Be the change you want to see in this world

"Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve."
-Joaquin Nangauta Naputi

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Saturday, October 28, 2023

The power of smallest achievements can be profound


In lands where ancient cultures dance and sing,

Where stories are woven, and bells do ring,

Lies a truth, both ageless and profound,

In whispers of winds, and in the ground.


"Even the smallest achievements," they say,

"Pave way to great success," guiding the way.

From mountainous peaks to the vast sea's crest,

It's the little steps that pass the test.


In vibrant markets, under golden sun's caress,

The potter's first pot, the seamstress's first dress,

The farmer's first grain, the painter's first stroke,

All are tiny feats, yet hope they evoke.


The dancer's first step, the singer's first note,

The writer's first line, the sailor's first boat,

Though minuscule they seem in the grand parade,

They're the pillars of dreams, on which futures are laid.


For in every culture, tale, or song,

This universal truth carries along.

Greatness isn't birthed in leaps or in bounds,

But in silent, small steps, 

Because the power of smallest achievements can be profound.

(c) mnrivera

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Thursday, October 05, 2023

Fresh Start!


Each day presents a new opportunity to begin again with renewed energy and optimism.  😊

Wednesday, October 04, 2023

Training Directorate Snapshot

Hafa Adai!  Meet the Awesome Training Directorate Team for the USCG Auxiliary!  It was great to meet with the team once again.  There were changes announced, including training development, uniform policy, budget cuts with less C-Schools, and AUXOP, just to name a few.  Despite the challenges, we will push forward and continue to strive for the best to provide necessary training and get missions done!

Training Directorate - 10/4/23 PST, 10/5/23, Guam Time

Tuesday, October 03, 2023

Aloha Smiles 🌸

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Aloha smiles during the D14 Fall Conference in Hawaii!  Here are a few of them.  Let us continue to move forward and use the knowledge we've gained during our training to carry out our missions to help save lives, one boater at a time!  Aloha & Mahalo!  Si Yu’os Ma’ase’!  Semper Paratus! 🌸😀🚤

Aloha Smiles - Take 1!  Pictured L-R:  District 14 DCAPT-Execution Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and USCG Captain Troy Glendye are all smiles at the D14 Fall Conference in Hawaii.

Aloha Smiles - Take 2!  Pictured L-R:  District 14 DCAPT-Execution Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Flotilla Commander 140-01-14 Suzanne Mann are all smiles at the D14 Fall Conference in Hawaii.

Aloha Smiles - Take 3!  Pictured L-R:  AFSO-PE 140-02-24 Mye Ganan-Flores and District 14 DCAPT-Execution Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera are all smiles at the D14 Fall Conference in Hawaii.

Aloha Smiles - Take 4!  Pictured L-R:  Henry Chua of the American Samoa Flotilla 140-03-28, Guam Flotilla 140-02-24 Commander Robert Vasquez, Saipan Flotilla Commander 140-02-29 Dr. Carmen Fernandez, and District 14 DCAPT-Execution Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, are all smiles at the D14 Fall Conference in Hawaii.


Aloha Smiles - Take 5!  Pictured L-R:  District 14 DCAPT-Execution Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, April Esera of the American Samoa Flotilla 140-03-28, Saipan Flotilla Commander 140-02-29 Dr. Carmen Fernandez, and Guam Flotilla 140-02-24 Commander Robert Vasquez, are all smiles at the D14 Fall Conference in Hawaii.


Aloha Smiles - Take 6!  Pictured L-R:  Coxswain Richard Marston of the Guam Flotilla 140-02-24/Retired USCG, D14 DCOS Jodie Nelson, Saipan Flotilla Commander 140-02-29 Dr. Carmen Fernandez, Guam Flotilla 140-02-24 Commander Robert Vasquez, ASC/SO-IS Bob Sajnovsky of the Guam Flotilla 140-02-24, USCG LT Wade Thomson, and District 14 DCAPT-Execution Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, are all smiles at the D14 Fall Conference in Hawaii.

National Staff Appointment - Branch Chief: Diversity - Hawaii

It’s truly an honor to be able to serve as the BC-DPH to ensure we make positive things happen for Diversity & Inclusion in District 14.  I hope to create a culture in which everyone feels heard, respected, and able to contribute their ideas and abilities. By embracing diversity, we can access a bounty of creativity and innovation, allowing us to serve the community and accomplish our mission more effectively. 



