Flotilla 014-01-06
Air Station
Islip-MacArthur

Flotilla Commander: Lou Volpato

Flotilla Vice Commander: Jim H. Smith

Written by: Lou Volpato

As we welcome the New Year in other parts of our lives, so too do we welcome a new year in the auxiliary. 2008 will launch from last year’s gains and the tremendous efforts of each and every one of you.

You flew 264 missions;
You spent 1226 hours flying those missions; and
You had one ‘SAVE’.

In keeping with National Commodore, Steve Budar’s words in his NACON 2007 Report, "Fellowship and Fun" will be our battle cry for 2008.

Whether a burger and fries or a cup of tea is ... well, your cup of tea, Jim Smith, VFC, and I will streamline the monthly meetings and encourage everyone to join in for fellowship at the dinner afterwards.

My personal goal is to remove any barriers that might stand in the way of you having fun in the Auxiliary. We'll attempt to decrease frustration through training and an uninterrupted line of communication through the chain of command. Whether one-on-one tutoring, flotilla staff training or local and regional conferences, my intent is to get you clear, accurate and up to date information. We will host District and Division District Staff officers who will explain qualification requirements and the intricacies of submitting paperwork.

Combining both fellowship and fun, we will be spending more time with other flotillas. Two joint meetings with my Auxiliary brother, David Porter, FC 12 - 7, and our sibling flotilla in Farmingdale are in the works. A terrific party at Fort Hamilton in February and a summer Fly-In Barbecue at West Hampton (FOK) are being planned for us, 12-7 and New Jersey Flotillas 10 -1 and 10 -20.

I'm excited about what’s coming down the glide slope and I wish you the best Auxiliary New Year!