Originally Posted by
Trsnrtr
I don't know who my father had to bribe or whatever because Coast Guard enlistments were very rare at that time. I was in college at the time and was going to apply for a deferment but never bothered after my high number.
BTW, we have a Coast Guard unit based in Peoria.
My Uncle (Dad's kid brother) retired from the Coast Guard. He was stationed in Toledo, DC, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. He was recognized for saving a boatswain's life towards the end of his career. He was probably in his early to mid 40s at the time, a smoker and out of shape. The dumbass fell overboard and my Uncle dove in after him. This was up in cold waters coming back from Alaska. Very risky but he knew what he had to do. He's been gone since 2007.
I liked him probably because we had similar personalities. He grated on my Mother's nerves yet I'm her fav. Go figure.
Getting back to my point, the Coast Guard does more than guard the coast.
#RIPUncle