Flotillas 44 and 49 were among those recognized by the Southeastern Veterans Center at their Volunteer Recognition Program on May 2, 2009.  A team effort by the flotillas made possible the donation of several hundred pairs of socks and dozens of sweat pants over the Christmas holiday in 2008.  A. Lindsay IPFC and L. Skvarla ADSO represented the Coast Guard Auxiliary at the event.  After the Blessing by Father Donato Silveri, S.E.V.C. Chaplain, a welcome message from George Mullen, President of the S.E.V.C. Advisory Council, we offered our Pledge of Allegiance, and then saluted our Colors with the singing of the first and fourth verse of The Star Spangled Banner.  Speakers included Rebecca Kesselring, Commandant, S.E.V.C., shown at right, and Scott D. Wagner, Deputy Adjutant General Veterans Affairs, Brigadier General (PA).  The Presentations and Recognition of Service was then presented to the volunteers and organizations by Ken Iiams, Volunteer Director and Lisa Belford, Director of Activities.

Entertainment during the light buffet luncheon was provided by the Tony Maddonni Band, shown above, whose repertoire included a variety of "Big Band" music.  Brigadier General (PA) Scott Wagner, shown at the right, gave a very informative and interesting talk about the Veterans Administration and the strength of our present day military.
A. Lindsay IPFC, shown below, proudly displays the Certificate of Appreciation for Flotilla 44.
Below right, L. Skvarla ADSO accepts the Certificate of Appreciation from Ken Iiams on behalf of Flotilla 44.  The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was recognized by Ken Iiams as one of the new benefactors of the SE Veterans Center during the presentation.