The Second Life Coast Guard Museum Opening Ceremony

By Bixyl Shuftan

On February 4 at 10 AM, the Second Life Coast Guard held a ceremony to open their new museum in the Qlar Fell sim. Much of the seating was in the adjacent Moonberry sim next door to increase the potential size of the audience. (longtime readers may remember the sim as the first home of the longtime Newser's sponsor, the Podex Exchange). The event was attended by a few dozen people.

Several seats reserved for honored guests, "Sir, Ma'am, ADML Laxness requests your presence in the red seats.  You are two of our honored guests today. Please, follow me." Some of the people hadn't seen one another in a while, and friendly greetings were exchanged. Ken Whitfield (Keneth80 Whitfield), one of the command staff, told the crowd, "Good afternoon everyone.  We still have a lot of people arriving so we ask your indulgence as we hold the house for a few more minutes.  Also, if those of you in the back in Moonberry would like to move forward that would be great.  Thank you for you all for being here and we should begin our program shortly."

Allian Blackwell (Allian Resident) started the ceremony, stepping up to the podium and speaking, "Good day, honored guests, guardians and the SL Community.  I would like to thank you on behalf of all SL Coast Guard for joining us today on a very momentous time in our history. We are so happy to share our history in our museum with you and the whole SL Community.  Welcome to the grand opening of the SL Coast Guard Museum Opening today. I am Vice Admiral Allian Blackwell, Vice Commandant of the SL Coast Guard.  I am honored to speak with you today on behalf of a group that I love. The museum has been a venture over a year in the making.  The hard work of our group in gathering historical information and their talents in bringing it to all of us.  Our heartfelt gratitude goes to them for their creative efforts and dedicated work in making this museum possible."

The Vice Admiral concluded, "I would like to first introduce to you today our founder, our leader and our Commandant, Sanstrom Laxness.  I will now turn this over to Admiral Laxness.  Sir, the deck is yours." She got off the podium, and the Commandant took his place, "Thank you Admiral Blackwell. Good Afternoon. To our honored guest, ElBag Gable, Mark Twain White, Members of the press, Alliance Members, Guardians and Family members. I thank you all very much for being here today on the wonderful occasion. I wonder if you and those assembled here can understand just exactly the mixed emotions that I'm feeling right now, having founded this group back in 2005, It seems a long time ago. But it is wonderful to be here today for the men and women of the SL Coast Guard, one of Second Life’s oldest groups. Throughout its long and remarkable history, the SL Coast Guard has adapted itself to many critically important missions. But throughout it’s entire history, the SL Coast Guard has maintained one great mission, the core mission of the group: safe boating education.

"Most of you have not been around to remember, but I recall our beginnings of the olden days of high prims, before mesh was even thought of. Our first days inside a one room cinder block building with just a few desk and chairs; no boats, no ships, no helicopters, airplanes or even uniforms. The contributions those of you here have made to this group is further evidence of the strength and flexibility of your service to and on behalf of this group. The work you do every day is not always easy in a virtual world. And, believe me, each one of you is helping to write another glorious page in the history of the SL Coast Guard. Each one of you is making a personal contribution to this group.

"I hope all of you here know the tremendous difference the efforts and contributions of our donors are making not only in the group but throughout SL. Without their efforts, these stations, this HQ building and this museum would be only be a memory or at least much smaller part of our group. I'm pleased to be able to say that our group and it’s many capabilities will continue to be further enhanced by the dedication of not only our members but our donors as well, and it's due in no small part to your dedication and sacrifice that this group will continue to thrive.

"And I want to take a moment to recognize one of our many donors for the services rendered to the group by hosting not only our headquarters building but our new museum. Without yours and our many other donors the mission of this group would be that much harder to accomplish." The commandant gestured toward a man in the audience, "Mr. Elbag Gable, if you would be so kind to join me, we have a small gift for you." The man got up and went over, "This is unexpected." Admiral Sanstrom gestured to a rectangular object covered with a black cloth, "For your contribution for our group, your kindness and generosity, we thank you sir. This oil painting is for your home or office from us." The cloth was pulled back, revealing a painting of a Coast Guard cutter and helicopter in front of a lighthouse. The crowd applauded. Elbag exclaimed, "Oh goodness this is lovely.  We will hang it in our home for sure.  Brenda is bound to have a place to put it I am sure (chuckle). Thank you all very much. I am honoured."

