Sunderman Recreational Complex Touch-A-Truck

                                                    Palm Harbor, Florida

                                                        25 April 2015

 The 2015 Touch A Truck event at Sunderland Recreational Complex  was another huge success thanks to our FSO-PA Carolyn Hughes whose planning and organizing of the event was just 
flawless. She was assisted by  Rob Bonnem, Allen Leimbach,, Walter Murray,  Martha Rodriquez, Harvey Prior, Katherine Waldron, Larry Gilbert & Dennis McBride  along with Station Sand Key Coasties BM2 Huffman & SN Nafus. 

CWO Larry Zeruth Commanding Officer Station Sand Key visited in civilian clothes to the event. 

The children along with their parents enjoyed touring the Coast Guard 29 Boat, the line seemed never to end with the interest of the children along with their parents and many with grand-parents. Our tents which had a tattoo station was busy throughout the event. Our members had occasion to speak directly to the public regarding Boating Safety. There were numerous pamphlets regarding Boating Safety that the public had access. 

Rob Bonnem kept a running count on visiting children to the 29 boat which was a big hit with the public. He counted over 275 children in 2 hours so it is safe to say there were over 500 children visiting the 29 boat for the day the line seemed to go on forever. 

Pinellas County K-9 Unit gave a riveting display to the public. There were many more interesting exhibits at the event. 




=====================================================================================================================================================


Hello Shipmates,

Thank you so very much for all your help at yesterday's Touch-a-Truck!! Everyone pitched in right from the start... from setting-up, to assisting the kids getting on 
& off the boat, to tattooing, to playing the pollution game, to answering questions, to tear-down and finally...bringing everything back to our flotilla classroom.

Your enthusiasm and your fun-loving attitudes are contagious!! I couldn't ask for a better group of people to help with this event. Thank you for wearing the 
uniform proudly and well, and representing the Coast Guard and our flotilla -- I was proud to stand with you.

When I think back to yesterday, working side-by-side with each other and the Coast Guard to bring our message to the community -- an event where the people can 
"touch" and experience what the CG and the Aux is all about -- I have a big smile on my face. You give your time, your money, your spirit to this organization and 
I'm overwhelmed by your generosity!!

Thank you!
Carolyn Hughes  FSO-PA