General Messages Weekly Round-up

All Hands selects several messages to publish in a weekly post to help raise awareness about specific messages and useful information.


Paratus Report

The Paratus Report, Episode 13

The newest episode of the Coast Guard Paratus Report is now live! The Paratus Report is a workforce news program focused at keeping Coast Guard members informed of what’s happening throughout their Coast Guard. Specifically, October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and this episode features tips and information to keep you safe online. Watch the full episode!


SAN PEDRO, Calif. -- Rear Adm. Joseph Castillo, Commander of the 11th Coast Guard District, takes the helm of a 41-foot utility boat from Station Los Angeles-Long Beach in the Port of Los Angeles Monday, Aug. 17, 2009. Rear Adm. Castillo is in the Los Angeles area conducting unit visits with Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall.

Lumping people together; it’s only human

I suppose I was lumped into a few categories in my Coast Guard career – mostly for the good – although there were a few who just couldn’t seem to see any value in me. I never did understand why. Fortunately, several people took me under their wing, at several stages in my career, because they saw potential and a strong work ethic underneath the rough edges I displayed.


Rear Adm. Sandra Stosz, superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, Chief Petty Officer Megan Sesma, harpist with the Coast Guard Band, Aidalis Mills, management and program analyst for the Coast Guard 9th District Planning and Force Readiness Branch, Ellen Engleman-Connors, deputy director of Coast Guard Governmental and Public Affairs, pose for a photo after Sesma and Mills received the Latina Style Meritorious Service Award at the Distinguished Military Awards Luncheon during the 10th Annual National Latina Symposium. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Donna Walker-Ross.

Bravo zulu, Aidalis Mills!

Recognized as a leader and humanitarian, this Hispanic woman is a shining example of what it means to volunteer, not just to Latina and Hispanic women but to everyone, regardless of gender or race. Aidalis Mills, the management and program analyst for the Coast Guard 9th District Planning and Force Readiness Branch, was awarded the LATINA Style Meritorious Service Award. She was recognized for duties performed in an outstanding manner, in which she promoted and enhanced the role of minorities, Hispanics and Latinos in the federal workforce and community.


The Martinez family (Junior, Myrex, Milani and Petty Officer 2nd Class Mauricio Martinez) blends Mauricio’s Columbian roots with Myrex’s Cuban ancestry. Photo courtesy of the Martinez family.

From the Homefront: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

This past Sunday marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which will run through Oct. 15. There are thousands of Hispanic family members within the Coast Guard ranks, and this is a great time to learn from some of them.


Rear Adm. Sandra Stosz, superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, Chief Petty Officer Megan Sesma, harpist with the Coast Guard Band, Aidalis Mills, management and program analyst for the Coast Guard 9th District Planning and Force Readiness Branch, Ellen Engleman-Connors, deputy director of Coast Guard Governmental and Public Affairs, pose for a photo after Sesma and Mills received the Latina Style Meritorious Service Award at the Distinguished Military Awards Luncheon during the 10th Annual National Latina Symposium. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Donna Walker-Ross.

Bravo zulu, MUC Megan Sesma!

Chief Petty Officer Megan Sesma was a recipient of this year’s Latina Style Meritorious Service Award for her dedication to the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Band and how the Coast Guard’s core values are apparent in her work and her dedication to the Latino community.