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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
FC Thomas O. Peavy US Coast Guard Auxiliary (2001-Present)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE COAST GUARD?
 My mother's brothers were WWII Sailors and models of what Sailors could become. My dad and his brother were Soldiers in WWII and an inspiration. I grew up believing I would become a Marine but since I was a minor enlistee I had to make a choice of my dad's approval. The WWII Navy movies captivated me, especially, the 20 mm and 40mm gunners banging away at attacking aircraft. The usual John Wayne Marine movies and war based comic books were a part of my youthful diet of military knowledge. In my senior year of high school I transferred to a military school and was in JROTC. I knew something of the Army but only stories of my uncles and the Navy. When I decided to enlist, the Navy seemed to be a good choice for a kid who dropped out of school and saw few opportunities in a small rural Georgia town.
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I enlisted in December 1963 and was was in Company One of 1964. After boot I was ordered to the US Navy Ceremonial Guard in Washington, DC. While in the Ceremonial Guard I participated in the usual funeral details in Arlington Cemetery and was a part of the funeral details for Gen. Douglas MacArthur and President Hoover. I participated in the inauguration of President Lyndon Johnson and was assigned as a Gate Keeper in the Capital Building Rotunda. At the conclusion of my Ceremonial Guard tour, I was awarded permanent custody of my Guard Belt Buckle as testament of exemplary service.
After my Guard tour, I was ordered to the USS Bainbridge DLG(N) 25, the first nuclear powered destroyed in the Navy. I served in Bainbridge during two tours in Vietnam. I did the usual turn in the Deck Force and then was in F-2 Division as a Gunners Mate, GMG3. I was rifleman on the deck rescue detail, BAR man on the ship's landing party and 3in/50cal gun director operator at GQ. Now as a young nineteen year old GMG 3 who recalled Victory at Sea, I had reached the place I had idolized as a youngster. I was highlined from Bainbridge to the USS Tappahonic, an old WWII Oiler, while on station in the Tonkin Gulf.
Rather than extend my enlistment to ride the ship back to CONUS, I decided I had had enough of condition three watches and three section Liberty. I separated from the Navy at Treasure Island in June 1967 and returned home to attend college and find work.
The Navy trained me well in firefighting and I found a position with a local state hospital fire department and rose to the rank of Lieutenant in a short time. Later I transferred to the County Fire Dept. as a Lieutenant, and worked there unit I completed undergraduate studies.
After a service break, I enlisted in the US Army Reserve as a Medic, Specialist 5, 91-B-20/91G-20. The Army trained me at Ft. Sam Houston and I served in the 3297th Army Hosp. USAR and 860th Combat Engineers HHQ of Georgia Army National Guard.
 After one enlistment I transferred to the US Navy Reserve and was ordered to Camp LeJeune, NC for Fleet Marine Force Training as a Corpsman. I served as general duty Corpsman, HM2, Branch Clinic, Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, GA, Training Petty Officer, HM1, Fleet Hospital 14, NRC Columbus, GA. During Operation Desert Storm, I was assigned to NAVHOSP Charleston, SC where I was assigned to the Behavioral Science/Social Work Dept. as a Chief Petty Officer.
After Desert Storm, I was Chief Petty Officer in Charge of Bravo Det, 4th Force Service Support Group, NRC Macon, GA. After BRAC closure of Macon NRC, I was Command Senior Chief of the Marine Air Group 42 Medical unit at NAS Atlanta, GA. Later I was training Senior Chief Petty Officer for NAVHOSP Jax. USNR Det. NRC Columbus, GA. where I retired as a Senior Chief with twenty five years of service.
After a six year break of serving I affiliated with USCG Auxiliary 2001 and have held office as Flotilla Commander, Vice Flotilla Commander, Service Officer Public Education, Flotilla Service Officer Public Education. I continue serving as FSO-PE and act as Lay Person for Flotilla 83.
