As some know I joined the U.S. Coast Guard back in 1978 when I was 22 years old. I spent 33 years in active duty and went from the rank of Seaman Recruit (E-1) to Chief Petty Officer (E-7) to Warrant Officer (W-4) to Lieutenant Commander (O-5).
I loved every second of my career and still think (and speak) in nautical terms sometimes – which drives my family crazy. I had over six years of sea duty on three different Coast Guard Cutters and when you are away from homeport, and so also away from friends and family, for three months at a time you have to find something to keep you occupied – and sane.
For me that was reading everything I could get my hands on and carrying many books onboard and trying to find storage for them. My love of poetry started back then, especially nautical poetry, and I thought I’d read some of my favorites for you to listen to. I do hope you enjoy this piece and that my voice doesn’t grate on you too much.
I’ll try to put something up a couple of times a week to get into the swing of things – let me know what you think…
Reed