leadership during covid

Social justice issues were starting to eclipse the pandemic in terms of everyday conversation. Trying to keep politics out of the military is an endeavor meant to fail. Regardless, I challenged my members to be apolitical at work while exercising their constitutional rights.

These thoughts were on my mind when I wrote the following to my unit.

June 19, 2020: Juneteenth and You

My fellow Americans,

Because that is what we are, fellow Americans. We may have different heritages mixed into our beings which is reflected in how we identify ourselves, but we are all Americans at the core. I confidently say this because we live in the United States of America and we believe in our society’s values. We are Americans who took an oath to the Constitution. We once again find ourselves in new-to-us territory. Together we’ve experienced an unprecedented government shutdown and associated lapse in pay. Then COVID-19 became a pandemic. And now our society is dealing with civil unrest at a scope we haven’t seen in a generation. Now, more than ever, we need to remember who we are as human beings, Coast Guard members, and Americans.

I sent out HATCH Act and social media guidance to help us understand what political activities are afforded to members of the military and civilians in the employ of the US government. It is attached to this email as a fresh and ready reference. Whether exercising your political voice or not, please remain aware of your surroundings and plan your activities accordingly. The CCG and MCPOCG sent out their Commander’s Intent on the subject earlier this month.

As today is Juneteenth, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of Sector Columbia River’s approach to not only the current conversation, but how we will conduct ourselves on a daily basis. My command philosophy is clear- Leadership is Doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason- especially when you think no one is watching; Partnership is E Pluribus Unum- together WE make the Service better; Encouragement is recognizing the world is a mean enough place and Sector Columbia River won’t add to it.

Every day I see and hear examples of how Coast Guard members are making a difference, on and off duty. Please continue to support each other and to build each other up. We have been in this together and together we will make it to the other side.

CAPT Jeremy C. Smith

Commander, Sector Columbia River

Captain of the Port