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT, PEACEKEEPING OR HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
 I was with the First Nuclear Task Group in Combat on 02 Dec 1965. The USS Enterprise, USS Bainbridge, USS Barry and USS Samuel B. Roberts were task group 77.7 which composed the task Group. After this operation, Bainbridge detached to the Tonkin Gulf on a PIRAZ Station vectoring air strikes in and out of North Vietnam. When detached from PIRAZ with Helo aboard she took her assigned search and rescue station in Tonkin Gulf and at times detached to provide Plane Guard for carriers. In separate operations, Bainbridge participated in Russian Trawler interdiction patrols and search and rescue efforts off Hinan Island. During USNR service, I participated in Joint MAGTAF drug interdiction activity in US and Mexico border. While serving with USCG Auxiliary I participated in peacetime activity patrolling the Gulf Coast after 9/11 as well as Brown Water patrols in the tree rivers area of GA, AL and FL.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
The US Navy Ceremonial Guard provided many memories but the usual burial details in Arlington were most memorable. I believe the highest honor a Sailor can provide a departed Shipmate is to stand watch at his final anchorage and provide the most flawless ceremony possible. USS Bainbridge was my only sea duty and that in itself is memorable for all the reasons Sailors go to sea.
Attachment to USMC provided many opportunities to recall, most memorable is the 1992 period of Drug Interdiction Patrols on the US and Mexico border. We were issued weapons, ammo and a little yellow care that stated "Rules of Engagement." This was definitely not the usual Reserve training.
During service in the USCG Auxiliary, I cross-decked to FEMA and worked as a Chaplain in Waveland, MS where Hurricane Katrina came ashore. Nothing in my war time experience prepared me for the devastation and suffering I encountered there. What was most interesting is that my colleague and I wore USCG Auxiliary non regulation ball caps and almost everyone we encountered believed the Coast Guard to be the best answer and most responsive to their needs. I earned my USCG Presidential Unit Citation, as I see it, by the service I provided to my fellow man who was in need and was without hope in many instances. I learned the true meaning of Semper Paratus when in that service.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
 Sailing the world's oceans and seas and duty in Vietnam is a special memory. Sailing in "Harms Way" is what Sailors train to do. To actually apply that training and experience the rigors of war time sea duty is as President Kennedy said "the worthwhile accomplishment in one's life." In my USAR service I learned what it was to be a Soldier, a Medic, to live in the field and make do with whatever was available. These were not my experiences during my active duty days. In the USNR and attached to the Fleet Marine Force, I learned what it means to be associated with Our Marine Corps. To earn the respected title of "Doc" from Marines is an honorable tribute and is not to be taken lightly. Semper Fi and Devildog are greetings shared by a select few and Corpsmen who share in this greeting are a privileged few of the few.
WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER? IF YOU RECEIVED ANY MEDALS FOR VALOR OR OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS, PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW THESE WERE EARNED.
No valor medals here. I am the usual Sailor, Soldier, Fleet Marine Force Corpsman and USCG Auxiliarist serving as I was ordered or called to do. My awards have come from being in the place and time of serving.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE ONE(S) MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Obtaining the 8404 NEC as a FMF Corpsman (Doc) and Promotion to Chief Petty Officer. Both are brotherhoods shared only by those who are selected, tested and initiated. The cadesus on the shield and anchors say more than a medal could offer.
Beyond this, I would think my Vietnam Service Medal is meaningful. This is a symbol of men and women who served in an unpopular war and asked nothing more than to come home and live life as they would like. I served and I came home to a country I did not know and one that did not know me. It was a life altering event and the memory lives on with me.
