posted Feb 14, 2012 4:56 PM by Andrew Welch
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updated Feb 16, 2012 6:56 AM
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posted Dec 14, 2011 6:30 PM by Andrew Welch
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updated Dec 14, 2011 6:31 PM
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From the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) at the Naval Postgraduate School's website:
The Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security is pleased to announce its Annual Essay Competition. This competition strives to stimulate original thought on issues in Homeland Security and Homeland Defense.
Statement of Purpose
According to the National Strategy for Homeland Security, the objectives of homeland security are to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur. The purpose of this competition is to promote innovative thinking that addresses these objectives.
This year’s essay question
Identify a theory or insight from a field outside homeland security that has not been applied to homeland security but should be.
Submission Guidelines
Your response may be general or focus on a specific aspect (organizational, policy, strategy, practice, technological innovation, social impact, etc.) or discipline/field, (emergency management, public health, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, intelligence, etc.). Essays may be written from any perspective – e.g. government, private sector, cultural, local community, or citizen.
Who may enter
The competition is open to everyone with an interest in homeland defense and security. Current Center for Homeland Defense and Security faculty, staff, students and graduates (of the Master's or Executive Leaders Programs) are not eligible.
Competition Guidelines
The essay should be no more than five pages, single spaced, in twelve point type and in Word or PDF format. Do not include your name on the essay. Essays must be original and not published elsewhere. Submission implies permission to publish.
Timeline: The deadline for submission is 31 January 2012. Finalists will be announced no later than May 31, 2012.
Criteria
Essays will be evaluated on relevance to the question, innovation of the idea(s), strength of the argument, and quality of the writing.
Award
The winner will receive a $1000.00 award. Additionally, the winning and four top finalist essays will be considered for publication by Homeland Security Affairs, the online journal published by the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for the Homeland Defense and Security.
Instructions for submitting essays and the essay evaluation criteria are outlined on the CHDS website. Please read them carefully at the link below.
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posted Nov 17, 2011 8:24 AM by Jacob Thayer
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updated Nov 18, 2011 8:00 AM by Andrew Welch
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The Coast Guard Auxiliary Auburn University Detachment participated in a special Veteran's Day Ceremony at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama. Flotilla Commander Jake Shaw gave brief remarks on behalf of the Detachment, and the Coast Guard at large.
"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, distinguished guest, hospital nurses and staff, family and friends. It is an honor to be with you on this Veterans Day 2011, at this hospital, in this community, in this great country of ours. Our mission here today is to honor and remember our Armed Service Veterans who have most selflessly served to make certain that we can live in freedom in this great United States of America.
If we have learned anything in the years since our country was founded, it is the freedom is not free. It must be cherished. It must be protected. And, often it must be fought for. Today we thank those great Americans who were willing to fight for us, to give of their lives if they must, to protect that freedom that we do so cherish.
I am Jake Shaw, Commander of the United States Coast Guard AUX, University Program at Auburn University. To my left is Mr. Michael Freeman, our company vice commander, retired US Army soldier and staff member at Auburn University, and to his left is Mr. Eli Beaver, Coast Guard AUX staff officer, as well as JAG officer with the US Army Reserves.
Also with us are a few of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Cadets from Auburn University. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was the first reserve branch of the Coast Guard, authorized by congress in 1939, during the armed forces build up prior to World War Two.
I speak for all of us in that we are truly honored to be with you this afternoon as we thank several Armed Service Veterans who are patients in this unit, of the hospital, at this time.
Before introducing you to our most distinguished guest today, I’d like to introduce you to several of our honored guest, patients from this unit who served our country in our United States Armed Forces.
With us this afternoon we have Major Robert Witlock, US Army Reserves, retired. Major Witlock served in the intelligence corps in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.
Mr. Marvin Beasley, Staff Sergeant retired, US Army Amphibious Squad.
Mr. Eddie Ray, supply corporal retired, United States Air Force.
And Mr. Jacob Walker, US Army signal corps retired. Mr. Walker served in China during World War II.
Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to have you with us today and thank you for your service.
Our most distinguish guest of honor this afternoon is Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins, United States Army Special Forces, retired. Mr. Adkins is among the most highly decorated soldiers in all of the United States of America. This true warrior of warriors has received many commendations including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart with four Oaf Leaf clusters, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Combat Infantryman Badge , the Special Forces Tab, the Master Parachutist Badge, two foreign parachutist badges and 22 service medals.
Mr. Adkins is also a commander with The Legion of Valor, which is an elite group of soldiers and sailors, that continues his service to his country to this very day.
I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you at this time, General Orders Number 1957, Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam from 30 April 1967.
“The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bennie G. Adkins, Sergeant 1st Class, US Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant 1st Class Adkins distinguished himself during the period 9 March 1966 to 12 March 1966 during combat operations at Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam.
