Story Of A Volunteer In The US Coast Guard Auxiliary
I was going through old papers today, throwing out some old stuff that my kids would never know what to do with, and I started to think that maybe I had something to say here on Oath Keepers that shouldn’t be thrown away. So, here goes…
When I finished high school, I had two jobs. I worked in a convalescent hospital (which broke my heart) and cleared tables at the local restaurant in the evenings. I was so tired at the end of the week I couldn’t think of trying to make it to night courses at the local community college. I dearly wanted the education but my dad was raising two daughters all by himself, no money, no transportation. It was during the Viet Nam war and all the news kept talking about was how bad it was. I knew it wasn’t right that those who served were treated so badly. I decided I could go help in some way and then I could use the GI bill to get my college education that I so desperately wanted. What I got in return, is beyond measure.I served in the Air Force for 7 1/2 years and helped those who came back from the war. Then I transferred to an Army Reserve unit which was closer to my dad’s home and got an active duty position at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, then other jobs as needed.
When the war was over they needed Career Counselors and I was glad to have that job. There were chances to do good there that few are able to find. It was rewarding and I have felt great pride that I did these different jobs. I still am serving but now as a volunteer in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. When active duty personnel need to do law enforcement, I can help at the station in their stead, I can do comms, stand watch and help with search and rescue. I am 54 yrs old now and not as nimble as I was, but my heart is still to serve. When I am needed I will be there.
Gretchen
Please donate and support Oath Keepers mission, every little bit helps!
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:14 am
Thanks for all you have done and still do.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:38 am
Thank you for your past and current contributions. They are greatly appreciated.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:07 am
Thank you for your service defending our Nation, Gretchen.
You can be proud of your accomplishments, as we are.
Thank you for agein standing firm in that committment by joining Oath Keepers.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:44 am
Gretchen thank you for all of your service. We all did a little part to make the big puzzle come together. Remember that if everyone does a little then no one must do alot.
We all still have a big job ahead of us. But we will get it done one job at a time.
God bless the Republic and Oath Keepers.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Gretchen – Thank you so much for your service. I am sure that the effects of your service reaches beyond our imagination and has blessed the lives of so many. God bless you and your family.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:23 am
I am also an Auxiliarist – in Public Affairs.
When 9/11 occurred, I regretted having never served in Uniform. I’m in IT so I started applying for support positions to the Government, CIA, FBI, and Armed Forces. In 2004 I started working as an IT Contractor for the Army, and in 2007 I contracted to the US Coast Guard… where I learned of the Coast Guard Auxiliary! Here was a place where a 50+ overweight guy who never served in uniform could really make a contribution! I signed up right away, and 2 years later I’ve got well over 2000 volunteer hours in! The Auxiliary is a SPECTACULAR way to serve – whether you’re an old salt, or whether, like me, you coxswain a desk! Learn more at http://www.cgaux.org
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:38 am
Thank you for your service, then and now, and for your continued dedication to duty. It is an honor to stand with you in defense of our Republic. God Bless.
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Thank you for your service to our Great Nation. God bless you and yours.
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Welcome aboard, Gretchen. Thank you for your service and standing with us here at Oath Keepers.You are needed.
Semper Fi
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Gretchen!
Thank you for the great story. Welcome aboard if you’re new to Oathkeepers, or if you’re an Oathkeeper Oldtimer (ouch, sorry) then even better.
Nimble is as Nimble does. Sounds like you’re doing fine.
Did you see Stewart Rhodes on Chris Mathews show on MSNBC? He did an outstanding job – another true hero, courageous & smart guy. I’d vote for him for President or anything.
That Mathews character had a sidekick from Southern Poverty Law Center that was very misinformed with his information about Oathkeepers, and unfortunately, tried to convey wrong stuff to the audience.
Luckily for many, many people who want to clearly promote freedom & liberty – those things we have been working so hard for all these years – Stewart stepped up & gave a good review of Oathkeepers, history, common sense.
My favorite moment was when Mathews asked Stewart, perhaps insinuating that he was some kind of obsessed quasi-militia vigilante-type, a little bit sneering (seemed to me) “… what, what, you keep mentioning this Constitution over & over, is that all you think about, night & day? Constitution?”
Constitution all the time? Over & over? Well, Stewart Rhodes then had the best answer: “Yes, actually, I’m a constitutional lawyer, I’ve been practicing constitutional law for [20?] years.”
Of course, and I understand, because good lawyers are usually (or alot of the time) thinking & talking about cases and the law.
Gretchen, again, thank you for taking the time to write your Coast Guard adventure down. It’s inspriational & fun to read.
/s/ Lynn Roberts
Lawyer-turned-Writer
“Rastafari Liberty Yard, School of Agriculture, Construction & Music Education”
Teaching Practical Skills for
Prosperous Career & Irie Livity
with help of Patriots, Vets, Disabled, Downpressed, Elderly, Children, Infirm, Sick, Lame & Lazy. Livity & Justice for All. One Nation Under God. One Love, One Heart.
Rastafari.