I am still working on updating and posting all the pertinent information that needs to be on this site, and I am really excited about all of the ideas I have. Plus, the collective introduction email will go out to everyone this weekend. But, while I am still working on all that I thought I would post something a little fun.
The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard has a website with a bunch of interesting information on it. Each month they have a "question of the month" with a fun trivia question about something Coast Guard related. I'm not sure what you win- if anything (maybe you could petition for a day of leave if you win - ha ha) but I thought it might be fun to see if anyone knows the answer to this month's question. Besides it never hurts to know a little bit more about the Coast Guard so here goes.....
What famous Marine was on the island of Guadalcanal the same day that Douglas Munro risked all to save them? Why is his name revered in the annals of Marine Corps history?
Good Luck! - you can post your answers here.
I hope that by now most of you have heard of the SKILLSOFT TRAINING SYSTEM. This amazing resource has only been available to active duty personnel in the past. Just recently the Coast Guard has made this resource available to spouses and dependents as well!!!
SEE THE COMPLETE MESSAGE HERE: ALCOAST 164/08
This features an online training format with many courses to choose from including courses in leadership, project management, computer applications and more. The best part of the program is that it is all self paced and it allows access to online books as well. Once you are in the system, you can check out their catalog of courses and find out what might interest you.
I am pretty sure some of the courses will count for college credit as well. I will be checking into that.
To access the system you will need to go to this site.... http://learning.uscg.mil/
Once you are there, you can click on the "skillsoft for spouses" area and follow the instructions to register. You will need the active duty member's emplid (employee ID number) to obtain a username and password.
The main goal of giving spouses and dependents access to this system is to help alleviate the challenges we face in finding employment after relocation. This tool is specifically designed to help you acquire and enhance your professional development skills.
What a great opportunity for all of us. Be sure to check it out and expand your mind!
There is also now a permanent link to the SKILLSOFT website on the sidebar.
If you haven't heard already there is a free concert at Port Hueneme Needham Theater this week. The Spirit of America Tour presents.....
DIAMOND RIO country band, performing for NBVC on Tuesday, August 19th, 1900 at the Needham Theater 1900. Tickets are still available at the Hueneme & Mugu ticket offices (ITT). Open to all NBVC personnel including, Active Duty & Family members, Reservists, Retirees, & DoD Civilians.
Military in uniform and families accompanied by active duty member in uniform will receive preferred seating. Doors open at 1800. Tickets will hold seats until 1845 at which point any unclaimed seats will be given to persons without tickets waiting in line.
ENJOY!!! - anyone who goes - be sure to comment and tell us what you think.
The new untucked ODUs are coming out next month and I am sort of on the fence about whether I like them or not. They seem like they would be more comfortable but I've heard it may cause an issue with wearing a gun belt or any other equipment. 
Personally, they are both great, but I think the tucked in uniforms just look more put together. There is a long history of interesting changes to the Coast Guard uniforms through the years.
My grandpa served in the Coast Guard during WWII and his uniform looked like this one. I can't imagine seeing these around today. 
It's a fun read if you are interested. Check it out here
Though the new uniforms are coming.....the tucked in uniforms can still be worn all the way through December of 2012! That being said, the old uniforms are on SALE!!! right now.
Here's some information posted in a recent email to the guys!!!
TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE UNTUCKED VERSION OF THE ODU, THE UDC IS OFFERING CERTAIN SIZES OF THE CURRENT TUCKED ODU AT FOUR-FOR-THE- PRICE-OF-ONE. INVENTORY LEVELS OF CERTAIN SIZES MUST BE LIQUIDATED TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO STOCK THE UNTUCKED ODU SCHEDULED FOR
DELIVERY IN SEPTEMBER.
INFORMATION ABOUT ORDERING FOUR TUCKED ODUS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE AND AVAILABLE SALE SIZES IS SHOWN ON THE UDC WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/UNIFORMS.
CURRENT COST OF THE FOUR-FOR THE-PRICE-OF-ONE ODU COAT IS 27.55. COST OF THE FOUR-FOR-THE-PRICE-OF-ONE ODU PANTS IS 31.52
Tucked or untucked? Anyone have a preference....I'd love to hear!
I thought this new piece of news was pretty interesting! Is anyone stationed here already interested?
So I am sure you all have already heard about this but you can read more about it on the link below
Assignment of U.S. Coast Guard Personnel to Train and Serve with U.S. Navy, Naval Special Warfare (SEAL)
Or, check out the video from the pentagon channel.
I intend this blog to be an area where we can come for information, make comments and find links to the things we need. It may take a while, but please refer back to this site as I am excited to watch it progress and become a great resource for all of us stationed here at USCG Station Channel Islands Harbor!
