Please describe who or what influenced your decision to join the Coast Guard?

Being young and just dropping out of college at the height of Vietnam, I knew I would be drafted almost immediately and, wanting to have some measure of "control", I followed the path of one of my childhood friends and enlisted in the Coast Guard.

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?

At the time of my enlistment, I can't say I had a career path as I was so very immature at that time.

Looking back, like so many others, I wish I had completed my 20 years. Many things led up to my deciding to get out, not the least of which was listening to my wife at the time tell me how much more difficult it could be to compete for employment with people half my age. Since I already had a job waiting for me the day after my release from Active Duty, I chose that route.

If you participated in any military operations, including combat, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, please describe those which were the most significant to you and, if life-changing, in what way.

	HU-16 2123

Although not directly involved in the Search and Rescue operations for the crew of HU16E CGNR 2123, lost while on a SAR mission off the coast of Corpus Christi, TX on 21 Sep 73, made me instantly realize just how fragile life can be.

Those on board, LCDR Frank Lewis, LT(jg) Gerald Mack, AD1 Harold D. Brown, Jr., A M2 Benjamin R. Gaskins, Jr., AT2 John F. Harrison and AT2 John P. Pledger all made that Ultimate Sacrifice in service to our great Nation while performing their humanitarian duties by assisting in the search for a man who had reportedly fell overboard from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Mexico.

They may be gone but they shall never be forgotten.

Of all your duty stations or assignments, which one do you have fondest memories of and why? Which one was your least favorite?

Gone Too Soon

Although I have many fond memories of my time aboard the Sebago, with the many ports we visited, the friendships started and the, sometimes, horrific ocean station patrols we had, my greatest memories would have to be the time I spent at CGAS Corpus Christi.

I like to think it was there that the "little kid" in me began to transform himself into a young man, father and husband, as well as a good sailor. Being a relatively small Air Station, many friendships were formed, mostly with Officers as I worked alongside them on a daily basis. It was here that I learned the true meaning of responsibility and began to take great pride in my job. Being the only Radioman at the station, I was responsible for training everyone in how to use the communication equipment, converse with our aircraft, maintain proper radio logs and send/receive teletype messages. In looking over the teletype traffic from units throughout the 8th District, it gave me great pride in seeing that those I had trained were sometimes much more proficient than the real RMs at other stations.

It was also there that I experienced tragedy in the loss of HU16E CGNR 2123, taking with her six of my very good friends, during a SAR mission off Corpus Christi on 21 Sep 73. Two of those lost were men I had trained to stand radio watch during my off hours. Seeing the recovered wreckage laid out in our hangar and attending the services of one of her crew made me realize just how fragile life is.

To this day, with my involvement with the Patriot Guard Riders, my signature line on every posting I make there includes a photo of 2123 and states that I am riding in memory of LCdr Francis Miller, LT(jg) Jerald Mack, AD1 Harold Brown, AM2 Benjamin Gaskins, AT2 John Harrison and AT2 John Pledger. May they all continue to rest in honored, eternal peace.

From your entire service, including combat, describe the personal memories which have impacted you most?

Without question, as sad as it was, the loss of HU16E CGNR 2123 at A/S Corpus Christi on 21 Sep 73 resulting in the loss of 6 brave crewmen, all of whom I knew very well.

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations and qualification badges you received, or any other memorabilia, please describe those which are the most meaningful to you and why?

My Good Conduct Medal because it took over 6 years to earn it!! (Told ya I was immature!!)

Which individual(s) from your time in the military stand out as having the most positive impact on you and why?

	RM

Probably the late RM2 Thad Conner (TAC) from my time aboard the Sebago. Being prior service, he was better versed in all aspects of communication than I could ever hope to be. From his knowledge and skill with Morse Code to the operation of the teletype. Being a "green" RM, and one who had a tendency, early on, to not care too much for orders, I was a very slow learner yet, with all his knowledge and expertise, he always took the time to help me in any way I needed.

In many ways, I considered TAC to be my mentor, and a very good one he was, too. Tragically he lost his life in continued service to his community as a Deputy Sheriff.

