ALCOAST 298/21 - AUG 2021 2020 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR

R 191828Z AUG 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 298/21
SSIC 16790
SUBJ: 2020 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR
1. I am pleased to announce the selection of Auxiliarist Patrick M.
Brown of Eighth District-Eastern Region (D8-ER), Flotilla 11-5 in
Nashville, Tennessee as the 2020 Auxiliarist of the Year.
2. Mr. Brown enrolled in the Auxiliary in April 2014 and immediately
became an active participant by holding various flotilla leadership
positions including Vice Flotilla Commander and eventually Flotilla
Commander. Along with serving as the District Commodore’s Aide,
in 2020 he was appointed as the National Branch Chief for Media/
Video. In this capacity, Mr. Brown answered the call of Auxiliary
national leadership to develop a safe and secure method to conduct
elections during the COVID-19 pandemic. He adeptly applied his
superb skills to facilitate virtual elections at the Auxiliary’s
national, district, division and flotilla levels. Mr. Brown ensured
appropriate software and programs were effectively used and
numerous test runs were performed to identify potential issues and
ensure they were rectified. As the Auxiliary’s Election
Administrator, he managed the polling website during all electronic
elections and immediately resolved concerns as they arose. He was
instrumental to the development of the “Election of Unit Officers
Through the Use of Electronic Means” Standard Operating
Procedure, a comprehensive policy document issued by the Chief
Director of Auxiliary that established ground-breaking procedures
for the Auxiliary’s virtual elections. His meticulous effort enabled
rapid Auxiliary-wide familiarization with this new technology,
facilitated successful conduct of over 1,000 time-sensitive
Auxiliary elections, ensured Auxiliary leadership continuity
despite the pandemic’s restrictive impacts, and resoundingly
proved the efficacy of virtual elections. Devoted to professional
development and service, he also maintained currency as an Auxiliary
instructor and vessel examiner, and logged over 745 hours of
activity.
3. Committed to service and helping others, Mr. Brown also led
community cleanup efforts following the EF4 tornado that devastated
several middle-Tennessee communities in March 2020. He oversaw the
removal of over 50 tons of home and storm debris from local
neighborhoods, including vital storm water canals that fed directly
into the Old Hickory watershed in the Cumberland River system.
4. I applaud Mr. Brown’s dedication to the success of the Coast
Guard Auxiliary in the face of the challenging COVID-19 pandemic
and his compassionate contributions to his local community.
5. POC: CDR Edgardo Cruz, COMDT (CG-BSX-11) at:
Edgardo.Cruz@uscg.mil.
6. RDML John W. Mauger, Assistant Commandant for Prevention
Policy (CG-5P), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.