The commandant concluded, "At this time, I’ll turn the deck back over to Vice Admiral Blackwell for continuation of our ceremonies. God bless each of you, and keep up the good work. Thank you." He then stepped down, and Allian came back over, "Thank you Sir. In the SL Coast Guard when you graduate you receive a call sign.  It is related to your number of graduated.  Admiral Laxness is 001.  I would now like to introduce to you 002. Please welcome Rear Admiral RJ Kikuchiyo, or as he is known ‘Lighthouse Keeper’.  Admiral Kikchiuyo, the deck is yours."

RJ Kikuchiyo stepped up to the podium, "Thank you Vice Admiral Blackwell. And thank you members of the SLCG and supporters, friends and family. I can only underscore what Admiral Laxness has said, and relate to you, at the risk of sounding a bit senile, a personal anecdote. In a nearly mythologic age, the SLCG was a small but dedicated group, dedicating our time here to the mission. I and a handful of volunteers made it our duty to perform basic safe boating public advisory and sim litter patrol (chuckle). In this time we met a crisis and an opportunity when many of our founding members were leaving SL, for personal reasons, I was given the opportunity to hold the role of group owner, and keeper of the light, so to speak.

"When that responsibility came, I was ready. I was willing. I was duty-bound.  Every day, we as SLCG are given the responsibility to represent the group. It is an honor that I share but I also protect. I feel like we can greet every day as an opportunity to do a great service to this place and for each other. And I know that this will continue in the hands of members like you.

"Thank you for letting me ramble. I will happily take a seat and enjoy today's events." RJ stepped down as the audience applauded, "Bravo, well said." Allian came back up to introduce the next speaker, "The creation of the museum and its curator is our own Lieutenant Commander Pier Cukor, excuse me, Commander Cukor, my bad.  He took on this task and has been tirelessly working on the museum for over a year now. I would like to invite CDR Cukor up to speak to you. CDR Cukor the deck is yours."

PierG Cukor came up to the podium, "Thank you, Admiral. Greetings, ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests, admirals, fellow officers, enlisted guardians. Professor Antonio Paolucci, former director of Vatican Museums in Rome, used to say 'a museum is like a window, opened into the past.' While he was talking about a museum which oldest items date well before the Christian Era, the SLCG museum we are here to inaugurate today holds items which are way more recent. Yet, in Second Life, time flows faster than our normal everyday real life, and a notecard, or a ship model made in 2005 do have the flavor of age. In this museum, as small as it is, I have arranged exhibits in order to show our past, and testify our present. In fact, knowing that time flies fast, I wish to give who will follow in our path an example of what we did, how we did it, and what tools we used. Last, but absolutely not least..... I said 'I have arranged...,'  Yes, I arranged the mass of material that most of the guardians of SLCG gave me when I asked them. I was given items, old crafts, planes, old memo notecards, and then a ton of pictures. Apparently we have been shooting pictures on every event, from the humblest patrol to big crowd gathering ones. I tried my best to select the more representative ones, but I would have liked to place them all on the walls of the museum, if only space allowed. So, what you will see here is truly a work of many individuals, a shared task, a contributing effort to make something lasting, and meaningful. Thank you for coming, and for honouring us of your presence."

PierG stepped down to much applause by the aidence, and Allian came up briefly for the next introduction, "As we look to the future of SL Coast Guard.  We wanted someone to speak today that is part of the SL Coast Guard to have them say a few words about the SL Coast Guard. I would like to introduce to you Chief Petty Officer Cullen Debruyere who is stationed at Station Terranova." The Vice Admiral looked to the petty officer, "Chief Debruyere, the deck is yours."