Saturday, September 30, 2023

CARES Certificate

I am pleased to announce I passed the CARES Dementia-Related Behavior exam, along with other members in my class.  The CARES approach aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia by providing caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to deliver person-centered care and maintain meaningful connections with those they care for.

Meet the Diversity & Inclusion Team for the USCG Auxiliary's Pacific Area Division!

Hafa Adai!  Meet the Amazing Diversity & Inclusion Team for the USCG Auxiliary's Pacific Area Division!  It was a pleasure to meet my fellow Officers early this morning!  There's no doubt that Diversity and Inclusion transcends mere acknowledgment of differences. It demands proactive adaptation of practices to create an environment where myriad skills, perspectives, and backgrounds are not just acknowledged but celebrated. It compels us to delve deeper into comprehending the nuances of individual distinctions stemming from a vast spectrum of backgrounds and lifestyles. By doing so, we harness the power of diverse perspectives, catalyzing the enhancement and enrichment of our mission's quality and outcomes.  BIBA, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION!  🎉

Diversity & Inclusion Team for the USCG Auxiliary's Pacific Area Division

Happy 5th Anniversary Guåhan Isan Famagu'on Lions Club!

The Guåhan Isan Famagu’on Lions Club (135033) expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to those who joined us for our 5th Charter Anniversary and Installation of LY 2023-2024 Officers & Board of Directors Celebration held Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Guam Hilton Hotel’s Micronesia Room.  The celebration featured our CUBS and LEOS who were honored to be greeted with acknowledging handshakes by the District Governor, Immediate Past District Governor and Past District Governors.  They were excited to present their a-cappella National Anthems & Blessings that resonated with everyone’s voices, including the “Count on Me” song highlighting autistic Cub Logan.  Cub Gaj’s Inspirational message (future District Governor) was also well received.  It was truly a blessing sharing meaningful time with all of you.  Si Yu’os Ma’åse’!  Mahalo!  Fa'afetai!  Salamat!  Xiè Xiè!  Gracias!  Arigatō!  Kamsahamnida. Thank you!  Enjoy the following snapshots!  🌈🦁 🇬🇺ROAR!




















D14 Fall 2023 Conference A Success!

The District 14 Fall 2023 Conference held September 22-24, 2023 in Hawaii was a success! There's no doubt that we found the training and fellowship to be meaningful.  We were also recognized for 50 years of service to our community, along with awards given to Bob Sajnovsky for his Golden Key award for excellent performance as an advanced instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera for her seventh superior service award with 5,250 hours to various missions, Richard Marston for receiving his Coxswain qualification, and the Guam Flotilla's NACO (National Commodore) Three Star Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion.  Bravo Zulu to all who continue to make a difference!  Semper Paratus!

Si Yu'os Ma'ase'! Salamat! Kalangan! Kommool tata! Mesulang! Kammagar! Xie Xie! Domo Arigato! Thank you once again!  Enjoy the following snapshots!


FC Vasquez receives an award in behalf of the Guam Flotilla in celebration of the flotilla's 50 years.

Richard Marston is awarded a certificate for achieving Coxswain qualification.

FC Vasquez with AUX Specialist Jessica Puchert


D14 Division 2 members gather for fellowship at Olive Garden at the Ala Mo'ana Mall.











Coast Guard Sustained Auxiliary Service Award

It is truly an honor to have received the Coast Guard Sustained Auxiliary Service Award for the seventh time! Kudos to all who continue to make a difference in the various missions that are carried out throughout the year.  Bravo Zulu! 🎉


Monday, September 11, 2023

LET US REMEMBER: 9/11


On September 11, we paid tribute to those who suffered from the 9/11 attacks on America. We will always remember those who lost their lives, those who sacrificed to help in any way they could, and the day that brought everyone from all walks of life, rich or poor, together as ONE! God Bless the families and friends of those we have lost, and the brave men and women who continue to fight for our freedom!


Image source: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/

Monday, September 04, 2023

You can and you will!




Within you resides unfathomable power, 
A strength that emerges in response to adversity. 
Don't let fear stop you from pursuing your dreams. 
With determination and fortitude, you will conquer the bold. 
Every adversity is an opportunity to reflect. 
The path may be difficult, but please don’t fret. 
You must recognize that you have the fire within to succeed. 
In this journey we call life, embrace every adventure. 
With perseverance and courage, 
You will overcome the hill. 
You can and you will!
©mnrivera

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs October Fest Saturday Story Time - Oct. 7

 Register at https://bit.ly/lionsclubreading We look forward to seeing you there! 🦁🎃📚