Reservist

ISS4 2015

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

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Dear Editor: I look forward to reading the excellent articles in the Reservist, yet I must express concern about the cover of issue 3/2015. I know that tattoos are becoming a more common occurrence in society and in the military, yet to see one prominently displayed on the cover distracts from the recognition due our newest REPOY. Unless there has been a revision in the Commandant Instruction 1000.1B the MCPOCG's hand tattoo does not conform to the regulations, and even if allowed under a waiver or grandfather clause, it is hardly worthy of a cover photo. Capt. George Elliott, USCGR (ret.) ediToR: Captain, thank you for your letter and thoughts about the cover photo. As you have correctly assumed, the tattoo on the MCPOCG's hand is indeed grandfathered under current Coast Guard policy. In our editorial judgment, the significance of the Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year being pinned simultaneously by his spouse and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard is both news worthy and worthy of being featured prominently in the magazine. Just over ten years ago thousands of Coast Guard personnel, myself included, found themselves swept into a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience as part of the response and recovery operations for Hurricane KATRINA. The images of the havoc visited upon Gulf Coast imprinted on my brain remain as vivid today as they were when I first landed in Gulfport, Mississippi early in September 2005. Much like the devastation I witnessed in Lower Manhattan four years earlier, it is difficult to find words which adequately describe the destruction I observed in Gulfport and when I reached New Orleans. I continue to marvel at the resilience of those who make that part of the world home and at the selfless efforts of those who came to their aid. We have dedicated much of this issue to the efforts of those who answered the call. In so doing, we have attempted to create a tapestry, which captures and reflects the demands of successfully operating in such an extraordinarily complex environment. From the proverbial 30,000 foot view provided by former Commandant, Admiral Thad Allen, to the deck plate reflections of those who were on scene when KATRINA came ashore, to those who would follow on for days, weeks, months and, for some, years later. Our coverage would not have been possible without the strong support of Public Affairs Specialist from around the Coast Guard. Responding to our request for editorial support, the efforts of these hard working professionals made our editorial vision for KATRINA's 10th anniversary a reality. For that we are truly grateful. We are also grateful to those who were willing to share their personal stories and remembrances. The historic nature of the Coast Guard's response to this storm of the century is forever woven into the fabric of what makes our Service such a unique and valuable national institution. To paraphrase a famous World War II quotation, "Never has a service so small done so much for so many." Finally, an editorial calendar note: beginning with Issue 1, 2016, we will be shifting our publication date forward by 30 days. The new publications dates will be the first day of February, April, July and November. As always, thanks for reading. Anima est Bonus! Jeff Smith Volume LXII � Issue 3 • 2015 2014 UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ENLISTED PERSONS OF THE YEAR Reserve Component The Best of the Best ReseRvist Magazine FRoM ouR ReadeRs ReseRvist Magazine FRoM the editoR 2 RESERVIST � Issue 4 • 2015

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