COMO Ken Koeppen was elected District Commodore of the Ninth Central Region for the years of 2002-2003 and previously held all of the elected offices in the Chain of Leadership, with the exception of Division Vice Captain, up to his current position. He also held appointed offices at the Flotilla and District level. Ken currently serves the District Bridge as Immediate Past District Commodore (IPDCO).

Born in Detroit, Michigan he attended grade school, high school and college in that city. On September 22, 1967, he married Joan Belanger. Ken and Joan have two children, Janis and Keith, and three grandchildren, Shannon, Jacob, and Claire and will welcome another grandchild in November 2004.

Ken attended Wayne State University and earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters Degree in Education while working full time. In addition he was an instructor at Macomb Community College. He pursued a career in Unionism and received an appointment with the International UAW in September of 1973, as an International Representative. Ken retired in January 2000, as an Administrative Assistant to an International Vice President. He was responsible for contract negotiations, arbitration and directed the assigned staff in daily assignments.

After the purchase of their first boat Ken realized how little he knew about boating so both he and Joan took a Safe Boating course from the USCG Auxiliary. He was so impressed with the subject matter presented and the instructor’s professionalism that he decided to join the Auxiliary. He immediately became active in Operations reaching the level of Coxswain, VSC, PV, and IT. At the Coast Guard level he qualified as a communications watchstander and became crew qualified on the 41’UTB.

COMO Koeppen’s wife, Joan is active in various Auxiliary functions and is very supportive of his Auxiliary activities.