When the camp was attacked by a large Viet Cong force, Sergeant 1st Class Adkins rushed through intense hostile fire and manned a mortar position. Although he was wounded, he ran through exploding mortar rounds and dragged several of his comrades to safety.
When the hostile fire subsided, Sergeant 1st Class Adkins exposed himself to sporadic sniper fire and carried his wounded comrades to the camp dispensary. During the evacuation of a seriously wounded American, Sergeant 1st Class Adkins maneuvered outside the camp wall to draw fire and successfully cover the rescue.
During the early morning hours of 10 March 1966, a Viet Cong regiment launched their main attack. Within two hours, Sergeant 1st Class Adkins was the only man firing a mortar weapon, Although he was painfully wounded and most of his crew was killed or wounded, he fought off the fanatical waves of attacking Viet Cong.
After withdrawing to a communications bunker where several Americans were attempting to fight off a company of Viet Cong, Sergeant 1st Class Adkins killed numerous insurgents with his suppressive fire. Running extremely low on ammunition, he returned to the mortar pit, gathered the vital ammunition, and ran through intense fire back to the communications bunker.
After being ordered to evacuate the camp, all signal equipment and classified documents were destroyed, Sergeant 1st Class Adkins and a small group of men fought their way out of the camp and evaded the Viet Cong for two days until they were rescued by a helicopter.
Sergeant 1st Class Adkins’ extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, honored guests, it is with the greatest respect and unending gratitude that I introduce you to Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins, US Army, retired.
Sir, it is with deep appreciation for your past and continuing service to our country, we thank you, we salute you, and we pray that you have a speedy and full recovery.
Thank you sir, for your service.
Lastly, I’d like to pay tribute to Mr. Adkins’ wife and his family who are with us today. Your selfless support is immeasurable, as you have stood beside your husband and your father, and your grandfather, threw all the years and continue to provide unending support through his recent trials of this past summer and fall.
Thank you for your caring love and devotion.
This concludes this portion of today’s Veterans Day Celebration. Thank you for your time and your love and support. God Bless You and God Bless America.
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posted Aug 26, 2011 12:54 PM by Andrew Welch
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updated Aug 26, 2011 1:01 PM
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The Center for Secure and Resilient Maritime Commerce (CSR) at the Stevens Institute of Technology recently concluded the 2011 Summer Research Institute (SRI) program. SRI provides undergraduate and graduate students a unique opportunity to participate in an intensive eight-week research program designed to tackle critical issues in maritime domain awareness, emergency response, and maritime system resilience, to enhance our nation's maritime security. This highly-collaborative, hands-on summer research program emphasizes critical thinking and multi-disciplinary research to generate innovative ideas and solutions to address complex maritime security issues.
These summer research opportunities are available to students enrolled in Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs.
Stevens Institute of Technology: CSR Summer Research Institute |
posted May 25, 2011 10:57 AM by Andrew Welch
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updated Sep 19, 2011 9:18 PM
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This post was written by J.D. DeCastra, a University Programs Student at Auburn University who is focusing in the undergraduate Prevention Track.
I recently attended the 2011 Eighth District (Coastal Region) Conference in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Before I go into detail about my experiences at the conference I would like to give a little background on who I am and the specific part of the Auxiliary that I come from.
My name is J.D. DeCastra. I am a twenty year old mechanical engineering student at Auburn University. I joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary at Auburn (Eagle Detachment!) in October 2010. It was in early January when I first heard about the conference, and all I knew was that it was a great opportunity to, meet people, learn more about the auxiliary, and promote the University Program. So, I decided to attend the conference and left early Friday morning.
