Last week we lost seven Guardians, along with two Marines.

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/index.php/2009/11/fallen-guardians-honored-at-sea/

Robi,

That link doesn't work but here is one that goes to the story. Keep up the good work guys.

"for those in peril on the sea"

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/

Honoring Our Fallen Guardians – AMTC Seidman, AET2 Grigonis, AET2 Beacham, AMT2 Moletzsky, AMT3 Kreder
“We’ve lost a great team. Each one of the crew was highly dedicated, valued the mission, and contributed in countless ways to the unit. They will be sorely missed personally and professionally.” AMTCM Brian Byrd, Command Master Chief, Air Station Sacramento Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman was the flight engineer of CG-1705, an HC-130 long-range [...]

Yep thats it thanks Jack.

Hey Robi

My prayers are with them and their families. I am deeply grateful for everything that you guys and the other military branches do for us. Had I not been cursed with this wretched disease, I'd be out there with you.

God speed to them all.

hats off to all... you guys are our heros!

Hey Robi - My prayers are also with the friends and Families of our 'Fallen Heroes', they gave all!!
Murph

technical question for you Robi; do Coasties have the same benefit program as other military servicepersons? (Like VA benefits, or pension, GI-Bill, etc)?

Seems like a great way to serve your country without getting shot or blown up nearly as much...

What makes you think they don't get shot or blown up?

I was in the Navy in Viet Nam with CTF115 (Operation Market Time). The coasties were right there with their 82 footers (Point Class) along with our PCFs (Swift Boats) and they had WHECs doing offshore duty. They also had a Loran site on Con Son.

The Coasties do go "In Harm's Way"!

The legal basis for the Coast Guard is Title 14 of the United States Code, which states: "The Coast Guard as established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times." Upon the declaration of war or when the President directs, the Coast Guard operates under the authority of the Department of the Navy.

Andrew nailed it. We are part of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. We do get shot at by the enemy but not as much as other services. The major difference in our service is we work for Homeland Security compared to the other branches they work for Department of Defense.

We on the other hand can apply laws other services cannot, this is why the Coast Guard are present on all Navy ships that are enforcing embargoes on other countries.

We are entitled to all benefits that all other services are entitled to.

And you get paid to surf 70' swells!!!! you should be paying them (or a shrink).. just kidding.. i tip my snoopy bowl in salute!

Jack and Robi, to correct myself, I emphasize the "AS MUCH" part of my comment. You'd know better, but I suspect drug smugglers and others occasionally shoot back.

I was thinking more in comparison to someone who signs up as a ground-pounder in the Army or Marines (or Seal, etc) who basically is there to shoot or be shot at.

I've got a few years until the kid(s) can talk to recruiters, but never hurts to gather information early!

The main difference is that in the "land" services you probably won't die from drowning.

Even the "Coasties" don't usually face that threat. When their boat sinks they can usually wade to shore.

Our boats dont sink. The Coasties who work on maintaining them in tip top shape know a thing or two about it and well, they dont sink.

I like the ones that flip.

My co-worker's daughter is a newly minted rescue swimmer stationed in Melbourne, FL right now if memory serves. I'm proud and I don't even know her! Glad to see her parents were willing to let her achieve...

Rescue swimmer in Melbourne? That doesnt sound right. A rescue swimmer is an actual aviation rating and we do not have an air station in Melbourne FL.

Yeah but he said, "...if memory serves." and I know his memory is gone, he has two young daughters, if he had any -memory- he would have stopped after one!

Marriage and kids will do that. Dain Bramage is hereditary, you get it from your kids.

This is what I meant Robi.

Still not a sunken ship