Coast Guard Auxilliary turns 70

Founded on the eve of World War II to conduct safety and security patrols, the US Coast Guard Auxilliary marks its 70th anniversary today, June 23rd, 2009.  Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Thad Allen, marked the occasion today by presenting the organization with a Unit Commendation Award.  
From the press release:

For the past decade, Coast Guard Auxiliary efforts have accounted for more than 3,100 lives saved, assistance to more than 91,000 boaters in distress, the prevention of the loss of more than $437 million in property and the education of more than 1.6 million boaters through boating safety courses, in addition to the many other services the Auxiliary provides.  Coast Guard Auxiliarists accomplished these feats by volunteering more than 36 million hours of their time.

By Ocean Navigator