Thirteenth District Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Coast Guard Auxilliary

Date: Nov. 17, 2005
Contact: Matthew Carter, Public Affairs Officer

LOCAL COAST GUARD AUXILIARY MEMBER AWARDED NATIONAL RECOGNITION

The national award was given for her dedication and valuable contributions to the National Recreational Boating Safety Program. Joyce has been the Coordinator of the Buoy 10 Season on the Oregon Coast since its beginning four years ago. The season began this year on Aug. 1 and ended Labor Day.

Joyce coordinated upwards of 40 Auxiliary member volunteers, some from Washington and Idaho. She explained that she begins preparing in January, with personal recruitment campaigns at Auxiliary meetings and conferences. By May, when planning meetings with the Coast Guard at Air Astoria are held to schedule members for the long season, Joyce has already had the schedule planned for several weeks. The volunteers man a shift from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily and seven days a week. Usually, she has two other Auxiliary members with her Monday to Thursday and upwards of seven sometimes on the weekends. This schedule is a major undertaking. Joyce rarely complains about the hours and rarely misses a day. You would find her after everyone else has left, still thinking and planning out the next mornings activities.

When asked about the award, she responded joyously, "I really am surprised and feel honored and happy to receive it. This award helps me think that my efforts are worthwhile. For me, being the Coordinator of Buoy 10 is hard work but it is also something I enjoy. Just seeing and talking with the boaters and doing something that maybe will help them remain safe on the water, is a good thing to do. You know, you want them all to have fun, but you also want to do everything possible to keep them safe."

During the event, the Auxiliary works in concert with the Coast Guard who has law enforcement duties. The Auxiliary conducts Courtesy Vessel Safety Checks, distribute safety packets, share information about conditions on the river and bar, work with other state and local agencies and when available, distribute free Ice Cream coupons to kids who wear a lifejacket. The 2005 Buoy 10 season was a success with Joyce's hard work.

Approximately 40 volunteers gave a total of 1,115 hours helping to man the Warrenton and Hammond Marina's, approximately 11,876 boaters were given safety packets and 451 Courtesy Vessel Safety Checks were performed by the Auxiliary.

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