8/4/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Coast Guard on its 221st birthday Aug. 4.
Schwartz wrote a letter to the commandant of the Coast Guard stating:
"Congratulations to you and the men and women of the United States Coast Guard as you celebrate 221 years of service to our nation. Through the courage, honor and vigilance that they demonstrate daily in defending our homeland, the men and women of the Coast Guard prove their worthiness of the motto Semper Paratus.
"The men and women of the United States Air Force are proud to serve alongside the United States Coast Guard. We salute you and your team and wish you the very best on the Coast Guard's birthday. May you continue to enjoy great success in the service of a grateful nation."
Roy wrote a letter to the master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard stating:
"Happy Birthday to all the Coast Guardsmen of the U.S. Coast Guard on 221 years of loyal service to our great nation.
"Since 1790, thousands of men and women have stood watch on land, sea and in the air: ever vigilant, protecting our homeland and keeping our maritime resources safe. In a world of violent extremism, scarce resources and rapidly advancing technologies, America's Coast Guardsmen remain highly motivated, dedicated and ready to answer our nation's call to protect our country's borders.
"On behalf of every Airman, I wish you all the best as you celebrate and look forward to serving alongside you for many years to follow.
"Happy Birthday and Semper Paratus!"
Comments
8/8/2011 1:24:24 PM ET As a U.S. Air Force veteran and father of a U.S. Coast Guard fireman, I echo the Air Force and other services salute to the Guard. I just returned from seeing my son graduate from training at Cape May, New Jersey, and I was very impressed with the people and resources I witnessed.
Jim West, Phoenix Arizona
8/5/2011 12:35:49 PM ET Happy Birthday to the nation's oldest continuous maritime force. The United States Navy formed during the Revolutionary War was disbanded and all ships sold by 1785. Between 1790 and 1798, when the Navy Department was created, the Revenue-Marine, the forerunner of the current United States Coast Guard, was the only armed maritime service for the United States.
Jerry , Oklahoma
8/4/2011 6:45:34 PM ET I have many years of appreciation and admiration for each of you. Semper Paratus! I have felt your dedication and Spirit of Service from mostly West-coast sites but know this course of thought and action is in all of you wherever you serve. Thanks for the memories!
Mark Wight, Provo Utah
8/4/2011 6:13:32 PM ET This branch of our services needs more recognition for all they do. Their existence only came to my mind after I had retired many years ago. In traveling on different coasts I become aware of their presence. Visit their small exchanges and miniature commissaries when you travel, get to meet some of these courageous men and women. In some ways they are unique. I salute them for their work.
R Soucy, N. Calif
8/4/2011 2:30:36 PM ET Kudos, guys, on some very well-deserved praise for some very dedicated men and women. Semper paratus indeed!
