Lake Murray, SC - Local resident K. Roger Deaton was recognized for 25 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on June 28, 2020, by fellow Auxiliary members at South Shore Marina on Lake Murray.
Deaton was presented a framed congressional certificate honoring his 25 years of volunteer service with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. A letter of appreciation and congratulations from South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson was read by boat crew coxswain Festus Burchfield in the presence of boat crew members (from left) Clay Goodwin and John Bradley just prior to departure of a Lake Murray safety patrol mission. Because of restrictions for Auxiliary members caused by the Covid-19 virus pandemic, the local Lake Murray flotilla has not held a member meeting or conducted safety patrols for several months. Recently some restrictions have been eased and patrol missions re-authorized, so arrangements were made for Deaton to receive his service recognition with fellow Auxiliary members just prior to the first lake patrol mission since early March.
During his Coast Guard Auxiliary membership, Deaton earned qualifications as both boat crew member and boat crew coxswain, logging nearly 400 underway hours conducting marine patrol missions and providing assistance to local boaters. He also served as flotilla staff officer in operations, marine safety, and navigation systems and received several unit and meritorious team commendation awards for exemplary service.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard with the primary mission of promoting recreational boating safety and education. Visit www.uscgaux-lakemurray.com to find out more about the local flotilla.
