Today I heard a sound bite from Coach K. (Duke University), who's last name I am not going to attempt to spell, talk about his civic responsibility to coach the Redeem Team in 2008 because he never had the honor of serving in combat. Coach K is a graduate of West Point and served approximately 5 years as an officer in the Army.
I was an enlisted member of the Coast Guard, one of the nation’s Armed Forces, and the only one that is not administered by the Department of Defense. In all likelihood, if I was in the service today (enlistment ended in 2000), I would not see combat, but be, again worst case, be patrolling shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf. I too, never had the honor, or the privilege to serve my country in the most meaningful way – by giving my life for those living under the umbrella of the United States’ Constitution.
Humility is a strong word for me, partially because I see my father as being humble. Though he never served in the military, as I reflect back on my life, I can tell that his job was to raise two children the best he could, so that one day we could stand on our feet and help our own families. When I think about what America means to me, I think of my most memorable work experience: being allowed to fail in order to succeed. Now almost 33, 4 years removed from the age my father restarted his life in mechanical engineering, I see this great nation for what it is – he brought himself back from debt and hardship to being a great father. So while, I have not died for my country, if I can love my wife, my dogs, and my extended family, I will be carrying on the legacy of my father, whom I believe was a great American.
Humility is what keeps me seated when asked to stand to be recognized as a veteran – I volunteered, and I did my job. I did not fight in a war, I did not serve in a hostile country, I did not serve in a more ballyhooed service like the Marine Corps. No, I served in the Coast Guard, a service that is oft forgotten, but well received.
While most military services are either at war or training for war, the Coast Guard is deployed every day. With a decentralized organization and much responsibility placed on even the most junior personnel, the Coast Guard is frequently lauded for its quick responsiveness and adaptability in a broad range of emergencies. In a 2005 article in TIME magazine following Hurricane Katrina, the author wrote, "the Coast Guard's most valuable contribution to [a military effort when catastrophe hits] may be as a model of flexibility, and most of all, spirit." Wil Milam, a rescue swimmer from Alaska told the magazine, "In the Navy, it was all about the mission. Practicing for war, training for war. In the Coast Guard, it was, take care of our people and the mission will take care of itself." (a referenced portion of Wikipedia)Humility regarding my service is second nature to me. I was on a fire team when the Anchor Windlass caught fire on my 180-ft boat and I saved a man’s life by performing CPR in the water in Cleveland Harbor. I expected no recognition… I was just doing my job.
To me, I think this attitude that I learned from my father suited my entry into the service, and really most service men and women – they don’t feel they are heroes, they just do there job.
So, after a day to remember our veterans, say thanks again that they do do their job, humbly, professionally, and with honor.
Sam J., who is generally awesome, is a college graduate, a Midwesterner living in Arizona, and unemployed. He is a recreational runner, licensed Professional Engineer, an accomplished technical writer, as well as a freelance writer who currently writes for several blogs.
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