A Time to Work, Play and Relax

Coasties before the Colors Ceremony.

The Last couple week have been a lot of work, some needed relaxation and having a good time when the opportunity presented itself. Between studying for test, reading and practicing for practical; I found time to see the girlfriend, go to a concert and have my first race experience.

EMT Class has been busy we are in the final week and it has been a lot of work getting through this class. The entire group has worked hard and we are still standing. If all goes well, we will maintain our team into HS A-School. The only hurdle in our way now is the final exam and practical’s . The National Registered EMT Test is the following day. Then A-School officially starts. The weeks have gone by quickly, but it has been a healthy challenge for the mind and a good refresher for my EMT Knowledge. I am confident that the class will do well.

Coasties Hanging out in the Pit Crew Area.

Racing around the track.



On the lighter side of the life is the wonderful girlfriend and a great concert. I went and saw Dave Matthews Band with Amy at the Shoreline. He put a great show on. I did not recognize all the songs, but it was fun to dance to them on the lawn all night long. I am fortunate to have these opportunities to enjoy life.

In addition I went to my first professional racing event. I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Flag Ceremony at Infineon Raceway on Military Appreciation day. It was a honor to be a part of the ceremony, but the real experience was being able to go virtually anywhere on the track. I even got to go around at around 90 miles per hour before the race began. I spent some time in the pit and the garages. I am not a huge fan of racing, but the passion people hold for that sport is amazing. For them it is a lifestyle, not just a sport.

Overall life is good and I look forward to the relief of the EMT class being behind me. Once I get through this, I will have plenty opportunities before me.

Self Reflection of the Past and Future

  Like the steps we take to save lives, life is a constant chain of challenges to test the strength of our character. As much as the outcome may matter, it is pale in comparison to the effort we put into the process. The last week has been a lot of work. Even as someone that if familiar with the material, It has been difficult to perform well. It comes back to character and what we are willing to give.

  Those that know me well are aware of what I am willing to give and how hard I am willing to work. I hope to show my character through my actions, not through words. With that said, the most important thing we can do is be honest with ourselves. Be true to who we are. It takes time to know who someone really is, but in the meantime, we have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

  Fortunately, I have had wonderful mentors in my life. I can only control my own actions, not the choices of responses of others. A more recent lesson is regarding leadership. As a leader you cannot force someone to do anything, just inspire them to do so. I am no more of leader than any other shipmate, but I do know who I am. I am that guy that wakes up and decides it is going to be a good day. If I am away from family, friends or loved ones; I still have a job to do. I cannot control how I will succeed or fail, but I can stand proud knowing that I gave all.

  In my short time on this earth, I can humbly say that life is not suppose to be anything, it will be what we make it. The person we choose to be, how we treat those around us and how we react to the events of life. I don’t deny that I have a lead a very fortunate life, but it did have its challenges as well. My personal strength is a direct product of the unfortunate events of my life. In lieu of that struggle, I am thankful for the person I am. Looking back on my life, there is a reason for everything I have been through. It is not my place to change any of it. I can only be the best person I know how to be and hope that I go in the right direction.

Indoctrination week Complete, Now More Work .....

Indoctrination week is complete and the EMT School has started for our class. The week consisted of Leadership Training, Class Bonding and general training. It was a good week. After we successfully navigated through the uniform inspections, ropes course, in depth discussions regarding diversity and an opportunity to get to know shipmates.

I cannot say the uniform inspections were the most fun of the week but they did show that we take pride in our uniform. Many hours went into our uniform but in the end it was well worth the liberty we earned. The room inspections were also a success. The most important factor was the teamwork we used to succeed. In the ropes course we got the opportunity to scale a twelve foot wall, and get over a “magma” pit using two by fours and untie a knot with everyone holding on to the rope at the same time. We may not have gotten everyone over the pit due to our large group size, but we found a system that worked as long as we worked together.

Undoing a knot during the ropes Course.

Diversity!

Crossing the "Magma."

Even more amazing than the teamwork we have displayed is the diversity that this group holds. In addition to the domestic diversity, two international students are part of our group. They offer a unique cultural perspective. Where do I begin? I have to admit that I have been raised in a very culturally diverse area, but the Coast Guard offers a different kind of diversity. We are here for the same goal. To become leaders, to become Petty Officers and to become Health Service Technicians. When we leave this place as graduates, we will no longer be non-rates with no official responsibility, but leaders that people will look to. I can see why the instructors want us to be so serious about this. This group seems to be very dedicated to succeeding.