Attending the District ConferenceThe conference was broken up into three days, the first day, Thursday, was registration, which I had to miss due to a lab. The second day, Friday, started out fast and did not slow down. When I first arrived at the hotel, I was standing there for no more than two minutes before I was lead to a table where Commodore Simpson was eating breakfast and from that point on I was continuously meeting new and important people - Patti Fritchie, and Commander Barner, from Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, to name a few. Every person that I met was very interested in why I was there and what I was a part of. From my experiences, beginning with the first day, I grew to understand what it meant from the leaders of District Eight Coastal Region to have a young person as a member of their organization, and one of the many values the university program gives to the Auxiliary. Everyone I spoke with was extremely enthusiastic when they spoke to me about the value of the Auxiliary, and seemed excited to hear about our Auburn student’s involvement. The third day, Saturday, was the last day of the conference and three main events were scheduled for the day: an all hands “volunteer power workshop”, a boat ride at Coast Guard Station Destin, and the Awards Banquet. The third day was not only a great day for me personally, but was also beneficial for the Auburn University Program. Bridging the Generational DivideI walked into the volunteer seminar and took my seat next to my Flotilla Commander, Mr. Shaw, and waited for the seminar to start. Once it began, one of the first things out of the Mr. McKee’s mouth was a question. He wanted everyone under the age of thirty to raise their hand, and mine was the only one to go up. At this point in time I was not aware that the main reason for this seminar was to come up with ideas of how to energize and engage young, junior auxiliarists. After Mr. McKee asked the question, he approached me, introduced himself, and asked me a couple questions. His last question was if he could pick on me and my generation. Not quite sure what he had in mind, I agreed. Several minutes into the seminar Mr. McKee split the room into Generation Y (me) and the people over thirty to discuss the work ethics of the opposing generations. After each side had come up with their opinions, we presented them to the group as a whole. The over thirties went first, and everything they said was true. There were two interesting facts that came out of this. The first was their point of view was different. Since I grew up a member of generation Y, and working mainly with people my own age all I knew was the work ethic of my generation. I have learned how to exploit our positive attributes while coping with the negative, and I never looked at it from an outsiders view until that seminar. The second, and more interesting, is that in their youth they acted the same. Then it was my turn to describe how I saw the work ethic of their generation. I presented my points and backed them up with examples of how my generation was different from the older generations, all while trying not to offend anyone. I spoke for several minutes, and once done, Mr. McKee continued on with the seminar. At the end of the conference the floor was opened for questions. There were several question directed towards Mr. Shaw and I. The next thing we knew the question and answer session turned into a brainstorming session. At the end of the seminar, everyone seemed very pleased with the outcome. Not only did I learn a lot about how to lead volunteers, but Mr. Shaw and I were able to help other flotillas in their mission to obtain a more diverse age group. Small Boats and Helicopter OperationsAfter the seminar it was time to head over to small boat station Destin to go out on one of the 41 ft. patrol boats. The weather that day was perfect for a boat ride, the seas were flat and the air temperature was in the mid sixties. I was under the impression that we were just going to take a ride on the boats and come back; however, once we arrived at Station Destin, I learned that we were going to watch helicopter training. This made the trip even more exciting since I hope to make flight school and fly helicopters for the Coast Guard. After we arrived at the rendezvous point, we waited for the helicopter to arrive. In about 15 minutes, we saw an H-65 Dolphin over the eastern horizon. The H-65 was approaching fairly quickly and very low. The interesting part was that we could barely hear the H-65 until it was right on top of us. Once the Dolphin approached the boats, it began to hover over the other boat, and descend in altitude until it was only about 50 ft off of the water. The helicopter was tracking the movement of the boats perfectly and the crew of the H-65 began to lower the basket to the 41foot UTB underneath. As the helicopter crew was lowering and raising the basket, the crew on our boat was explaining what was happening, and why certain things were being done. One particular part was the grounding of the basket before it landed on the boat. We watched the helicopter training for a while until we started to head back. As we were leaving the area we passed directly under the rotor wash of the helicopter. The boat ride ended up being a great way to end the conference, and I was glad that I decided to attend.
A Banquet with the AdmiralWhile I was saying good bye to all of the great people that I met everyone seemed disappointed that I was not attending the banquet, and it was a few minutes into my good bye’s when I was approached by District Captain Roy Pell, who invited me to be a guest of honor at his table. I was very honored by this invitation, and was lucky enough to have my suit in my car. It was at this point where I was informed that I would not be dining with the District Captain, but instead I was going to be joining Commodore Simpson and Rear Admiral Landry at the Commodore’s table. I was thrilled and more than a little bit nervous about this change in events. At the start of the banquet everyone walked through the greeting line shaking the hands several important and distinguished people. It was during this point that I was able meet Rear Admiral Landry, and say goodbye to Commander Barner. After the greeting line, I followed Mr. Shaw to the Commodore’s table and I was shown my seat, which was right next to Admiral Landry. Once we finally started eating, all I could think of was; sit up straight, elbows off the table, and use proper etiquette. After the meal was over the closing ceremony began, awards were given to people who had done outstanding things. It was at this point I realized the true magnitude of the people that I had just spent my weekend with. There were a vast number of people who had volunteered thousands of hours of their time to Auxiliary. One of the most memorable awards given was to an Auxiliarist also sitting at the Commodore’s table, Mr. Paul Shurte, who had led his flotilla in doing some great and amazing things. It was at this moment that the conference had the greatest impact my view of the auxiliary, and the relationship that the University Program plays in it.
