Dear Editor:

To the anonymous person or persons who graciously bought dinner for three uniformed members of the USCG Auxiliary at China by the Sea on September 18, a very humble and heartfelt thanks.

As members of the CG Auxiliary we are fortunate to share some of the reflected glory of the active duty Coast Guard while dedicating ourselves to our shared missions as well as missions unique to our branch of Team Coast Guard.

As a military based organization, we share a culture of acronyms, with each tasking area or specialty qualification possessing its own extensive and often opaque to all but a few, list of multi-letter codes. One unofficial acronym some of us have coined and use to induce, entice or cajole others into action is OTS: “Opportunity to Serve.”

OTS is how we view what we do as part of the CG Auxiliary; as volunteers we aren't required to do a lot, and as in any volunteer organization there are some who see that lack of requirements as a plus, many do not. Our flotilla members have the privilege of serving alongside the men and women of CG Station Boothbay Harbor, welcoming each new OTS as an integral part of our mission statement.

OTS is our motivation and through personal achievement, skills enhancement and heightened contributions to the Coast Guard and our communities, we receive our rewards. Plus, most of us simply love what we do whether on the water, in the air or as part of a skilled team of emergency responders, instructors or incident specialists.

Our achievements and successes are often recognized only inside our organization, so when members of the public express appreciation, it's a meaningful and greatly valued gesture. As a member with over 10,000 hours of service in the CG Auxiliary it's still a humbling experience to be publicly recognized for my service although I have no illusions that I’m sharing that praise with the men and women of the Coast Guard who don’t have the option of staying in when the alarm sounds and the boats go out no matter what.

Ted Chatham

USCG Auxiliary

CG Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, CG Sector Northern New England

CG Auxiliary Aviation Liaison, CG Sector Northern New England

Whitefield