Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security
Issue link: https://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/498190
A Matter of Pride Story by PA3 Joseph Betson, 7th District Public Affairs Steven Henkind is the quintessential teacher. That's why his service as a Coast Guard Auxiliarist is an ideal fit. Originally from New York, Henkind currently resides in Maitland, Fla. While he patrols the Banana and Indian Rivers near Port Canaveral, he sets aside a portion of each year to instruct navigation. Yet more often than not, his classroom does not contain chalkboards or laptops, instead using sextants, charts and the starry skies of the Northern Hemisphere. It's his annual assignment aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle where Henkind teaches navigation. "I feel very proud serving and teaching aboard America's Tall Ship," said Henkind. His path to the Coast Guard came after he completed a bachelor's degree in both physics and computer science from Cornell University, a master's degree in computer science from New York University, a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from The City University of New York, and medical school at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Henkind's path would change. Finishing a business meeting at the World Trade Center in New York City, he faced a choice. While he had contemplated going to the rooftop observation deck, the avid sailor opted instead to walk to the Coast Guard Regional Exam Center in Battery Park, to fill out paperwork required for his captain's license. That decision changed everything. As New York City became Ground Zero, like so many people on that fateful day, Henkind was inspired to serve his country. His decision led him to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary where he could tap into his boat handling skills. "The thing I primarily enjoy is combining my passion for public service and my love for being on the water," he said. Initially, Henkind served at Coast Guard Station Eaton's Neck in New York, earning his crewmember qualifications. While assigned there, he participated in search and rescue cases and conducted waterway safety patrols along with other Auxiliarists and reservists. "It was one weekend every month, sometimes more," he said, "I was a qualified crewman aboard the 41-foot Utility Boat and 25-foot Response Boat. It was very different work from IT or medicine," he said. By day, Henkind works as a healthcare and information systems executive. But it's the Coast Guard Auxiliary that offers a sense of adventure and public service. "I have limited time, but finding time for the Coast Guard is very rewarding and ultimately it balances itself out," he said. For the past eight years, he has also served as an instructor aboard EaGLE, where he taps into his well-honed skills in navigation. He instructs cadets and officer candidates in navigating at sea. Additionally, he serves as the ship's Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW). "It's very rewarding to see young people become future leaders as they qualify as officers, you really see them grow up on the ship," he said. An early career highlight aboard the EaGLE was transiting the Panama Canal. Henkind said that's because the canal is an interesting mix of both modern and traditional technologies. "You've got the Panama Canal, which is probably one of the greatest engineering feats of all time, but the line-handlers are literally just guys in rowboats," he said laughing. Another highlight was an interesting voyage to Great Britain. "Because the EaGLE serves a diplomatic mission in addition to its training mission, the Captain was able to arrange a behind- the-scenes tour of Westminster Abbey in London." Henkind's trips aboard the EaGLE have taken him across the Atlantic Ocean. He recalled a half-month trip that began with stormy seas. Recalling the turbulence, he explained how a large piece of kitchen equipment was torn from its bolts, sending it crashing down on the deck near his quarters. While he admits to a certain fascination with the sea since boyhood, he also mentions a fear of heights. Onboard EaGLE he makes a point of facing that fear by climbing the rigging. Steven Henkind aboard USCGC EaglE, while onboard he instructs cadets and offcer candidates in navigating at sea and also serves as the ship's Quartermaster of the Watch. ReseRvist Magazine shipMates in FoCus 32 RESERVIST � Issue 2 • 2015