Page 8 - North Orange County Watch Flotilla 66

North Orange County Watch Flotilla 66

I want to thank everyone in Flotilla 66 for making my time in that flotilla very rewarding.
I especially want to thank the flotilla's VEs for their unwavering support through the last
10 years. Together, we were able to accomplish VSC numbers that I doubt have been
seen before in the Auxiliary, at least not in the last many years. In my heart I KNOW
that we significantly improved boating safety in Southern California and probably saved
some lives. Thank you all.

The ski slopes will open in about four weeks. It is about a 200-foot walk from my ski
locker to the first lift. I have limited space for visitors - any time of the year skiing (alpine
and cross country), hiking, critter watching, fishing, or just plain relaxing.

Semper Paratus,
Frank Boice

Farewell, but Not Really
By Jeremy Thio

As some of you know, after 9 years of service, I am leaving the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
It has been a pleasure to serve as your Flotilla Staff Officer of Publications, showcasing
your talent and hard work. Although the Coast Guard itself makes news headlines with
its rescues and drug busts, in many cases, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has a more visible
presence at public events, in boating education, and in certain areas of recreational
boating safety. Therefore, Auxiliarists are not easily replaceable. Only the most
dedicated are willing to put forth so much time and effort into serving our country without
pay. For some of you, it is a full-time job!

When I look back at my career in the Coast Guard Auxiliary,
the camaraderie and the friendships built have been the most
important to me, especially during some difficult periods of
my life. In the end, I knew you always had my back. Special
bonds are forged when a team of six of us has to remove
200+ kayaks from their racks, inspect every one of them, and
put them back into storage over the course of several hours.
That kind of hard labor and teamwork is what earned us the
title of the Most Active Flotilla in Vessel Safety Checks year Photo 18 - Jeremy Thio
after year! Plus, the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s fellowships (left) with his friend, Rudy
cannot be beat! Lopez, Jr. (right)

Even as I move on in life, furthering my education and preparing to respond to state
emergencies as a member of the California State Guard, you will still see me at some
ceremonies and public affairs events. Through the Coast Guard Auxiliary, I learned that
participating in these is my patriotic duty. Thank you and God bless!

Very Respectfully,
Jeremy Thio

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