Reflections on ServiceI was in the room with hundreds of people who have sacrificed a great deal of their time to protect the public, and who have done far greater things than me. These amazing people gave me the honor of sitting at the same table with Admiral Landry, and Commodore Simpson, simply because I was a member of generation Y. This demonstrated to me the importance they place on the next generation in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. It is hard to describe in words. I believe the Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs can bring an exciting and new dimension to the Auxiliary, and these students can also learn so much from the highly motivated more senior Auxiliarists who give so much, to do even more to the great cause of public boating safety, and saving lives. |
posted May 12, 2011 6:12 PM by Andrew Welch
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updated May 12, 2011 8:00 PM
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Coast Guard Auxiliarists from Auburn University have spent recent days joining the response to storms, tornadoes, and flooding in their homestate. Detachment Leader Jake Shaw offered this field report on May 7, 2011.
"We had a good day today working clean up along the Pace's Point Peninsula at Lake Martin. The Pace's Point Volunteer Fire Dept serves as the Command Center. People living in the area submitted and are continuing to submit a need for help. "We worked two jobs today, first clearing a waterfront residence of fallen trees in the yard and on the cable line going to the house. That house itself was lucky not to be hit. The house next door was not so lucky. "After finishing that job, we were asked to help clear a path for a trac-shovel trying to clear debris from the remains of a 18-wheeler, half a heating and air condition business, and salvage the contents of a trailer that held two girl's sewing supplies. The tornado blew all this stuff and more across the road and into the Maxwell Gunter Recreation Area. The attached pictures show Landon Elliott and JD DeCastra working to clear the path and hauling debris. "There is plenty more work to do and the need is very great. We will be heading back to the Pace's Point VFD again on Monday and Tuesday."
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posted Mar 14, 2011 5:20 PM by Carolyn Olsen
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updated Mar 16, 2011 9:25 PM by Andrew Welch
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University Programs is working with 8WR Division 33 to offer the Weather (AUXWEA) course to our students via the Internet. Students and instructors from all schools are welcome to enroll via the registration form below. Please work directly with the instructors to resolve any issues or concerns.
To register, click here. Please note this course begins 17 March 2011. Weather (AUXWEA) Online CourseNow is the time to take AUXWEA. Ralph and Suzanne Tomlinson from 8WR Div 33 will conduct the class via the Internet utilizing webinars and a virtual classroom. The webinars will be led by two instructors making use of video, live audio/chat, cameas ad other presentation materials. Each webinar will last approximately 90 minutes. The virtual classroom is a secure interactive website that will allow students to post questions and discuss problems, obtain helpful links and ancillary material, and get communication from the instructors.
Additional information will be sent to you when you register.
This Webinar is held every week on Tuesday and Thursday, from: Mar 17, 2011 to Apr 14, 2011 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM CDT
Register Now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/960231768
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer
Best of luck to all attempting the course!
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posted Feb 9, 2011 8:01 AM by Andrew Welch
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updated Feb 9, 2011 8:07 AM
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Top performing college students that have demonstrated a commitment to their Auxiliary service and to the Coast Guard's core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty may apply to a select pool of University Programs affiliated summer internships in the Coast Guard and private sector. Students complete their work under the guidance of experienced professionals and an academic advisor from their school. Students may be eligible to earn college credit for their experience, depending on the policies of the individual school.
Applicants must be a current undergraduate or graduate actively enrolled and participating in a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary program of study affiliated with the University Programs Branch ( list of schools), and meet all applicant requirements.
Summer 2011 application deadline is March 5, 2011! |
posted Feb 3, 2011 7:42 PM by Andrew Welch
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updated Feb 3, 2011 7:45 PM
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This highly-collaborative, hands-on summer research program emphasizes critical thinking and multi-disciplinary research to generate innovative ideas and solutions to address complex maritime security issues.
Applications for SRI are due by February 12, 2011 - not the general March 5 deadline for most other University Programs internship opportunities.
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posted Dec 6, 2010 2:09 PM by Carolyn Olsen
University Programs is working with Flotilla 085-33-04 to offer the Navigation (AUXNAV) course to our students via the Internet. Students and instructors from all schools are welcome to enroll via the registration form below. Please work directly with the instructors to resolve any issues or concerns.
To register, click here. Please note this course begins 13 January 2011.
Navigation (AUXNAV) Online Course
Now is the time to take AUXNAV. Ralph and Suzanne Tomlinson from 8WR Div 33 will conduct the class via the Internet utilizing webinars and a virtual classroom. The webinars will be led by two instructors making use of video, live audio/chat, cameras and other presentation materials. Each webinar will last approximately 90 minutes. The virtual classroom is a secure interactive website that will allow students to post questions and discuss problems, obtain helpful links and ancillary material, and get communication from the instructors. Additional information will be sent to you when you register.
Additional information will be sent to you when you register.
This Webinar is held every week on Monday and Thursday, from:
Jan 13, 2011 to Feb 28, 2011 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM CST
Register Now at:
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with
information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer
Best of luck to all attempting the course!
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