aviation is as exciting, fulfilling, and chal- lenging as any aviation career you can hope to pursue. Educate yourself on every existing path-
way, program, and opportunity to get into the Coast Guard and, ultimately, into Coast Guard aircraft. Locate and contact some- one who’s actively flying in the Coast Guard and get as much insider wisdom and guidance as you can. Be aware that you are up against a bureaucracy of sorts, so be patient, passionate, and persistent. And, of course, get razor sharp on your aviation knowledge.
Who inspires you? The entire first shelf of my bookcase is dedicated to George Washington. I have no words to adequately describe his impor- tance to world history or the timelessness of his lessons on leadership, character, and pure grit. I would love to have served with him. Vice Admiral Jim Stockdale, US Navy,
also comes to mind. He was a naval avia- tor, the senior American prisoner of war in Hanoi [in then-North Vietnam] for seven years, and a Medal of Honor recipient. When I really need a shot of strength or inspiration, I’ll read one of his speeches, contemplate the man’s character, and be awestruck all over again. My son’s middle name is Stockdale.
In a more contemporary timeframe, I’m
inspired by people in any venue who pur- sue excellence with sublime passion. It could be [quarterback] Tom Brady, [rock climber] Alex Honnold, or the kid tending bar at the resort who tells me he’s going to own the whole place someday and really means it.
Tell us about your first helicopter ride. I was in the Navy at the time, contemplat- ing a cross commission to the Coast Guard and a change from fixed-wing to
helicopters. I went out on a flight in an HH-65 with a crew from Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, and said, “Oh, yeah! It’s going to be helicopters for me!”
What still excites you about helicopter aviation? Maritime search-and-rescue: it’s some of the coolest work in the world.
Complete this sentence: I know I picked the right career when … … I look over my shoulder into the aircraft cabin and see a person we just rescued looking back at me—soaking wet, cold, but wearing a big smile. They’re going home to their family tonight.
Complete this sentence: I love my job, but I’d rather work for a paper company in Scranton when … … I get drafted to do a track-and-balance!
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MARCH 2023 ROTOR 65
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