A warm welcome to all Coast Guard retirees!  This is my first message to the retiree community as Co-Chair of the Commandant’s National Retiree Council.  I ‘relieved’ RADM Gordon Piché after this year’s meeting 13-15 April 2004 in Washington, DC.  We all owe Gordie a hearty ‘well done’ for his three years of service to the many Coast Guard veterans who served ably and honorably to our nation throughout their active duty or reserve careers. 

First, a bit of background.  During my last active duty assignment as Assistant Commandant for Human Resources (1998-2002), in consultation with the Commandant, ADM Jim Loy, I took on the task to improve the essential connections to the Coast Guard retiree community.  This involved encouraging chartering new Regional Retiree Chapters and nurturing Chapter growth by way of a National Council sponsored by the Commandant, similar to each of the other military services.  RADM Bobby Hollingsworth had already been serving admirably representing the Coast Guard at the other services’ meetings, but was hampered by limited structure and support from HQ’s.  In conjunction with the need to find a relief for Bobby and begin the necessary changes, I recruited RADM Piché, a good friend and exceptional leader who had recently retired as Director, Personnel Management at HQ’s.  Thankfully Gordie accepted the challenge and began work with MCPO Bill Phillips, USCGR (Ret.).  During RADM Piché’s tenure, new regional councils were chartered, the Commandant’s National Retiree Council was established and annual meetings held (this year being the first time our Council met independently as its own entity); retiree resource website developed; and the ‘voice’ of the Coast Guard retiree community provided to the Commandant, the other military services, and the Military Alliance/Coalition.

Our Council continued to mature with MCPO-CG Vince Patton relieving MCPO Phillips as Co-Chair.  Having worked closely with Vince my last four years in Washington, and the fact that I was to one who recruited RADM Piché for the Council, I wasn’t surprised that he and Vince in turn recruited me as Gordie’s tenure came to a close.  Needless to say, it was an offer that I couldn’t refuse.  Besides Vince telling me he was going to do all the work (so then why am I writing this?), it really would be a distinct pleasure to work with him again and continue to serve our great organization and all those who have given so much to its success over the years.

So that’s the long and short of it.  I am here to serve once again.  Although I have a demanding full-time job with a management consulting firm in Northern Virginia (we do a lot of work with the Department of Defense and the other military services), I will endeavor to help build on the fine work of my predecessors.  I look forward to working with the Regional Chapter co-chairs in disseminating information important to retirees, ensuring your voices are heard by the Commandant and the Military Alliance/Coalition, and seeking support/nurturing Regional Chapter activities and involvement in the active duty Coast Guard.

There are many ways you can get involved in today’s Coast Guard.  These include joining (or starting if one does not exist) your Regional Retiree Chapter; mentoring and providing assistance to the local transition assistance program (TAP), supporting recruiting and Coast Guard awareness activities, and joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  I encourage you to get involved in way that you can and time permits.  This website either provides or links to a wealth of resource information to assist you in continuing to serve.  I expect the latest National Council meeting minutes to be posted during May or early June.

Coast Guard For’er!             RADM FL Ames, USCG (Ret.)