I had a very interesting conversation with Jim Smith after we were done certifying my advancement to Coxswain. As you know Jim is the Qualifying Examiner Coordinator for Group Moriches. I asked what was new in his life. Well his answer really surprised me.
He told me that after over 24 years with the Boating Community, he had transferred to Flotilla 1-6 which is an Air Wing of the CG AUX. Being an ex pilot he decided to be come an Observer. Having passed all the necessary Quails. He has over 60 hrs. flight time.
With a little more prodding I found out he became AUXOP in 1984, Coxswain in 1996. In 1997 he was certified as a Qualifying Examiner. In 2002 to the present he became Q. E. C. for GRU-MOR.
Sadly he said he was leaving the Boating Community to devote his knowledge to the Air Wing. This move allows him to spend more quality time with his wife Elsie for the last and still counting 32 years.
Among his personnel accomplishments is receiving the ”Plaque of Merit” and 4 other individual awards. I had to ask what was his most # 1 thing he most enjoyed. He said “ how about 2 things? The first was seeing the smile on a candidates face when he was told he passed and the 2nd was being Dock Master at OP-Sail 2000.”

Jim , the Boating Communities lose will be the Air Wings gain. You will be missed!

Ken Sommers D-AA 1SR, ADSO-CS
Steve O'Rourke FSO-OP 13-11

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