The power of love
Today is most often recognized as Valentine’s Day but February 14 also shares another important celebration of love – National Donor Day. In honor of today’s focus on love, we invited heart-transplant recipient Roxanne Watson to write about her story on Compass. Watson was given the heart of 23-year-old Coast Guardsman Michael Bovill after he was tragically killed in an off-duty accident.
Shipmate of the Week – Belinda Ellis
Situated along the Oregon coast, just off Highway 101, is the unassuming Siletz Moorage. People travel to Siletz Bay from all over for a day of fishing for Chinook salmon or crabbing; in fact, Siletz boasts “the best crabbing on the Oregon coast.” But due to the quick thinking of Belinda Ellis, one of the moorage managers, Siletz is now home to lifesavers.
Responding in the aftermath of a disaster: The Surge Capacity Force
The size and impact of Hurricane Sandy will be remembered for years to come and the significance of the storm will not be lost to the Coast Guard civilian volunteers who were part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Surge Capacity Force. Following Hurricane Katrina, a need was recognized for the federal government to be more responsive in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Thus, the surge capacity force was created.
Astoria: An official Coast Guard City
Standing on the 17th Street Pier in Astoria, Ore., you’ll witness the ebb and flow of a bustling maritime community as fishermen prepare for the days catch and tug and pilot boats set out to safeguard commercial ships. But there’s a new addition to the pier in the form of a simple black granite slab. The monument is plain but what it stands for is a rich respect and partnership that has lasted for generations. Six words are etched in the granite to symbolize this respect – Astoria an official Coast Guard City.
Taking care of our own
Hurricane Sandy was a storm of historic proportions making landfall along the densely populated Northeast coast, destroying property and leaving behind unprecedented damage. Coast Guardsmen, so familiar with the role of rescuer, were now part of the population who needed help. Just like the surrounding community, Coast Guard buildings and assets were significantly damaged and hundreds of Coast Guard members and their families were forced to evacuate from their homes and workplace. Members and families needed help in finding adequate housing, filing insurance claims and working to return their lives to normal.
Shipmate of the Week – HS1 Brian Flor
If you’re looking for Alaskan adventure and gritty challenges, look no further than Coast Guard Cutter SPAR. Known as the “Aleutian Keeper,” the men and women aboard SPAR continuously brave every mission that comes their way – no easy feat while sailing the waters of the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea.
Announcing the 2012 Video of the Year
We’ve sifted through and tallied up your votes for the Coast Guard’s video of the year and you all left no doubt to what you love the most…being part of the action! From high surf off the Oregon coast to the intense training it takes to save lives, your favorite videos showcased the commitment Coast Guard men and women display on each and every mission.
Shipmate of the Week – Monsignor James Dorney
Like any soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman who takes a vow to serve, a military chaplain takes a different type of vow. A chaplain not only serves but ministers to military personnel and, in many cases, their families and civilians working with the military. Military chaplains are trained to serve any spiritual need, regardless of religious affiliation, and offer pastoral care and support their religious rights and needs.
2012 Videos of the Year: HMS Bounty rescue
We’ve reached our 10th video nominee in our search for the 2012 Video of the Year. In our final video, Rescue swimmer Daniel Todd tells us about the daring rescue of 14 sailors from the HMS Bounty during Hurricane Sandy [...]
2012 Videos of the Year: Cutter Dallas gunnery exercise
Our video of the year nominee today showcases the weaponry aboard Coast Guard Cutter Dallas in one of the last gunnery exercises this vessel performed before being decommissioned. The 2012 Videos of the Year began Saturday, with voting open through Jan. [...]