I have enjoyed the experience thus far and now the tough part has begun. In a mere three weeks we have to complete the EMT Course. Then directly following that will be the Health Services Technician session of the school. As I said before, I will have to work hard, but I have a good team to work with and that’s all I can really ask for.

The River running through downtown Petaluma.

On the non work side the area is beautiful. I was able to go see Bodega Bay on a clear day and spend a day with a beautiful women out there. Petaluma is a very nice downtown. I enjoy the mixture of historical architecture with modern building in between. The river flows right through the down town, you can bring a sail boat and moor it in the middle of the downtown area. I look forward to exploring more of this area.


A sandcastle empire on the horizon of the bay.

"I'm not looking at you."

All in all, I can say I am a very lucky man. I am going to A-School, I am in a beautiful area, and I have a bright future ahead of me. Until I write again, have a wonderful day and enjoy every moment.

Reporting to A-School

It has been a long two-year wait spent at two great stations, as many of you know. First Port Clarence, then Airs Station San Francisco, now I am ready for my official training and officially start doing what I have wanted to do in the Coast Guard.

It was not much travel for me, just a relatively short drive to Petaluma, California. Although I leave several things I hold dear back home, these next twenty weeks should go quickly. I don’t know how much time I will have with my studies, so I apologize in advance for any lack of communication or contact. I shall do what I can to see the people I care about even in this very busy and life changing part of my life.

The campus here is beautiful. It was larger than I had expected from the few times I had been here for the shooting range. There is a waterfall, a small lake, lots of open land and an abundance of wildlife. The gym is small, but efficient and the pool is heated to be very comfortable. In the run I took the day I reported here I saw ducks, deer, horses and geese. I could here my mother talking to every critter in her critter voice. There is a PX, General Store, Subway, movie theater, club and the galley food has been good so far. It has not been long enough to get sick of anything here quite yet.

Among this display of beautiful Petaluma country side is an admirable demonstration of leadership. People are treated with respect because they have earned in, they will lose if they choose not to be adults. I can officially say that is better than basic training. I look forward to this training and will do my best to learn as much as I can. The group has done well to operate as a team thus far, displaying one of the many skills we will need to get through. Long story short, it is going well. I shall keep you updated and hope to see everyone soon.

The Adventure Continues

It has been a worthwhile time at home and the Bay Area. Some good, some bad, but overall it has been wonderful to be home near all the things I grew up with. Now after a long two-year wait, I finally get to attend Health Services Technician “A” School. I have been working with the Independent Duty Health Services Technician at the Air Station, but it will be nice to finally earn those crows and officially do the work. It has been a very helpful experience to work with HS1 Capra.

Other than work I have kept myself as active as possible considering I blew out my shoulder. Now let me clear the air on that. Remember to include all the words, otherwise the whole truth is not told. I was doing an “Epic Flying Kick Ninja Role,” I know it sounds to awesome to visualize. The landing did not go so well, I ended up sustaining a fifth degree AC Joint separation. Long Story short I had to have surgery to repair my damaged shoulder followed by a four-month recovery process of light duty and physical therapy. Fortunately it was repairable and I am now fully functional once again.

Before that I was very active and having more fun than I have ever had in this area; Trampoline Dodge Ball, Tiki Lounges, Hiking, Running and of course the beautiful city of San Francisco. I have met a wonderful group of people along with someone very special in the process. I have been taking Jeff out regularly, my friends since second grade. He is now in a group home and does not get out much to just have a good time. He is fearless on the dance floor, a regular chick magnet. He definitely has some work when it comes to Go Carts, but that will happen in time. He has come a long way and I hope to do anything I can to help him. This will be a little more difficult with “A” School, but I can still help out a little.





It was nice to be home for the Family Pinecrest Trip. There were 21 people including the guests of the family. Both Amy and Rob enjoyed the trip and did well meeting the family. The dogs loved the water as usual and weather was spectacular. Time moves at a different rate there. Even three days feel like a long relaxing vacation. There is no pressure to do anything, yet so much available. I sailed the Hobie Cat with Amy, Hiked to Cleo’s Bath and saw the wildflowers. I took some nice macro shots that turned out quite nice.




Now I embark on the next stage of my Coast Guard Adventure. It may not be in the wilds of Alaska, but it is a gateway to many more opportunities. The training will be in Petaluma for four months. I have heard that it is fairly intense, I shall have to see when I get there. I look forward to the challenge.