LAKE COUNTY >> Rich Thomas, of Flotilla 88 of Lake County, has been named district commodore by United States Coast Guard Commander Curtis Sumrok, director of the auxiliary for District 11 North.
Thomas, a 12-year member of the Lake County flotilla, will oversee all operations of the auxiliary, which covers Utah and Neveda, and from Monterey to Oregon throughout Northern California.
The auxiliary came into existence in 1939 and was recognized by the United States Congress. Each year funds are set aside from Congress to operate the all-volunteer organization that acts as the civil arm and force multiplier for the Coast Guard.
Auxiliary members throughout the country annually have saved several hundred lives, according to the auxiliary. Their presence has also been critical, as members have assisted more than 12,000 boaters, provided more than 100,000 free vessel examinations, safe boating classes to more than 100,000 boaters and hundreds of hours of augmentation in support of the Coast Guard mission during 2014.
Each year, the auxiliary provides more than 3.5 million hours of volunteer hours nationwide.
For more information regarding the auxiliary, the district provides a live online informational program every other Tuesday night. Visit www.d11nr.info to make a reservation to attend.
