Members of Flotilla 6-3 on Sept. 7 operated a Coast Guard Auxiliary public affairs booth at the Tustin Police Department’s annual open house.
The City Hall event featured members of the Tustin police and fire departments, including live demonstrations by helicopter teams, plus motorcycle and SWAT officers.
Although a heatwave was pushing the century mark — the midday high was 95º — attendance was an estimated 1,200. Police officials said it was the best open house of the 27 they have held. Free hot dogs and refreshments certainly helped.
The Auxiliary booth offered a wide range of boating safety literature and recruiting information. Additionally, Coast Guard themed coloring books, activity books and crayons were very popular with the younger attendees. As always, the friendly robotic cutter Coastie and its handler Rick Weiss were on hand to entertain the children.
The booth was organized by Auxiliary staff officer Connie Trejo, supported by District 11SR captain Wayne Palmer; flotilla staff officer Victor Serrano; and 6-3’s vice flotilla commander, Joe Benton. Also there were Flotilla 6-3’s commander, Abdo Akil, and the Division 6 commander, Garry Nelson.
Flotilla 6-3 is based in Garden Grove, and is one of six all-volunteer U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas in Orange County. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary directly supports recreational boating safety and other vital Coast Guard missions.
↑ Flotilla 06-03 open house team: (from left) Victor Serrano, Connie Trejo, Rick Weiss, Joe Benton and Wayne Palmer.
↑ Staffing the booth: Connie Trejo and Wayne Palmer.
↑ Coastie’s latest pals: Flotilla 6-3 staff officer Connie Trejo and daughter Elise Ebel-Trejo with Coastie.
↑ Cruising with Coastie: Rick Weiss and the radio-controlled Coastie mascot entertaining children.