I'm interested in joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary to get on a Boat Crew on one of the local lakes. Anyone involved? Is it worthwhile? I've been looking at some of the local Flotilla websites, and it looks like an older (i.e. white hair) crowd so not sure if I will be out of place.

I'm not in it, but older folks is what I've observed. What authority do they have? It's been many years, but the folks I ran in to were on a power trip. What are you wanting to accomplish with your involvement? If law enforcement is what you want, I'd bet your local sheriff's office has a boat crew run by volunteers. At one time, Harris County's SO boat division was run by reserves.

You may also want to look into joining the Texas Maritime Regiment (TMAR) of the Texas State Guard. It has more folks who may be of your age group as well as older folks (since many are prior service and/or retired military). Check it out at http://tmar.txsg.state.tx.us/hq/index.html.

My biggest heartburn with the USCGA is that rank is tied directly to your position within the unit. It was a bit difficult to be an Ensign in the CG Aux when down deep inside I knew that I was really a Navy Captain.