The chief went up to the podium, "Thank you, Vice Admiral Blackwell. Distinguished guests and friends, Admirals, Officers, fellow enlisted Guardians, At the request of the Vice-Commandant, Vice-Admiral Blackwell, I have the honor to address a few words to this assembly on behalf of the newer members of the Second Life Coast Guard. Changes, transformations and other vicissitudes are an intrinsic part of life, and we as no others are aware of the truth in the saying that ‘Time and tide wait for no man.’ After twelve years on the waters, the Second Life Coast Guard has had to adapt to many changes, some of these transitions have been smooth and relatively painless, others have not. When confronted with visions of a different future than our own we may, to a certain extent, be taken aback and sometimes reluctant to accept the merits in proposals, more often than not we concentrate on the short-term inconveniences that the implementation of new policies may engender. Mentally and emotionally, Newton’s first law of motion applies to both the instigator of change as to those of a mind to oppose it. We should seize upon this opportunity to reflect on the steps we have taken, the many decisions that have led to us being here, today, in our present-day capacity and to not restrain ourselves from judging their individual worth. The same applies to this group, the Coast Guard, whence it came and where it is headed.

"We have all joined this distinguished group for personal motives; Our hopes, ambitions and values are as diverse as our name tags but we are unified in our love of the sea, sailing, flying, diving, camaraderie and team-work, in a word; Life itself, and the preservation thereof. Occasionally, the application of virtually acquired safe boating-reflexes has yielded positive results in the physical world by reducing the risk of accidents. In such cases where carelessness led to an incident regardless, the consequences were then strongly attenuated. Make no mistake; the right word at the right moment may save a life some day. For many years, this is what the Second Life Coast Guard has stood for in this world-wide virtual reality. As we proudly carry on this tradition, we assure that it will continue to do so.

"Many of us dedicate a substantial portion of our time to this work, voluntarily, sometimes unnoticed but always indispensable. Sincere compliments to each of us, from Seaman to Admiral, who contribute to the perpetuation of this wonderful group of individuals and essentially keep it running every day. Bear in mind that all hands are needed. This museum, full of memories to many and dedicated to both the real life- and virtual Guardians should serve as a reminder that our cause is one rooted in the distant past, has spread into the virtual reality since and that it will remain relevant, until long after we have secured from our Watch. Remember our shipmates, gone but not forgotten and know that they stand with us through the long nights and discomforting elements. You will never stand alone. In showing our predecessors proper respect, we shall merit the same. So let us regard this place as the vault in which we store our traditions, not merely a few inanimate objects, for us to visit solemnly when our resolve starts to waver or we find our perseverance to be lacking.

"In conclusion, I leave you with the words often attributed to Gustav Mahler, who said; 'Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.' Let us endeavor to keep our own flame burning bright. Thank you. Fair winds and following seas to you all. Semper Paratus!"

The chief stepped down from the podium to much applause, and Allian stepped up, "Thank you Chief Debruyere, That was very good and inspiring for all of us. The SLCG Museum Opening is about looking into our history.  We have had many fine leaders, officers and members that are here, and few we would like to recognize today for their duty, dedication and honor that have paved the way for what SL Coast Guard is today." She then looked to the audience, "Would Retired Vice Admiral Kari kae Vlodovic please join us on deck?" Kari (KariaKae Karu) blinked, surprised, then came up. Allian continued, "Welcome to the deck Vice Admiral. It gives us great pleasure on behalf of the SL Coast Guard to give you this certificate and  flag box for your duty and dedication to the SL Coast Guard that will not be long forgotten. Thank you for your service and your dedication."

There was much applause in response. "Thank you so much! My time in the SLCG was extremely rewarding." Sanstrom told her, "Kari, your very special to me and always have been. I can never thank you enough for your service." " Admiral Laxness, it was an honor to serve with you." she answered. The Admiral then spoke, "All I ask is but one favor of you please. No more throwing of horseshoes," referring to her equine appearance. There were a few chuckles and remarks of "Oh dear." Kari laughed, "Oh come on... you all had insurance for that." She stepped down, where she was hugged by her partner Kragon Vlodovic.

Allian continued, "For me, Vice Admiral was a mentor whose shoes were very hard to fill, but she taught me well." Kari mused, "Yeah you have those funny feet." Allian went on, "My deepest gratitude to her. One of the many things that SL Coast Guard has to be thankful for is those that support us by donating their land and support to us in furnishing their land and resources to us.  Without them the SL Coast Guard would not be what it is today.  We are very appreciative of their continued support in our mission. I know that many of your supporters are not with us today. One supporter of us is a very small one. Would Kininidy West to the deck please."

A child avatar in the audience, Kinnidy Fox West (Kinnidy Resident) gasped, then came to the stage and podium, "Thank yous Miss Alli." Sanstrom told the crowd, "Everyone, I'd like you all to know that this young lady built this stage for us with her own two little hands." Allian confirmed, "Yes, Ms West made the stage here today for us." Kinnidy smiled and waved to the audience, "This is a surprise and a great honor. I want to thank the SLCG for inviting me as a family member to support the cause. The SLG is full of the berry nicest peoples." The crowd applauded. Kinnidy mused, "Yes. I made most of it with tinker toys but it came out well. Thank you again. Have  a nice day everyone." She then got back down and took a seat.

Allian got back to the podium and went on, "Thank you Kinnidy  Now onto the more larger supporters. Would the following SL Coast Guard supporters please stand as I call your name:  Elbag Gable, Brenda Hoisin, Mark Twain White, Nber Medici, Patrick Leavitt, Delight Leavitt, Luke Flywalker, Donatella Mitchell, Max Boost, Debi Dastardly, Ey Ren, Jane Fossett, Veritas Ranamaker, Luckie Howlett, Whimsycallie Peglar, Micky Lancaster, Michel Rosenstrauch, Gail Lorraine, Charlie1700, Tank Kwaszes, Aaron Lamont, Adri Lamont.

"Please give these supporters a very big round of applause for their continued support of not only their resources but for their support in the SL Coast Guard mission for without them much of this is not even possible.  We have made a gift of appreciation for each one to commenorate this occasion and our continued appreciation for their wonderful support and generosity." The crowd broke into applause, "Thank you all for everything you do in supporting our mission and our group.in the SL Coast Guard."

When the applause died down, Alliantold the crowd, "Please remain standing and would all of you please stand with them as the SL Coast Guard Honor Guard has our 21 gun salute before the cutting of the ribbon for the SLCG Museum Opening. Officer in Charge  CDR Mitchell of the SLCG Honor Guard and the SLCG Honor Guard is upstage to the left." The honor guard stood at attention. Donatella Mitchell then ordered the ones armed with rifles, "Attention! Order arms! Right face! Ready! Aim! Fire!" The squad fired. They would do this two more times, then Donatella ordered, "Order Arms! Left face! Present Arms! Parade Rest!"

Allian then told the crowd, "Thank you all.  Would you please follow the Commandant to the doorway to the Museum to continue to the official Ribbon Cutting and Opening of the SLCG Museum. Refreshments and tables are on the left of the Headquarters Building afterwards if you care to stay visit and chat after viewing the museum." Several in the audience cheered, "Semper Paratus!" And so the crowd began heading over. One of the speakers, the chief, was congratulated, "Very nice words, Curly. Well said up there." "Thank you, Captain," Cullen answered, "It was that or cleaning the Admiral's FRC." "That would not have been so good in your new uniform," spoke a second. "Oh, I don't know. Classy cleaning duty." "Loved your speech Cullen," a third spoke. "Thanks." "You're welcome.  Loved the quote at the end, got a bit choked up there (chuckle)."

Those who could headed inside the museum. But as there was a limited capacity, some couldn't get in. This included yours truly, so I took a couple pictures from a distance, then headed off to another event going on, Bay City's Mole Day event. Those wanting to check out the museum and it's exhibits can head over to the Guardian Building at Qlar Fell (181, 190, 25).

Bixyl Shuftan

Change of Command Ceremony at the SL Coast Guard

On Saturday January 4rth, I was able to attend a special ceremony of the Second Life Coast Guard (SLCG). I had gotten an invitation from KariaKae Wroth (Kariakae Karu), a vice-admiral at the SLCG headquarters. For those whom weren't able to attend, the chat was copy-pasted into the group-chats, but being there, one could see the ships and scenery. Several were seated on stage in front of the seating. Most were in uniform, though there were a few in civilian dress. There was also a Coast Guard cutter nearby, with a line of one officer and seven shipmen, standing guard onto the deck with rifles.

The event was supposed to take place at Noon SL time, but they waited a while for people whom were late. KariaKae apologized, "For reasons that escape me, we are never able to start these events on time..." Sanstrom Laxness, the outgoing commander, tried to put her at ease with a chuckle, "being late is called a 'fashion statement' I think." A few more dropped in, but not everyone. Finally they decided they had waited long enough, "what the heck, let's get this show on the road."


KariaKae gave the opening speech, "First of all I would like to thank you all for taking the time to be here today, I know it means a lot to both of our honorees. The SL Coast Guard started 8 years ago with a view to enhance boating safety. We are after all 'A Virtual World’s Safe Boating Lifeline.' Since our inception, we’ve stressed training, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. Most of you know that before any of our members are allowed to be out in a boat with our logo, they have to prove their proficiency in boating safety knowledge. Recruits take numerous classes both self paced and in person before they graduate. The training does not stop at graduation. We do a joint training with the Marines before any new Guardian is allowed to use any of our aircraft. We train divers, and rescue personnel. We continue to create new courses. The most recent course focuses on Race Security. Any member of SLCG doing security for your event will now be trained in procedures and protocols to help you ensure the success of your event. Our personnel can be seen in every corner of the grid patrolling, and offering assistance and/or education. You all know our reputation and you support our mission. Some of you offer lands or equipment. Some of you offer your time, and serve in our organization. We respectfully and humbly thank all of you."

It was at this point the shadow of aircraft passed over us. By the time I looked up, the pilots had already moved on. KariaKae continued, "The precision fight team that we are witnessing is a tribute to our combined efforts. This team flies to commemorate and celebrate various events. They flew as a tribute to one of our fallen comrades. They flew to celebrate the birthday of the US Coast Guard. And, they fly today in honor of this ceremony."

The vice-admiral continued, "Today is more than a celebration of the great things that the SLCG has done in the past, and more than a celebration of what we hope to do in the future. Today is the celebration of a very important instant in time. It is a time when we bid a tearful farewell to that which was, and a warm welcome to that which will be. It is all together fitting and proper that we should do this standing in the threshold of a new year. In a few moments we will hear from one of the folks who have known our outgoing Commandant, Admiral Sanstrom Laxness, the longest, and then being the fair minded creature that I am, I’m going to give him a chance to defend himself."

There were several chuckles from the audience and others on the stage, then she continued, "Seriously, Admiral Laxness has been a good friend and a mentor. When I first met him, he absolutely terrified me! As I got to know him better, I discovered that a very warm, caring man lived under that crusty, brusque exterior. Sometime later, he asked me to serve as a part of his personal staff. I was surprised and honored! Of course, I accepted. Serving as his Chief of Staff has been an incredible opportunity for me. Through watching him, I’ve learned how to be gracious to those being unkind. I’ve learned the art of tolerance to those being intentionally obtuse. And I learned, perhaps more importantly, when to draw a firm line and not deviate from it. I’ve learned that good decisions are not always popular. And that even a good leader is not always liked by everyone. I’ve learned that what you know of your self is more important that what anyone says. And that true friends may question your decisions, but they will never question your integrity. I hope to someday be the genuinely kind, humble, strong person that he is. I hope to emulate the leadership skills I see in him, and I hope be the role model he has always been."

KariaKae then looked to the only one on stage in civilian dress, And with that comment, I’d like to call up MarkTwain White to say a few words. Mr. White, the deck is yours." MarkTwain, whom dressed like the real-life Samuel Clemens, got up to the podium, "Thank you. Before I make some remarks about out honorees here today I want to underline, a comment that Karia made a few moments ago. I want to thank each and everyone of you that have served on security details for sailboat races. That service alone has made the jobs of countless race directors in SL so much easier. Thank you all."

MarkTwain continued, "I am so pleased to be asked to say a few words today about my good friend Sanstrom and about the ongoing role of leading this sterling organization in Second Life. The SLCG has always been close to my heart because I have served in leadership postions in the USCG Auxiliary (the silver side) For those of you that don’t know, in real-life the silver side is the nickname of the Auxilary which is made up of volunteers just like here in the SLCG. The gold side refers to the professional military organization known simply as the United States Coast Guard. The distinction between the Silver Side and the Gold Side is an important one here today, as it points out an important reason that the SLCG is such an amazing organization and has had such amazing leadership since the start."

MarkTwain explained, "In the real-life Silver Side we do not have a 'Chain of Command,' rather we have a 'Chain of Communications.' This reflects the real-life issue that Auxiliarists are volunteers, not paid staff who can be subject to commands. And that is very much like the SLCG. You that serve in the SLCG are voulnteers.  BUT, you choose to behave as paid staff. You have a chain of command' and you choose to take orders just as if you were Gold Side. The fact that your leadership, best embodied in your retiring Commandant, can instill in this organization the kind of professional efforts normally associated with being paid. And knowing that you could walk away at any time tells wonders about the spirit of this organization and about the man that created it. So it give me particular joy to say to Sanstrom today….. JOB WELL DONE!"

There was then much clapping and applause from the audience, "Hear hear!" After waiting some moments for it to calm down, MarkTwain turned to the new commander, "And to Admiral Thorn Blackflag, I say to you, you have some big shoes to fill here. And true to our motto, Semper Paratus, I know you will do fine. Thank you."

"Thank you Mr. White," KariaKae told MarkTwain, then turned to Sanstrom Laxness, "Now, as promised, Sir, I give you a chance for rebuttal. Before I let you speak, The SLCG would like to give you this plaque as token of deep respect and admiration." She then rezzed the object in front of the podium, then saluted, "Semper paratus. ... Sir, the deck is yours."

Sanstrom then got up to the podium, "Mark, thank you for those kind words. Admiral Blackflag, family, friends and distinguished guests. The story goes that when you die and go to heaven, you will be surrounded by angels. Of course the other part of the story is that when you die and go to the other place, you will be surrounded by… you know…devils. So, depending on your opinion of the friends I am surrounded by, you can guess what the rest of my life will be like!"

There were some smiles and chuckles from the audience, then Sanstrom continued, "Before I get started, let me do what all good job hunters do. Let me take this opportunity to tell each and every one of you…. I’m NOT looking for a job! I’ll be found in one of the many bars, lounges, beaches, airfields or yacht clubs for the free drinks and snacks. Thanks to every one of you for taking time out of your life and coming here today. You have come for your own reasons, but whatever they are, I choose to believe that you came to honor me….oh and Admiral Blackflag of course!"

The outgoing commander continued, "Let me say that I AM not proud of my years with the SL Coast Guard. I AM not proud of that one room building behind you. I AM not proud of those vessels docked behind you. I AM not proud of the many wonderful aircraft that we have. I AM not proud of this uniform we wear. I AM not proud of the many Friday night fireside chats we had. I AM not proud of the many times some of you came to me just to say 'Thank You.' I AM not proud of the mementos that you have given me today."

Sanstrom explained, "I AM not proud for any of those things, because I fear that old proverb that states that “Pride comes before the fall”. In modern terms you might read that “Pride takes credit for what will soon go wrong”. Pride is short-lived and unfulfilling; at least it has been for me in my life. My pride has also always been very self-centered. Instead, very sincerely, I AM grateful for all those things listed earlier. I AM grateful for my experiences while wearing the SLCG uniform. I AM grateful for the people I have met along the way. I AM grateful to GOD, for what he has allowed me to share in and experience. The process has been difficult, yet I AM grateful that I AM no longer the 17 year old that first put the U.S. Marine Corps uniform on back in May of 1975, The U.S. Coast Guard uniform in 1996 or the SL Coast Guard uniform in 2005. I never planned to make any of them a career. I took it one job at a time, and if I thought I was going to enjoy the next assignment, I took it. Once I did decide, I gave each of them 100%."

"Now you may ask," Sanstrom brought up,"what will stand out in my heart and mind as I look back at these many years of wearing a uniform? A heart warming chat with a close friend I met in SL and drove to meet in real life, days before he died. My heart was troubled over that, but it does stand out. Let’s see…Sunday, July 4, 1979. I accepted Christ that day and felt so fulfilled. Friday the 13th. I got my wings that day at P-Cola and felt so proud. And of course the many, many days, people and events from my time with the U.S. Marine Corps, first as a enlisted man then later as a officer and the many climbs and places we went. They are truly too many to list at this time. Multiple times I entered situations identical to ones from which others didn’t return and have often asked myself why? No 0311 Marine will ever forget a night landing on a beach….BEFORE NVG’s, even if most of us had our eyes shut. After all open or closed, it all looked about the same!" There were comments of "Wow" from the audience.

Sanstrom went on, "The same goes for my teaching the Coast Guards Leadership, Management Education Training course. Being the OIC of a communications center or being a Coast Guard station Commander in South Carolina and of course my time aboard all the various military aircraft and vessels. Last but not least the pleasure of flying helicopters. Enjoyed that last one so much I bought myself a Robinson R-22 back then."

"To make a very long story short, (Yes, I know it’s too late for that)," he briefly mused before continuing, "what I will remember most are the challenging times. Those that challenged my skills as a professional pilot and as a naval officer, those that challenged my heart as a human, those that challenged my beliefs as a Son of God, those that challenged my habits as a growing human being. But even more, I will remember those whom I had the honor of sharing those challenges. Some of you are here today. Again, thanks."

There was applause from the audience that took some moments to die down, then the outgoing commander went on, "You can call me lucky, if you believe in luck, and I’ll understand. You could say that I have been extremely lucky to have had great leaders, co-workers, peers and subordinates (Those are Military words for people). I believe that I was greatly blessed by them and by GOD. That luck, or blessedness applies beyond my relationships at work. I have been told that you can pick your friends, but not your family. That’s not totally true. I AM under the impression that I picked Tigs to be my SL wife. Some may argue that she did the picking. Thank you Tigs for the wonderful years we’ve had and I hope continue to have. These flowers are a way for me to say thanks for the 99% of our time together and for still being there after the other 1%. I also want to thank my friends that are no longer with us. Many of them went through hell fighting terrorism before America as a country realized it was the right thing to do. They gave me the strong points including a work ethic and made me take the opportunity to challenge myself. Speaking of challenging myself … as Jimmy Buffet would say, 'It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,' so I need to speed this along."

Sanstrom concluded, "What am I bringing with me as I leave, directly or indirectly almost 50 years of uniformed service? The friends, the relationships, the mementos, the memories and a monthly retainer deposit from Linden Labs. I am also leaving with a few more inches around my waist, a few less hairs on my head, some more wisdom in my soul, a few less defenses around my heart, a wonderful family, and a future full of life. What a blessing. Thank you for sharing this day with me."

The audience erupted in applause, "Well done!" "Ooh Raah Devil Dog!" "Semper Paratus!" "Awesome Sauce!" Sanstrom however had one more duty to perform, "Admiral Blackflag sir, if you would join me please." The new commander went up to the old one, and Sandstrom spoke again, "Please repeat after me: 'I, Thorn Blackflag do solemnly reaffirm the oath that took upon my graduation from recruit training, to support and defend the Guidelines of the SL Coast Guard. I further assume the mantle of leadership for this organization, recognizing that he, who wishes to lead, must first be willing to serve.' "

Thorn did so, "I, Thorn Blackflag do solemnly reaffirm the oath that took upon my graduation from recruit training, to support and defend the Guidelines of the SL Coast Guard. I further assume the mantle of leadership for this organization, recognizing that he, who wishes to lead, must first be willing to serve."

Sanstron continued," 'That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the Commandant of the SL Coast Guard. So help me God.' "

Thorn repeated, "That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the Commandant of the SL Coast Guard. So help me God. - Semper Paratus."

"Sir, I stand relieved,"Sanstron concluded.

"Sir, I relieve you," Thorn told him. Sanstron then took his seat. The change in command was done. Someone in the audience wiped a tear.

Thorn then went up to the podium, "Huge shoes ... Many of you know I am a huge broadway theater fan. A favorite show 'Chicago' is coming to town next week. There is a song toward the end and it is entitled 'I Can't Do It Alone.' Standing here today puts that lyric in a whole new light. The continued sucess of this group is your responsibility as well as it is mine, for truly ''I Can't Do It Alone.' Thinking bak maybe a year or more ago, I think is was Capt. Carling or was it you CDR Rieko who said what the group needed was a song. Sans, you liked the idea, and I tried. But I can't sing. But I can write. I will present a few stanzas, see what you think, f you want to try and sing it, I had and old army ballad 'Benny Haven Oh' in mind for a melody, also for you Irish 'Wearing of the Green' is the same tune."

Let me tell the story of how we came to be,
The Second Life Coast Guard The Masters of the sea.
The idea came to Sanstrom In two thousand and five,
How to do something useful that would help people survive.
He drew upon his experience from his years in the Corps,
And formulated a plan to chart our future course.
In a region named Pinastri the first station was born,
One story blocks of cinder looking quite forlorn.

O'oh Second Life Coast Guard,
We raise a glass to you,
And gladly tell your story,
to both old friends and to new.

Sans and Tig and RJ decided on a plan,
For growth and development with quality and command.
Under their direction the group began to grow,
And continents were covered and soon all SL would know,
That The Second Life Coast Guard has a very simple plan,
 To serve the boating public In any way we can.
Seven years and counting how long will this group survive?
We will last as long I tell you as good recruits still arrive.

O'oh Second Life Coast Guard,
We raise a glass to you,
And gladly tell your story,
to both old friends and to new. 

So gather round me shipmates and raise your glasses high,
“long live the SL Coast Guard Semper Paratus” aye!
From now until forever until the day we die.......

O'oh Second Life Coast Guard,
We raise a glass to you,
And gladly tell your story,
to both old friends and to new. 

The song got a few complements from the crowd. MarkTwain remarked, "Catchy tune, you can dance to it."

Thorn turned to the outgoing commander, "Admiral Laxness, I have tried to tell the story of the group in verse, but this I would like to make your final assignment, to put pen to paper and help us keep our history straight." He turned back to the audience, "thank you for your attention," then to the vice-admiral, "Admiral KariaKae Wroth, the deck is yours." There was much applause in response, Sanstrom saying, "Not bad Admiral, not bad at all."

KariaKae gave her thanks to Thorn, "Thank you, Sir," then turned her attention to the line of shipmen at the nearby Coast Guard ship, "Lieutenant Blackwell, please proceed." The drill commander then shouted to his men, "Attention! Order arms!" The seven sailors readied their rifles. "Right face!" The seven turned to their right. "Ready!" The seven readied their rifles. "Aim!" The seven pointed their rifles into the sky. "Fire!" And the shipmen fired seven bullets into the air. This would go on again, "Ready! Aim! Fire!" And a third time, "Ready! Aim! Fire!" With the twenty-one gun salute completed, the officer ordered, "Order arms!" The sailors were no longer aiming their rifles up, having them at ready. "Left face!" The shipmen then turned to their left, to where they had originally faced. "Present arms!" and the sailors had their weapons at ready.

KariaKae once again addressed the crowd, "You have all witnessed the birth of a new organization, a metamorphosis if you will. Our new commandant brings a new set of experiences and a new set of eyes to our organization. As with any organization, the SL Coast Guard will subtly change to reflect this new leadership. So what will this new leadership look like? Well, you have heard from the man yourself. Many of you already know him from his work around the SLCG and with the Flying Tigers. He has been in the SLCG for three and a half years, and has worked his way up through the ranks. He’s been a station commander, district commander and, most recently area commander. He’s worked with the training command as an instructor, a mentor and as one who conducted checkrides. He is familiar with both the operational and the administrative needs of SLCG. He’s a very capable man. But, please allow me to share my observations. This transfer of command has been two months in the making, and during this time I’ve worked very closely with my new boss. I’ve found him to be a man of both thought and action. He is open to new ideas. Yet those ideas require substantiation. He has a definite path in mind for the SLCG, but still seeks feedback. He is respectful of our history, but is optimistic about our future."

"And what will our future hold?" KariaKae asked, "I cannot say for sure. But, what I do know is this. We are still the SL Coast Guard. We have all heard our new Commandant take an oath to preserve our mission and goals, and what we stand for. Our continued commitment to excellence will not change. I look forward to this new journey, and I thank you. ... No, WE thank you for your continued support."

KariaKae's closing was met with applause, and so went the Coast Guard's changing of the guard. The people began to mingle and talk more casually. But I couldn't stay longer as I was needed elsewhere. Further words with KariaKae and the Coast Guard would have to wait.

Bixyl Shuftan