collie with the Auxiliary Letter of Commendation (with Operational Distinguishing Device), in recognition of his two years of outstanding leadership. 

2005-2006 will be hard to top, but the newly elected and duly sworn bridges and staffs of Division 14 are ready, willing and able to go!  The membership of the Division wishes them all the best and smooth sailing in the New Year!