Sassy Molassie: August 2011

I grew up an air force brat, attended ROTC in High School and Married a Marine. I have always had great pride in being an American and had a desire to serve my country in some manner. I had signed the line with the Air Force early in 2004 but did not feel the timing was right. Tried again with the Air force in the summer of 2004 and when preparing to leave at MEPS discovered I was pregnant with Isaak. In 2007 my Friend Megan Dearrington came home to visit and started telling me about the Coast Guard.

I went into the recruiters office the following week and signed up to leave in June of 2007. I studied really hard and brought my ASVAB score up 30 points form when I took it with the Air Force and the Coast Guard told me I could do anything I wanted.

I graduated from 8 weeks of Coast Guard boot camp in August of 2007 and even got to be on the drill team and perform during our graduation ceremony. John and I both attended boot camp during our services birthdays. This was the first time John and I had been separated for our anniversary, even with his time in the Marine Corps. The hardest part was being away from the kids!

John was the only family member that was able to come see me graduate and his presence meant so much to me! He has supported me and wherever the Coast Guard send us! I feel a great sense of pride having served my Country and do my best to honor my service and my country.

My first station was in Barnegat Light New Jersey at a surf station. Surf stations rescue when it is deemed unsafe for other units to go out. There was a light house at the station affectionately called "Old Barney"

I became watch qualified ( like a 911 operator for the water ways) and a qualified 47' motor life boat boat crew member. I assisted saving lives and witnessed lives lost. It was the most difficult and rewarding job I've ever had. Put me completely outside of my comfort zone.

Dolphin doing work!

My first Station!

De-icing the 47's

Doing helo opps!

Me working the P6 pump as we are about to dewater a boat taking on water.

I have met the most amazing people who will forever be like family to me. When I was at the station i lived with the crew 15 days out of the month, we ate together, berthed together, played jokes on each other, saved and lost lives together!