7 years ago today…
I remember leaving home with my bags feeling nervous and excited at the same time as I got ready to embark on a new adventure and take on a commitment to serve my country.
I remember flying into the Philadelphia Airport, and gathering with others at the USO making our last few phone calls and sending emails and text messages to friends and loved ones, as we waited for the buses to take us to Cape May, NJ…our home for the next 8 weeks.
I remember getting on the bus with butterflies…curious and excited. Some people slept, others chatted quietly, and the rest of us just observed and took in every detail. I remember thinking “there is no way I can fall asleep I want to be ready for anything that happens”.
I remember it was dark outside and the last few moments of silence because everyone stopped talking as the bus pulled through the gate of the Coast Guard Training Center and round the corner to our destination where 4 company commanders awaited our arrival.
I remember wondering how quickly I would move and tried to remember where I put my bag in the storage area so that I wouldn’t be the last one in formation.
The bus came to a stop, the doors opened, and my adventure began…Coast Guard recruit company Mike 173 – 10ft Tall and Bullet Proof
Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman
(The Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman was written by Vice Admiral Harry G. Hamlet, who served as Commandant of the Coast Guard from 1932 to 1936)
I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman.
I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world.
I never, by word or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged.
I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders.
I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share.
I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties.
I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems.
I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others.
I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live.
I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril.
With God’s help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works…
A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN.
Love AGT :)
A Girl Travels 