Honoring Flotilla 95 of the United States Coast Guard

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and it’s probably one of the coldest winters we’ve had in a number of years, but it is nothing like those people up north. My son lives in Albany, New York and their weather has been severe, and wouldn’t this be the time his furnace breaks down? Of course! He woke up to 45-degree temperatures in his house! He went to work, but his boss sent him home to get that thing fixed and work from home. I don’t know if he was able to find anyone who could fix it!

Last week you might have noticed an angel moving to heaven as we lost one of my most personal friends: Barbara Prigge. Her family is grieving for that beautiful woman who always reached out to help others. She was wonderful, and I loved her as many others did. Please keep Lou and their children in your prayers. This was very unexpected, and they need your prayers and mine. Many of us are grieving and praying! I love you Honey!

Many years ago, I had the honor of assisting the Coast Guard Auxiliary in their Change of Watch, and since then I’ve been a great admirer of the entire organization. Ever since then, they have been friends! Some wives are my close friends, like Marian Harris and Barbara Jazkowitz. Just a week or so ago, I met with a few Flotilla 95 members as they prepare to move into their new home, new building. I asked Doug Johnson to assist in writing this part of the column because he is the man who knows the subject much better than me. I also included pictures of all the guys who were at the meeting:  Joe Riccio, Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 95, Bill Gorski, Robert Wiite (who keeps us entertained), Doug Johnson (who carves gorgeous, creative pens that seem to last forever), Keith Wohltman, Mike Harris, and Honorary Life Member (me) Donna Fiala on the Board of Directors.

After many years of planning and fundraising by the Friends of Marco Island, Flotilla 95 of the United States Coast Guard on Marco Island is preparing to move into their new home in Caxambas Park. The shared use building should be completed around the first of May and the Flotilla members are busy cleaning old files, purging excess inventory and packing up boating safety class supplies. Included are two pictures of the old and new buildings, and the other is what the new building will look like in a few weeks!

The Flotilla has returned to teaching boating classes and the demand continues to remain high, with all classes filled. Al Schettino, our former Police Chief on Marco Island and now the Staff Officer for Public Education for the Flotilla, stated that he is amazed and pleased at the continued demand for the Boaters Local Knowledge courses. The Flotilla offers two of these courses - Boaters Knowledge Courses. One has an emphasis on navigating the circle around Marco Island and the second course concentrates in the back waters. In addition, the Flotilla offers a four-week course on boating skills and seamanship.

Joe Riccio, Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 95, told me he is extremely proud of the volunteer members who continue to teach boating classes, patrol the waters in their area of responsibility, do vessel inspections, provide VHF communication and visit our partners in boating safety. Flotilla 95 is celebrating 55 years of volunteer service on the island!

For the Flotilla 95 information, please call Doug Johnson, the President of the Friends of the Flotilla 95, Inc. at 239-207-5608. 

Note to Doug Johnson - thank you for your help and guidance in writing this column. I wanted to be correct, and you were there making that happen.

This coming weekend, on February 19th will be the Military Ball at the Vanderbilt Country Club. This is a marvelous Ball to see our hero’s all dressed in uniforms and looking outstanding! I’ll try to take some pictures if I am allowed. It gives me goose-pimples just seeing these outstanding citizens all in one room! It’s a beautiful sight to see! I know I am a little patriotic but they deserve all the respect we can give them!