Elsie Lovelock Tolnitch - At 102+ Years Still Supporting the CG Auxiliary

Elsie Tolnitch turned 102 on September 20, 2010 and celebrated her birthday by attending a meeting of Flotilla 3-10 of which she is a charter member.

Elsie served in three flotillas since joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary, 5th Southern Region in 1968 – the first in Division 14 in Northern Virginia, then Flotilla 33 and finally Flotilla 3-10 in the Northern Neck of Virginia.  She continues to attend most Flotilla meetings and support the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Elsie helped found Flotilla 3-10 in 1977 and was the Flotilla’s first Auxiliarist of the Year.  Her member number in Fl 3-10 was “054-03-10-009”.  Elsie served as the Flotilla Finance Officer from 1977- 1981.  During her active membership she frequently devoted more than 200 hours each year in several Auxiliary capacities, including crewmember on vessel “Jonel II” with her husband John.

Elsie attended the recent Division 3 awards dinner and change of watch and was recognized by CAPT Gibbons, USCG, Acting Chief of Staff, District 5, who presented a letter of commendation from Rear Admiral W. D. Lee, Commander, 5th US Coast Guard District.

Text of ADM Lee’s letter reads:

Dear Ms. Elsie Lovelock Tolnitch:

Please accept my sincere admiration for your exceptional and long standing support of the United States Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary during your 102 years of life. Even after retiring from the Auxiliary in 1992, you continue to be active with the Auxiliary, attending most monthly meetings and the annual changes of watch. 

The Coast Guard is truly blessed to have members like you committed to the noble and patriotic values surrounding the goals of providing voluntary service to others as a Coast Guard Auxiliarist. Your service since joining the Auxiliary in 1968 has brought great credit to the Auxiliary as you were a founding member of Flotilla 3-10 when it was established in 1977, and when you also earned recognition as the First Auxiliarist of the Year. 

Your commitment today is testament to the pride and professionalism of all members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I salute you for your outstanding service to our great nation and I thank you for your continued support of the Coast Guard Family.

Sincerely,

W. D. LEE Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard