Carolyn Strong being presented the 2005 National Award for “Division Publication First Place” from Division 14 Commander Robert Pape.

 On a monthly basis, Carolyn puts the Flotilla 14-8 newsletter, EIGHT BELLS, together and distributes some 100 copies by email or mail.  Examples of her organization and creativeness can be found on the flotilla website at http://a0701408.uscgaux.info/pages/14-8Publications.htm .        After moving to Jacksonville from Des Moines, Iowa in 1981, Carolyn married a member of the flotilla and joined up.  Although retired in 1991 after 25 years with Bell Telephone companies as a Design Engineer and Scheduling Engineer, she has since worked for other companies and as a contractor for AT&T.  She has also managed to have two daughters, two sons and three grandchildren.  Carolyn was appointed Publications Officer in 1998 and began publishing the then hard copy and mailed newsletter.  Learning the necessary skills, she transitioned to an online format and maintains a quality newsletter.  Showing her capacity, Carolyn also accepted the unofficial title of Flotilla Historian and began collecting photos and memorabilia from other flotilla members and organizing them into large albums and digital files.  In 2004 Carolyn also took on the role of Division Publications Officer and began publishing the division’s quarterly newsletter, the NOR’EASTER 

Carolyn’s publication awards speak for the flotilla’s good fortune.  EIGHT BELLS was chosen as the Auxiliary’s Seventh District “Best Flotilla Publication” for the year 2004 out of some 74 flotillas.  The NOR’EASTER was voted “Best Division Publication” in the Seventh District for the year 2005 out of 17 divisions, and it also received the 2005 National Award for “Division Publication First Place”