2 minute read
MOVER & SHAKER
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER US COAST GUARD
Welcome, to Traverse City! You are our new Commanding Officer of the US Coast Guard Air Station. When did you arrive and where were you stationed before? I officially checked into the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City on July 12. I was previously stationed at U.S Coast Guard Sector in San Diego, CA, where I was the Sector Response Chief and Air Station Operations Officer.
What are your first impressions of Traverse City? The city is very family oriented and has tons of amenities to help kids stay active. The natural scenery is amazing and living near multiple lakes provides for unique family experiences. Also, the community truly loves and supports the Coast Guard. It is this support that ensures our service members are mission ready and well-cared for throughout their tour.
Where are you from originally and how long have you served in the Coast Guard? I am originally from Ocean City, NJ. I enrolled in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy starting in the summer of 1997, receiving my commission as an Ensign in 2001.
“Semper Paratus” is a Coast Guard pledge for “always ready.” What are goals for your new post in Traverse City? Our unit’s primary objective is to save lives: rescuing those in distress on the water, securing our nation’s borders, and protecting our natural resources from pollution threats. As such, our number one goal will be to maintain the service’s reputation as the world’s best Coast Guard by providing aircraft and competent aircrews who are ready to respond 24/7. We will also continue the great community partnerships enjoyed by previous commands and create new community relationships wherever possible.
Tell us about your family that moved here with you. I have been happily married to my beautiful wife, Jamie, for 15 years. We have an energetic 4-year-old girl and a baby boy that is due in early August.
What is one thing on your bucket list to enjoy in Traverse City? Go boating on Lake Michigan and explore the islands. Who is your hero/mentor? My mom. Throughout life’s trials and tribulations, she has always been there to cheer me on and provide me with positive encouragement to ensure that I not only persevere, but also grow as a person.
Tell us three words to describe you. Driven, compassionate, Christian.
What would your wife tell us about you? That I like to cook and am actually good at it! She’ll also tell you that I enjoy a nice glass of red wine at the end of a long day.
Tell us one hidden talent you have that would surprise us. By going to a military academy, I can high speed wax and buff a floor with the best of ‘em.
Is there a quote that inspires you? “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
What do you do for fun? Spend time with my family biking, hiking, and exploring new areas.
