District 21
Departmental
Pages
Commander
D/C Karl E. Fernandes , JN
Letter From D/C Karl
Have you attended a family reunion lately?
The United States Power Squadrons (or USPS) bills itself as America’s Boating Club. Well, that may work in the other 48 states, but in Western Louisiana and Texas - District 21 Country - USPS is America’s Boating FAMILY. Honestly, does any other group (other than your own family or faith-based community) even come close to the sense of welcome and family that we share in D 21? Where else can you feel that sense of joy and warmth when members get together? How about the happiness in visiting with a friend you have not seen for a while? Do you get the same feeling of support during the “tough times” from those other groups? Is it just a coincidence that so many members are not just friends…but very good friends? So, stay active in your boating family and serve your community through your participation in a public boating class…a vessel safety check…or co-operative charting. Enjoy the warmth of a shared meal with old acquaintances and new friends. Treasure the memories of a fun day on the water together with your squadron family. Enrich yourself in that boating class you have always wanted to try. Or, stay “in-the-know” by keeping up with the latest squadron news in your local newsletter or Web page. Hey, we are family. Do as little or as much as you want…just be happy.
It is entirely fitting that our organization is the United States Power Squadrons â (or USPS). It really is not a coincidence that it starts with “YOU;” begins with “US.” For while there are numerous boating organizations, how many provide the variety of benefits we offer? How many are truly concerned about YOU? YOU wanted a 21 st century boating education and National responded. Our staple of traditional courses have been reworked and updated to deliver the topics YOU requested. The new USPS University offers relevant seminars on today’s hot boating topics—Using GPS, Using a VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio, Onboard Weather Forecasting, Marine Compass and Marine Radar. These seminars should excite all our members! These seminars should excite the public. Use them to grow your squadron by introducing the public to our best asset—our members! Then, invite the public to become part of our District 21 family. YOU, the member, are the greatest benefit we have to offer to other boaters. We are not people merely interested in boating. We are exceptional people who are interesting because we are students of boating and the marine environment. We ARE USPS!
Many of us will soon be receiving our annual dues letter. Please stay part of the family by renewing your membership! Please do not miss out on the traditional and exciting new events being planned by your squadron (or better still, plan a new rendezvous and invite the rest of the family over). Help your family stay number one in the Nation in Co-Op Charting by participating in one (or all) of several District Co-Op Charting events this year. Do not skip the warmth and hospitality of our various squadrons as they open up local rendezvous to the District family. Do not “miss the boat” for memories and fun when our Fall Conference sets sail to Mexico. Be part of the celebration in Dallas when D 21’s own, V/C Creighton Maynard, becomes CC. Then, top off the watch year in Northern Louisiana for a District first…when R/C Jean Hamilton, AKA the Goddess of Weather, becomes the first Goddess to become a District Commander. Yes, all this and more will be happening this next year…but it will not be as special if you are not there to share it with us. So, get on board…you know your family will miss you.
Trying to Maintain a Positive Attitude,
Your District Commander
Webmaster Cdr Kathryn E. Polt, AP