On June 23, 1939, the United States Congress passed legislation establishing the Coast Guard’s volunteer civilian component after a year of record “in peril” calls to the Coast Guard from boaters. To honor this dedicated group of civilians, a celebration recognizing the 84th year of service to America, a ceremony was held on June 23 at the Fountain Hills Veterans Memorial.
Under legislation passed in 1996, the Auxiliary’s role was expanded to allow members authorized by the Commandant to assist in any Coast Guard mission except direct law enforcement and military operations. Thus, Auxiliarists can be found patrolling the nation’s waterways, examining vessels, even commercial fishing vessels, flying in C-130 aircraft, providing food service on Coast Guard cutters, working in Coast Guard offices, providing public affairs support during national emergencies, and crewing with regulars. The three components of the service, the Active-Duty Coast Guard, the Reservists, and Auxiliarists, truly make up “Team Coast Guard.”
That team spirit is what was celebrated in Fountain Hills that summer morning. Between the band, the Color Guard, Auxiliary member Councilwoman Kalivianakis, and Alan Kampf from Flotilla 10-08, who came out to join the celebration, the event was a team effort. Vice Mayor Peggy McMahon and Councilwoman Brenda Kalivianakis, herself a member of the Auxiliary, were honored guests at the birthday celebration as the Vice Mayor read a proclamation from Mayor Ginny Dickey declaring June 23, 2023, as Coast Guard Auxiliary Day in the Town of Fountain Hills, a proclamation that had also been read into the town record at the June 20 Council meeting. The document recognized the Arizona Auxiliary for its 127 members, who logged a total of 18,600 volunteer hours supporting the mission of the Coast Guard in 2022 and commended the over 400 vessel safety checks performed and the nearly 800 life jackets distributed.
The town also praised the Auxiliary for patrolling Arizona lakes and holding public education events supporting recreational boating safety. It also made note of the Auxiliary’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty and its motto, “Semper Paratus” — “Always Ready.” Read full article in Currents, USCG Auxiliary, District 11 SR, Division 10