Flotillas 87 and 88 Form Close Alliance
Craig Smith, FC Flotilla 87, Birmingham

Flotillas 87 and 88 Lay Lake Social. Kneeling, Craig and Joan Beth Smith, Standing, Joe Putman, Mike Spencer, Carolyn Gunn, Greg and Lynn Corson, Susan and Bradley Thaxton. Photo by Jonathon Thaxton

The later half of 2007 saw Flotillas 87 (Birmingham) and 88 (Coosa River) work closely together to fulfill the central goals and ideals of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Both flotillas were in need of a few more members to participate in planned activities. Around mid-summer Flotilla 87 Commander Craig Smith began inviting Flotilla 88 members, all of who live in the Birmingham area, to their regular monthly meetings. At one of the meetings, F88 VFC Bradley Thaxton suggested we hold a joint "Social" which he would host at his family's Lay Lake home. The day was Saturday, Oct. 27 and everyone brought a dish. Bradley cooked hotdogs and hamburgers and the food was great. The day was bright, sunny, and breezy and the location on the lake was ideal. Afterwards everyone participated in a game of "Nautical Jeopardy" concocted by Craig Smith. Everyone had some good laughs and good terminology training as well.

Left to right, Bob Withers, David Ihle, Lt. Wesley, two Explorer Scouts names unknown, Mr. Perry, Mike Spencer, Joe Putman, Craig Smith, and Bradley Thaxton. Photo by Jonathon Thaxton

The flotillas next joined forces to participate in fire extinguisher training hosted by the Forestdale Fire and Rescue of Birmingham. The training was arranged by F87s COMO Oliver Brand, MD. Our groups met at the fire station the morning of Dec. 1 and were given lecture and hands on training in the use of fire extinguishers. Our auxiliarists were the main focus of the day and discussion during the day often included particular fire hazards that might apply to a boating environment and how that differs from land based experiences. In addition to the training we were provided with a hotdog lunch and a complete tour of the well equipped engines and station. Special thanks go to Fire Chief Don Melton, Lt. Wesley and Mr. Perry for providing the training and hospitality.

The last joint event for the Flotillas was a Christmas party/meeting/social at the home of Craig and Joan Beth Smith (F87 FSO-SR). Again everyone brought a dish and the Smiths provided chili. In addition, everyone was asked to bring $5-$10 worth of small gifts that could be distributed to veterans at the Birmingham VA hospital. Almost everyone from both flotillas and wives were there. After eating there was a grudge match of another Nautical Jeopardy with even more laughs and learning. Randall Murphree (F87 FSO-CM) tickled the piano ivories just enough to give the evening a final touch of Christmas Magic.

And what of the gifts that were brought to the party? The following week, on Dec. 20, F87 members Greg Knight, Zak Kosan, and Craig Smith visited hospitalized veterans at the Birmingham VA hospital and distributed those items. This is the second year Flotilla 87 has done this service project and both years have proved to be abundantly rewarding. During every holiday season, there are veterans in the hospitals with every condition from "going home today" to the palliative care unit where mostly elderly patients weren't going to make it home. Every one of the more than two dozen patients we visited was very glad to see us and appreciated what we were doing. Most were alone and lonely, some were in pain, all were grateful we came to see them. It was a worthwhile mission and one made possible by the support and contributions made by both flotillas.