Aticle by Jim McClellan, FSO-PS - FL82
A few years ago, I remember driving to South Carolina from northern New Jersey to attend my son’s graduation from Marine Corps Basic Training: Driving twelve straight hours, arriving in a strange town, not knowing anyone, and feeling quite lost.
Well, I guess I wasn’t the only person to have this experience. Two years ago the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) Cape May, Rear Admiral Lower Half Cari Thomas came up with the idea to make the Coast Guard recruit graduation ceremony more enjoyable for attending families and friends by providing a nice breakfast in a comfortable atmosphere prior to the event.
With the help of the Moral and Welfare staff (MWR), the Public Affairs Officer, Mission Support staff, Auxillarists Bruce Long, DCAPT (E) and Judy Dempsey, FSO-PS (FL82), a plan was created.
Once arriving at TRACEN, Auxiliarist provide transportation to the Harborview Club for breakfast. During the ride, Auxiliary members indicate the base’s various points of interest and answer questions. Upon their arrival at the Harbor View Club, family and guests are greeted by a senior Auxiliarist who welcomes them inside.
Then the real hospitality begins. Auxiliarist serve everyone with smiles and warmth, often with a dash of laughter; all included with the meal at no extra charge! Not only is the feeling of fellowship advantageous to the guests, but so contagious that many other Auxiliarist want to be part of this weekly function. Imagine that - too many volunteers!
In addition to the goodwill created by what we call “The Breakfast Club,” the modest fee charged for the breakfast helps maintain the Harborview Club and also generates money for the Coast Guard MWR fund.
All this would not be possible without the civilians and Guardians working the kitchen, the Coast Guard provides facilities and vehicles, and the Auxilitary provides dedicated volunteers from Flotillas 82, 83, and 86.
Why not join the fun? Helping at the “Breakfast Club” is open to all Flotillas. If you’re interested in participating, just email me at: Surf1964@aol.com.
Then the real hospitality begins. Auxiliarist serve everyone with smiles and warmth, often with a dash of laughter; all included with the meal at no extra charge! Not only is the feeling of fellowship advantageous to the guests, but so contagious that many other Auxiliarist want to be part of this weekly function. Imagine that - too many volunteers!
In addition to the goodwill created by what we call “The Breakfast Club,” the modest fee charged for the breakfast helps maintain the Harborview Club and also generates money for the Coast Guard MWR fund.
All this would not be possible without the civilians and Guardians working the kitchen, the Coast Guard provides facilities and vehicles, and the Auxilitary provides dedicated volunteers from Flotillas 82, 83, and 86.
Why not join the fun? Helping at the “Breakfast Club” is open to all Flotillas. If you’re interested in participating, just email me at: Surf1964@aol.com.
1 comments:
Thank you for posting this. I am the proud mother of SR Andrew Stokes of Whiskey 182 who will be graduating March 19th. I live in Utah and will be making the trek across the US(thankfully by plane) to attend my son's graduation. I am so pleased that the families and friends of the recruits will receive a warm welcome once they reach the Training Center at Cape May. Thank you in advance for your thoughtfulness and thank you to all the volunteers who will be welcoming all of us with warmth and smiles. Kudos to all of you. Go Whiskey 182!! See you in a couple of weeks.
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