While the pandemic seemed to be easing, and local communities sought ways to establish a new normalcy, in other ways the pandemic seemed to grind relentlessly onward. Time wore on … and wore on everyone.
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.
May 22, 2020: Psych!
Psych!
That’s right. For those of you who haven’t added me to your auto-delete list and thought you had been spared another email of nothing … you’re wrong. It is a long weekend, I think that is what we used to call them, and I hope you’re enjoying yours. Some folks have inquired, so I thought I’d pass along a few updates-
1. Baking- my daughter has graduated from cookies and cakes to banana bread. Thank goodness! I was buying that big bag of chocolate chips every week … October is going to be brutal. Her banana breads are usually gone in less than 24 hrs. I grocery shop often, so I think their fast consumption isn’t from a lack of food but rather a manifestation of her improving baking skills.
2. PowerPoint Friday- thankfully this has died away and I haven’t had to endure this torture. The 18 year old is disappointed as he had collected presentations from his friends. Some included some rather dubious topics from health and history. I am hopeful we won’t see a resurgence of PowerPoint Friday.
3. Air Fryer- this has been a most delightful development. Did you know, there is an Oreo Megastuff???!!? Dude … wrap that bad boy in a Pillsbury crescent roll, air fry at 375 degrees for 5 minutes, then add powdered sugar … oh my. Better than beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Pro tip- dip the Oreo in milk, let soften for 2-3 seconds, then wrap in the dough. I’m making these at the next chili cook off. Dare you to beat me.
4. Air Fryer- yeah, so good it makes a second appearance. Jalapeño poppers are excellent, easily made, and add nice flavor to most every meal. They are not good when eaten after a Oreo beignet. Fried pickles are also very good. Panko bread crumbs are key and much better than your standard breadcrumbs. The air fryer does a fair job of replicating Chick-fil-A nuggets. Or, as my daughter calls it, The Lord’s Chicken. Chaps, we can talk later. Next on the list is buffalo cauliflower.
5. Duct Tape- long story BLUF- apparently I spend a lot of time at work- I recently discovered my 15 year old had masterfully employed duct tape to reattach the ONLY shower head we have in this 1904 house. I say apparently I spend a lot of time at work because when I asked, “Hey, how long has it been like this?” the answer was longer than I would have liked. So yeah, duct tape. I convinced my 18 year old to take a roll on his night-time hike (another long story). Every home, car, and survival bag needs to have at least 1 roll of duct tape. John McClane totally agrees.
6. I have watched the Star Wars saga once, Harry Potter saga twice (when my daughter asked, “Dad, how do they do that?” my quick response of “Magic” was 100% Dad), and Groundhog Day thrice. What is on your binge list?
With admiration, gratitude, optimism x2, slightly more grey hair, a renewed sense of well-being, unyielding faith in the problem solving ability duct tape, and an appreciation for air frying,
Your Sector Commander
PS Call your Dad. And your Mom. They’re family, too, as per THE Joey Coyle!