Toledoan Cathie Slabaugh wanted more — to really shake things up, to expand her life and to be a part of a worthwhile endeavor. When she started she didn’t even really like the water or boating, but she knew she wanted to try something outside of her comfort zone. She found her zone and so much more by joining the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. Cathie says, “CGA is an amazing experience to learn new skills and fine tune your strengths as well as an opportunity to meet people and make a difference. “
The CGA goes by the motto Semper Paratus (Always Ready) and strives to contribute to “the safety of our citizens, ports and waterways” with a well trained and certified volunteer corps of civilians. The volunteers receive about 70 percent of the training used in the actual US Coast Guard program. “You can choose what you want to focus on and then you will have every opportunity to put your skills to use,” states Cathie. There are three branches of service available to auxiliarists — Recreational Boating Safety provides the public with safety training; Operations and Marine Safety offers participation in the local boat crew patrols and rescues as well as working directly with members of the US Coast Guard on environmental issues, inspections and homeland security; and Mission Support is open to those who wish to donate their time providing technical, leadership, photography, and public affairs skills. Once certified, auxiliarists have flexibility in selecting the hours and days to participate in the various duties.
“It has changed my life,” Cathie remarks, with enthusiasm and awe in her voice, “it is an ongoing, amazing adventure and a fantastic way to contribute to the community and the country.” For more info go to cgaux.org. You must be at least 17 years old but there is no upper age limit as long as you are physically able to perform your chosen duties.
Toledoan Cathie Slabaugh wanted more — to really shake things up, to expand her life and to be a part of a worthwhile endeavor. When she started she didn’t even really like the water or boating, but she knew she wanted to try something outside of her comfort zone. She found her zone and so much more by joining the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. Cathie says, “CGA is an amazing experience to learn new skills and fine tune your strengths as well as an opportunity to meet people and make a difference. “
The CGA goes by the motto Semper Paratus (Always Ready) and strives to contribute to “the safety of our citizens, ports and waterways” with a well trained and certified volunteer corps of civilians. The volunteers receive about 70 percent of the training used in the actual US Coast Guard program. “You can choose what you want to focus on and then you will have every opportunity to put your skills to use,” states Cathie. There are three branches of service available to auxiliarists — Recreational Boating Safety provides the public with safety training; Operations and Marine Safety offers participation in the local boat crew patrols and rescues as well as working directly with members of the US Coast Guard on environmental issues, inspections and homeland security; and Mission Support is open to those who wish to donate their time providing technical, leadership, photography, and public affairs skills. Once certified, auxiliarists have flexibility in selecting the hours and days to participate in the various duties.
“It has changed my life,” Cathie remarks, with enthusiasm and awe in her voice, “it is an ongoing, amazing adventure and a fantastic way to contribute to the community and the country.” For more info go to cgaux.org. You must be at least 17 years old but there is no upper age limit as long as you are physically able to perform your chosen duties.
