The following is an excerpt from the acceptance speech of  P/C Terry Chastain, AP
of the Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron.  She is the first female commander of  
this squadron in it's then 7 year history.

I am proud to be a member of USPS and Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron:

Proud when I see a new Boat Smart student graduate knowing that we have had a part in
educating one more individual to understand what it takes to becoming a safe boater.

Proud when I see an article in the newspaper about the work that we are doing

Proud when I go to Wal Mart wearing my Squadron shirt and somebody says….Oh yes I
read about that in the paper or heard about you guys on the radio.

Proud to be part of an organization that collects trash and helps with the environmental
shoreline planting, recycle efforts, and lakeshore clean up

Proud to walk the dock at the local Marinas and see VSC inspectors volunteering their week
end to promote boating safety.

Proud to look at the display case at the Grand Lake Association and see at all the national
and district awards that have been presented to our squadron.

Proud to volunteer to staff the Grand Lake Association Vistor Center and have an opportunity
to tell new visitors about the glories of Grand Lake and the role that we play in promoting
safe boating.

Proud to partner with Grand River Dam Authority.

Proud to have an opportunity to increase my knowledge and challenge myself to learn new things…..having enrolled and completed a new class.

Proud to be a leader in District where squadrons are loosing members and sadly where some squadrons have been disbanded realizing our squadron has increased its membership by
almost 10%.

Proud to be a part of a Squadron whose members not only have assumed leadership
roles here, but also serve at District and National levels.

Proud to be part of an organization that has afforded me friends who are always ready
to lend a helping hand, a willing ear and a caring heart when ever needed

But with this pride also comes a sense of Responsibility—

a responsibility to assume leadership roles,

a responsibility to volunteer whenever needed,

a responsibility to increase our personal boating knowledge and skills ,

a responsibility to remain involved,

a responsibility to mentor new members

a responsibility to protect the environment,

a responsibility to commit ourselves to civic duties

and a responsibility to educate the public about safe boating and with the implementation
of  the new Oklahoma Boating laws, especially the education of our young people.

That is my answer to "why would I ever want to do this?" its Pride and Responsibility

Our organization, under the dedicated leadership and guidance of past Bridge, E-Boards
and willing members has done great things in our seven year history. It is my hope that
YOU-the backbone of Grand Lake Sail and Power Squadron, will share in this pride and
sense of responsibility. The challenges and opportunities for boating education,
environmental concerns and civic service are great. With your help, this organization
will continue to meet them.

And, oh by the way, as every past commander has said in his Concluding Change Of Watch remarks….have some FUN along the way.

So as we continue to navigate familiar waters and chart our new course for 2007

I wish all of us……

FAIR WINDS AND CALM SEAS