Please recount the names of friends you served with, at which location, and what you remember most about them. Indicate those you are already in touch with and those you would like to make contact with.

RM2 TAC Connor

RM2 Lee Wonnacott - RM "A" School and USCGC Sebago. Lee and I became good friends while at RM School on Governor's Island, NY and both selected the 8th District as our preferred duty assignment, not knowing that assignment was aboard the CGC Sebago out of Pensacola FL. To say our friendship continue to grow during our tour of duty there would be an understatement. Also we lost contact as we went our separate ways, we caught up with each other 10-15 years ago and have remained in close contact ever since.

RM2 Thaddeous (TAC) Connor - CGC Sebago. TAC was truly a great friend and mentor during my time aboard the Sebago. He as prior service, USAF as I recall, who simply wanted to continue serving his Country. Standing watch with him taught me exactly what it meant to be a Radioman in the USCG. I shall never forget his quick wit and infectious smile. TAC lost his life, tragically, while being struck by a car as he was investigating a traffic accident as a member of the Spencer County, IN Sheriff's Department on 16 Nov 90. God Speed, TAC.

RD2 "Moose" Miles - CGC Sebago. Moose was one of those you could always depend on to lighten any situation. As I recall, he was always upbeat and quick witted, no matter the situation at hand. Although we lost contact after our time aboard the Sebago, we established contact via Facebook many years ago and have kept in contact ever since.

QM1 Buddy Blackburn - District 8 - Buddy and I became instant friends while both were stationed in New Orleans together. Close enough friends that he was the best man at my second wedding on 04 Jul 76. Although I chose to get out, Buddy made the CG a career, rising to the rank, I believe, of CWO4. As someone who was, apparently, born to be at sea, he obtained his Captain's license and spent many years at Texas A&M as the CO and XO of their training ship. Within the past couple of years he changed his employment to where he is now an officer aboard ocean going ships, traveling to all corners of the world and, in his own words, loving every second of it. We remain in close contact even today.

CDR Jim Marcotte and LCDR Jerry Hagan - Two officers I met while at CGAS Corpus Christi, TX. Neither was your typical officer in that both would fraternize with the enlisted personnel. As I was the Radioman in Charge there and always in the OPS Center, I had plenty of time to be around both of these men and consider them both to be, not only great pilots but also great men who represented all there is good about the Coast Guard.

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?

Oh yeah, my "escapades" with RM3 (at the time) Leroy Wonnacott during our visit to San Juan while at Gitmo. I'll NEVER forget our little visit to the ocean liner Empress of Canada, EVER!!! (He won't let me!..LOL!)

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?

	Patriot Guard

I immediately began working for a local chemical manufacturing company, PPG Industries, training to be an Equipment Operator. I kept that position until a fall at work injured my back and I was forced to retire in 2005.

I am currently continuing to serve our military, past and present, and our First Responders as the State Captain for the West Virginia Patriot Guard (www.wvpatriotguard.org), part of the National Patriot Guard Riders organization (www.patriotguard.org).

In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your life and your career?

Pride in the Job

It taught me what it meant to be an "adult" and all that comes with that title. I learned, finally, that in everything we do, there is always someone who knows a bit more than I do and, more often than not, someone who is in a position to give instructions. In order to succeed, those are instructions that need to be followed.

Mostly, though, although I've always had a deep-rooted respect for our great Country and her military, I developed a much deeper sense of pride by my service. I believe that has gone a long way toward shaping me into who I am today and the "job" I perform in the Patriot Guard.

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to those who have recently joined the Coast Guard?

My advice to any still serving is quite simple, Listen and Learn. Listen to those around you who very easily will know more than you and learn from what they tell you. That will only serve to better you and prepare you to help those that come after. To me, there is no greater sense of pride and accomplishment than knowing you have the knowledge and ability to help someone else.

In what ways has TogetherWeServed.com helped you remember your military service and the friends you served with.

	TWS and the US Coast Guard

Although I've not connected with many I served with, it is very good to "see" those I served with so many years ago. Thank you to TWS for providing that opportunity!