3 minute read
Finding A Home in the Coast Guard
By Mike Kent
In May 2007, meteorologists were keeping an eye on a cold front about to hit the east coast shoreline. Subtropical storm Andrea was bringing hurricane-force winds and producing 34-foot waves. One boat with three people onboard was facing the brunt of the storm off North Carolina. The boat was about to be destroyed. Fortunately for the panicked passengers, Commander Andy Clayton was piloting a Coast Guard chopper in the area. The storm claimed several lives that day, but not the three rescued by Clayton and his crew.
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Once safely on land, a survivor gave Commander Clayton a soaking wet hug and heartfelt thank you for the massive lifesaving rescue. A week later, Clayton received a six-pack of ginger beer and four bottles of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum — the ingredients for a drink appropriately called The Dark And Stormy.
Nearly 14-years later, Commander Clayton still remembers the incident vividly. It’s why he joined the Coast Guard as a pilot. “You get to make a difference in people’s lives,” Clayton says.
His Coast Guard career spans 18-years, and he is now the Executive Officer at Air Station Traverse City. Over that time, the Coast Guard has sent Clayton packing to Pensacola, Florida, Sitka and Homer, Alaska, Mobile, Alabama, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Washington DC, and his most recent northern Michigan assignment. He brought his wife of 12-years Danielle and now his two daughters, 11-year old Kyleigh and 9-year old Madi, through most of those travels.
The moves haven’t always been easy. But this latest move has had the family finding a home in a Coast Guard City. It’s a title given to only a handful of communities that warmly open their doors to Coasties. “It was a different feel,” Clayton said. “People just really like the Coast Guard up here.”
Danielle experienced the same welcome. She is currently co-principal at Old Mission Peninsula School. “This is my favorite job,” said Danielle. “I’m having the time of my life.”
The girls immediately got involved in horseback riding, sailing, hockey, Norte bike camp, and school activities. They both light up when they talk about making Traverse City their home. The Claytons said being a Coast Guard family teaches their kids resiliency. “I’m excited to see the impact they are going to make because of what they have seen,” said Danielle. Those experiences include catching a King Salmon in Alaska and getting a firsthand look at the President.
Like most couples, Andy and Danielle do a lot of juggling with their responsibilities. It becomes a delicate balancing act between the kids, being a school principal, and the responsibilities of Coast Guard command. Danielle said the same resiliency they see in the kids. “Resiliency has made me a better person,” said Danielle.
Each new assignment challenges that resiliency. While they have friends all around the country who at times seem as close as blood relatives, each new location means creating a new support group. “It’s like speed dating new friends everywhere you go,” said Danielle.
Despite the transient challenges, they both see the tremendous rewards. “You get to help people better themselves or find out what’s happening with their career,” said Andy. Danielle shares the reward. “I’m proud of my husband,” Danielle said. “Proud of being a military spouse. I love everything about the military. I have a much more open mind now than when I was younger.”
The Claytons don’t look forward to leaving northern Michigan, but when it comes time to pack, they will be ready. They live the U.S. Coast Guard motto: Semper Paratus — Always Ready.
