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Team verifies a previously lost ATON during exercise session |
Recently, Rear Admiral Joseph Castillo, the 11th Coast Guard District Commander, issued a physical fitness challenge to all District Eleven Commands and their subunits. The specific challenge was to complete a simulated race around the 11th District area of response (2,898 miles) in the shortest time. The challenge was open to all Coast Guard members assigned to D11 units – active duty, Auxiliary, reservist, and civilian employees.
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Team members enjoying each other's company |
Monterey, California Flotilla 64 responded to the challenge! Team "Flotilla Flotsam" consisting of Keith Simmons, Flotilla Vice Commander and retired College Professor; Tony Budlong, past Flotilla Commander, Tracy Schultz, 11th District Honor Guard Captain and a High School Teacher, and Jerry Edelen, Flotilla Public Affairs Officer and Mayor of the City of Del Rey Oaks. The average age of the team was a youngish 64 years old! The team's motto was, "We may be old, but….".
Miles (points) were earned by participating in numerous, different physical fitness activities, not just running. Activities ranged from archery to yoga. As more time was spent participating in the different activities, more points were earned and participants got into better shape.
Although Auxiliary Team "Flotilla Flotsam" exercised valiantly; alas, winning the competition was not meant to be. The team did finish in the upper half of the competition (55th out of 125 teams). Not bad, considering the "senior status" of the Auxiliarists and being one of only a couple of Auxiliary teams in the competition.
Everyone agreed, "participating in the fitness challenge was beneficial and fun. It brought the team members closer together and got everyone into better physical shape. Not only are all team members looking forward to the next fitness challenge; the team challenges all other flotillas to field a team, enjoy the fun, and get into the best shape of their lives!"