While trying to build a sense or normalcy might appear straightforward it can also be rife with peril. In my writings I was attempting to connect with my members; to let them know that everyone was experiencing some level of disruption. While I did receive many appreciative emails where members’ shared their ‘new normal,’ I was also challenged by those who had challenges they felt were insurmountable. It was a constant reminder that, while everyone was experiencing the same thing, our circumstances make those experiences different, and immensely personal.
Being in command is the most challenging and rewarding tour of a military career. My last US Coast Guard tour was as both Commander, Sector Columbia River and Commanding Officer, Air Station Astoria. I was in command from June 2018 to August 2021 and it was during this tour that the Covid-19 pandemic struck. As we all know it changed our lives in the most fundamental of ways.
While many companies were able to adopt a remote work strategy, the Armed Forces were required to continue to provide in-person response services while moving non-mission critical activities to a remote environment. While we continued to operate in siloed teams, the unit could no longer meet all together, in person. I recognized I would need to find another way to connect with my over 500 unit members.
I would need to find a new way to communicate. Leading without meeting, establishing a connection and creating a common bond with each of the over 500 members, was my new challenge. How was I going to lead without being able to meet in person? I took to the written word to not only communicate professional updates but also to connect with members on a personal level.
These thoughts were on my mind when I wrote the following to my unit.
June 12, 2020: Looking Good, Billy Ray! Feeling good, Lewis!
Looking Good, Billy Ray! Feeling Good, Lewis!
Daaaaadddyyyyy! Was my greeting from my 20 year old daughter as I walked through the front door. My question, “Yes, kiddo?” was quickly answered with, “We’re all going to die!” Ah, yeah, that is a condition of the human species. Is there a more specific or timely concern? Yes, there was. Apparently for a summer class in Sociology, her brothers helped her pick the top for an essay. They settled on the Cascadian Subduction Zone event; I think I’ve mentioned before how helpful they can be. “Dad, why do you live here?” was her next question. It can be hard explaining what it means to be in the military. I experienced deja vu, channeled CDR Dave Stevenson my XO on CGC MACKINAW (WAGB-83), as I told her “kid, they’re called orders, not invitations” which was shortly thereafter followed by a rabbit hole homily on the meaning of the “BT” at the end of a message. For the non-confirmed, the BT does not mean “break.” It means “Be There.” My XO taught me another important lesson. As you move about the passageways make sure you’re carrying a blue folder. And move quickly, not running, but with a sense of purpose. The Ops Boss will think you’re working on something important and leave you alone. That advice was, and remains, gold. “Ships and sailors rot in port” was another favorite of his. So was, “Kids in the service make me nervous.” I hit 24 years of active duty last month. Combined with 4 years at the Factory that puts me in the military for 28 years and that is over 1/2 of my life … those euphemisms are Gold, baby … Gold.
We might all be in this epidemic together, but we’re certainly not in the same boat. My lifeboat looks different than yours, and it certainly looks different from Larry Ellison’s. I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t able to sail off on my $600 Million yacht to my private Hawaiian island to “ride out” the pandemic. I’m less annoyed, and more envious, of The Rock. Yeah, I appreciate he isn’t posting videos of his Iron Paradise workouts and I enjoy the fact his daughter Tia refuses to believe he is Maui, but come on … he owns Teremana Tequila AND Salt ’n Straw ice cream. And his Sunday cheat meals? Epic. Forever burned into my memory, “Can you smeeeeeeellllllll, what The Rock is cookinnnnnnnn’!” And if you’re too young to know that, then GTS.
I appreciate you all and what you do for yourself, your family, your unit, and the American people you serve every day. Quite a few have have shared your personal thoughts with me over these last few months, letting me know how you’re doing in these strange new times. I can honestly say I have received more positive feedback on these emails than anything I’ve ever done in my career. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to let me know. We’re not all in the same boat, but we are in this together.
With admiration, gratitude, optimism x2, slightly more grey hair, a renewed sense of well-being, unyielding faith in the problem solving ability duct tape, an appreciation for air frying, streaking, and wise XOs,
Your Sector Commander
PS Call your Dad. And your Mom, too.