Warren Washburn, Jr. has logged more than 6,000 hours of service with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary since 1996, and that’s only a fraction of the incalculable hours he’s given to the volunteer organization.

A member of the Onset-Marion Flotilla 63, Washburn was honored for 40 years of service to the Coast Guard and the public on Thursday night.

Washburn, a native of Marion who now lives in Falmouth, said he joined the auxiliary in 1972 after his physical exam kept him from enlisting in the regular military. Once in, Washburn threw himself into the organization’s work, learning his way around boats, how to chart courses and the history and mission.

“The components of the mission change. When I first came in, radio communications was done on an AM radio,” he said.

Washburn has served in many roles over the years, from a vessel examiner to operations. He’s also completed advanced courses in communications, weather, seamanship, and patrols for the ultimate benefit of the recreational boating public, said Flotilla President Lee Harrison.

Coast Guard Captain Verne Gifford commended Washburn. “As a group, the auxiliary is made up of such faithful people who will be there on time almost every time. That goes especially for Warren,” he said. “He’s helped us through some very sad times and some very happy times.”

Serving with the auxiliary has been a privilege, said Washburn.

“This is a stress reliever for me, a way for me to get away from the office and do something which I really value,” he said.

Teaching water and boat safety is one of Washburn’s primary roles.

“In my earlier years I did a lot of public education with youth,” he said. “There are a lot of adults walking around now that I taught as children.”

The honoree said his work with the auxiliary also gives him the opportunity to expand his role as a minister.

After spending 23 years working for Polaroid, Washburn said his “mid-life crisis” was to go to Bible college. He is now the pastor of Falmouth Church of the Nazarene.

“Even though, in the auxiliary, we do not have chaplains, there is enough flexibility in the Coast Guard where I can help with that,” said Washburn.

During the presentation ceremony, Washburn’s wife Mary was also honored for her role as a military wife who spent thousands of hours away from her husband while he trained and served.

“It is a lot of hours away from home,” she said. “The cause is important. I’m happy that he is able to be involved. He’ll probably be more involved when he retires.”

For his part, Washburn said he doesn’t plan to slow down much.

“It’ll be interesting to see if I can make it to 50.”