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Monroe County, Florida -- Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen will be recognizing and honoring all five United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas serving Monroe County and Sector Key West at 11:30 AM, Sunday, November 15, 2009 at the Flotilla’s Rendezvous and Thanksgiving Luncheon, at the home of Auxiliary member Phil Goodman, located at 23088 Bluegill Lane, Cudjoe Key, FL, turn off US1 onto Cutthroat Drive (gulfside, just south of mm 23) to Bluegill, turn right to end of block.
 
Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, a member of the U.S. Congressional Coast Guard Caucus, will be bestowing each Coast Guard Flotilla 13 Commander and their Auxiliarists, with U.S. flags flown over the Capitol of the United States in their honor.  The five Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas are:  13-1 Key West; 13-3 Big Pine Key; 13-2 Marathon; 13-8 Islamorada, and 13-4 Ocean Reef.
 
Three top-ranking Coast Guard officials will be joining the Congresswoman: CAPT Scott Buschman, Chief of Staff and CAPT Robert Grant, Deputy Chief of Staff, of the 7th District (covering all Coast Guard operations from South Carolina to Puerto Rico and all possessions therein; and CAPT Patrick DeQuattro, Commander, Sector Key West.
 
Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen says, “I am so proud to have this opportunity to reach out to our Coast Guard Auxiliarists and thank them and appreciate them publicly for all they do selflessly keeping boaters like me safe!  I am so pleased to honor these volunteers with my three great Coastie friends, Captains Buschman, Grant and DeQuattro – they are the best!”
 
 As a friend of the Coast Guard, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is the Sponsor of Coast Guard Cutter Sawfish based at Sector Key West’s harbor, and she is a member of the US Coast Guard Congressional Caucus.  Congresswoman is attending this luncheon to support the many volunteers and their families who serve the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 
 
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is best known for their Vessel Safety Checks, a free examination available to any recreational boater, helping boaters ensure their craft complies with Federal boating regulations; and for teaching boating safety classes taught to recreational boaters of all ages.  The Auxiliary operates safety and regatta patrols and is an integral part of the Coast Guard Search and Rescue team.  Auxiliarists also stand communication watches, assist during mobilization exercises, perform harbor and pollution patrols, provide platforms for unarmed boarding parties and recruit new people for the Service.
 
The Auxiliary, an important member of "Team Coast Guard" - the combined Active, Reserve, Auxiliary and Civilian components of the Coast Guard, has members in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. Membership is open to men and women, 17 years or older, U.S. citizens of all states and territories, civilians or active duty or former members of any of the uniformed services and their Reserve components, including the Coast Guard. Facility (radio station, boat or aircraft) ownership is desirable but not mandatory.