The USCG Presidential Unit Citation serves as a reminder of another time when I encountered a life altering event. Katrina altered many lives in ways yet to be understood. As I stood on the beach in Waveland, MS I had a calling to another kind of service and in that I am continuing to serve. Each time I see the award with the hurricane device I am reminded of my calling.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Builder Chief Petty Officer Chesley Webber was the Guard Chief when I arrived in the Ceremonial Guard. It was not so much what he said, it was what he did. He looked and acted like the Chief I wanted to be. Senior Chief (Ret.) Webber and I remain in contact to this day. My uncle Mason Newsome, RMC, USN (Ret.) was of equal influence. He was the Chief I wanted to be in knowledge and ability. After his USN service he sailed another fifteen years as a radio officer in the USNS. I trust I have lived up to the models of my Messmates.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
 In boot camp the company was sent to the Ships Store to buy laundry soap. One among the group decided to buy a couple of large chocolate bars and a bag of M&M's. When we returned to the Company area, the Company Commander was waiting to inspect the bags of each Recruit. When the chocolate was found the Company was placed at attention beside our racks and the offender placed atop the Quarterdeck Table. He was then allowed to eat his ill gotten gains, paper and all, before the entire Company. We were too scared to laugh but a lesson to follow orders was taught in visible form.
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
After USN, I returned to my hometown and enrolled in a military junior college. I was working midnight shift as a Firefighter, driving a school bus in the morning after work and attending class as I could schedule them. After two years I began work as a relief officer for the county FD on weekends and completed the Bachelor Degree in Sociology with additional courses to certify and teach Behavioral Sciences.
I began teaching in the local county high school and rose to the position of Department Chair. During this time I commuted two hours once weekly to Georgia Southern University and completed a Master of Education Degree in Adult and Higher Education. I taught another year and then began graduate work at the University of Georgia in Adult Education while substitute teaching.
 I completed the Education Specialist Degree at UGA and took a position in the Department of Correction teaching and counseling inmates, My primary responsibilities were for Death Row and Administrative Segregation inmates. After a short stay in corrections, I transferred to the Georgia Department of Human Resources and worked as an Adult Educator and therapist in a regional state hospital for more than twenty years.
During this twenty year time I completed the Master of Science Degree in Counseling at Troy University in Alabama and the Doctor of Education in Community Counseling at Mississippi State University. Toward my time of retirement, I completed Post Doctoral training in Traumatology at Florida State University. I began work as an Adjunct Faculty member at Troy University Phenix City, AL prior to retirement from Georgia State Government and continue now in my fifteenth year there.
More recently, I have been ordained in the Lutheran Evangelical Protestant Church and I am a Board Certified Crisis Chaplain. In the past year, I completed a Clinical Pastoral Education Unit at a local hospital and worked in cardiac care and a nursing home as a Chaplain. At present, I continue my Chaplains ministry and teach courses for the National Alliance on Mental Illness to peace officers in Georgia. I have been blessed with a good woman and children who allowed me to chase my academic, professional and military dreams. Much is owed to them.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a member of The Vietnam Veterans of America, The Fleet Reserve Association, The USCG Auxiliary, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, The US Navy Memorial, Sailors of the Vietnam War and The US Naval Institute
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
 Each day I use things learned in the military. If clean, it must be Navy clean. If dressed, it is to be as dressed as my parade uniform. If it is to be done then it is to be done correctly. In my daily routine I find the USCG Auxiliary is a constant in my computer browsing or offering the public information and having an opportunity to serve. I had believed that after the USN/USAR/USMC service I would hang my uniforms up and have fond memory of my military service. The Auxiliary has given me new military life and hopefully in another four years I will retire one more time from a sea service organization.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE COAST GUARD?
Remember you are the example for others to see. Wear the uniform with pride, serve with dignity and never forget you are the example others are to follow. In the USCG Auxiliary I find these admonitions to be more true.
I enjoy the opportunity to serve in uniform. I believe there is honor in service and that any service uniform or other uniform should reflect the character of the person wearing that attire. I don't want to tarnish the uniform and I would expect that of others wearing the attire.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
 Continuing to meet others and share with them the Brotherhood of service is an important aspect of this site. I find the stories of others informative and interesting. The information offered on service members lost to death is honorable and a continuing memorial to their sacrifice.
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TWS VOICES
TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
This edition of Coast Guard Voices was supported by:
CoastGuard.Togetherweserved.com
For current and former serving Members of the US Coast Guard and US Coast Guard Reserve, TogetherWeServed is a unique, feature-rich resource enabling Coast Guardsmen to re-connect with lost Shipmates, share memories and tell their Coast Guard story.
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