“Monument Dedication” (L to R) RADM Brice-O’Hara, ADM Allen, Chaplain
|
“Monument Dedication” (L to R) RADM Brice-O’Hara, ADM Allen, Chaplain |
Paul Deafenbaugh, Commander of Flotilla 15-2, Annapolis, MD, has participated in one of the non-traditional missions of the Coast Guard since becoming a member of the Auxiliary. Paul is a skilled trumpet player and has been included in the Coast Guard Band as one of their own. As a result, Paul has played taps at many military funerals and is now included in the Coast Guard Honor Guard as their trumpeter.
This non-traditional mission allowed Paul to travel to Hawaii in January with the Honor Guard to perform at a very special dedication. The dedication was the United States Coast Guard Pacific Veterans Memorial.
The journey began on 15 January with the long flight to Hawaii. A rehearsal for the upcoming events was held on the 16th. The dedication dinner was held on 17 January which began with a social and viewing of Coast Guard Art.
Rear Admiral Sally Brice-O’Hara, 14th District Commander, gave the welcoming remarks following the invocation. The guest speaker for the evening was Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard. Paul said, “I had the honor and privilege of meeting Admiral Allen and it was thrilling talking with him.”
 |
Auxiliarist Deafenbaugh visits the USS Arizona Memorial. |
The formal dedication was the morning of 18 January. The Official Party for the dedication included The Honorable Linda Lingle, Governor of Hawaii, The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Senator, Admiral Allen, and RADM Brice-O’Hara. Following the presentation of Colors by the Coast Guard Honor Guard, Mr. Jim Nabors performed the National Anthem. The Hawai’I Pono’I was preformed by Petty Officer Peni Motu, USCG.
RADM Brice-O’Hara gave welcoming remarks followed by a musical selection by Mr. Danny Kaleikni and comments from distinguished speakers, Governor Lingle and Senator Inouye. Ms. Janelle Holtz performed “Home for the Sea” before the Official party unveiled the memorial monument.
Commandant ADM Allen was again the keynote speaker and following his remarks there was a traditional Hawaiian Blessing of the Memorial with the presentation of memorial wreaths honoring the Coast Guard Pacific Veterans.
 |
Close-up of monument |
Following the wreath laying the Honor Guard gave a 3-volley rifle salute and Auxiliarist Paul Deafenbaugh played taps followed by a fly over.
On the 19th of January before the long return flight home Paul visited the Arizona Memorial. He said, “it was very moving being at the memorial and it was an absolute honor and thrill for me to have been able to participate in this event.”
“I have been blessed with being able to participate in the non-traditional missions of the Coast Guard. The Chaplain (at the dedication) indicated there was plenty of work that any Auxiliarist with clergy experience could help with. Just a thought while recruiting,” said Paul.
~WML