It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Joseph A. Forge a past Division Commander of Division 12 (although then the office was termed Division Captain) and former Division Staff Officer for Finance.
Joseph was an Aids Verifier and AuxOp member as well as an AuxOp Proctor for Division 12 and the 1st Southern Region. He served with us all as a member of Flotilla 12-01 of which is currently led by Ralph Traub, Flotilla Commander and Eleanor Greenberg, Vice Flotilla Commander and former Division Commander of Division 12. He has been a member of the Auxiliary for 17 1/2 years having enrolled in December of 1994 and is survived by his wife, daughter, grandchildren and extended family of in-laws.
Among his many accomplishments and duties, Joe was a facility owner and Coxswain and earned the following citations: AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP SERVICE AWARD (1), CG MERITORIOUS TEAM COMMENDATION (1), PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (1), AUXILIARY PE SERVICE AWARD (2), SPECIAL OPERATIONS SERVICE RIBBON (2), SUSTAINED AUXILIARY SERVICE AWARD (3), CG UNIT COMMENDATION (4), and INSTRUCTOR.
Joseph was waked this evening at Gleason's Funeral Home on 150th Street and 10th Avenue in Whitestone, NY where he made his home and was honored by the presence of his friends, family and comrades from Division 12 that had filled the premise. He and his presence among us will be sorely missed.
To Joe, as you cross the bar ole friend, may you have calm winds and fair seas. Where you are going is a better place with safer harbors where each of us hope and pray to meet with you again one day. Sail on to that bright star on the right and straight on till morning and may you find yourself in good company knowing that those of us left behind will stand a taut watch until we meet again.
Submitted by David G. Porter, Division Commander, Div. 12