U.S. Coast Guard's Link To Willowbrook

WILLOWBROOK, IL – You may not know it, but the U.S. Coast Guard has a presence in Willowbrook, far from any sea.

The Coast Guard has 30 active duty personnel in the Chicago area-based Marine Safety Unit in Willowbrook.

Terry Paggi is the commander of two flotillas of the all-volunteer U.S. Coast Auxiliary. One is based in a Bolingbrook fire station and the other is in Willowbrook at 555 Plainfield Road, Suite A, Paggi said in an email to Patch.

The auxiliary is considered a force multiplier for both the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Reserves, Paggi said.

"While we are volunteers, we can participate in any missions that the active duty and reserves conduct with the exception of combat and law enforcement," Paggi said in the email.

The main mission, he said, is recreational boating safety. The auxiliary conducts boating classes and vessel safety checks, among other things.

"A member does not have to have prior military experience. In fact, most members are not veterans," said Paggi, a veteran who is retired from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "You just need a desire to serve your country and community."

Paggi said the auxiliary has members trained in marine safety, public affairs and public safety. They are also trained as vessel examiners and culinary specialists. Local members range in age from their early 20s to 80s, Paggi said.

Paggi can be reached by email for more information about joining the auxiliary.