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/635271
P lease accept my heartfelt thanks for your dedication and commitment. Each of you contributes to making our Coast Guard strong and I am forever thankful. Those who wear the cloth of our great nation understand that freedom is not free. Continue to serve proudly! Speaking of serving proudly, you all will stand a little taller after viewing Walt Disney Pictures' recent release "The Finest Hours", based on the 2009 book by Casey Sherman and Michael J. Tougias, the true story of the M/V PENDLETON rescue mission which took place in 1952 off the coast of Cape Cod. This is truly a story worth knowing and is part of our heritage, you won't be disappointed. 2016 has begun; with it the opportunity to achieve personal and professional goals is front and center. Note that I'm using the word goal rather than resolution; it seems resolutions are hard to keep, but goals are attainable and if the desire is strong enough each of us can turn up the heat and chase down our objectives. Perhaps your goal for this year is to advance, now is the time to ensure you meet eligibility requirements and devote the time to properly prepare; don't wait until the last minute. Advancements in 2015 were very robust and if this January's ERAA is any indication, 2016 will continue to be filled with advancement opportunities. Congratulations to the recently announced Reserve Gold and Silver Badge CMC's. Stepping up and reaching for this challenge is the right thing to do, enjoy the position, speak truth to power without fear whenever the opportunity exists. Speaking of stepping up, always ask yourself, "Who are my replacements?" and "How can I help prepare them to pursue challenging assignments?" If this easy investment is made at every level of the Coast Guard, the impact will be monumental for years to come. A hot item from the Pentagon is the impeding Blended Retirement Plan. After many attempts to rework the military retirement system a new plan will be in effect on January 1, 2018. Our political leaders have stood by their word and not broken faith with those who are currently serving. Any member who entered service prior to January 1, 2018 will be "grandfathered" into the current plan, while members entering after January 1, 2006 will have the option to choose between either plan. Information, including an online tool will be forthcoming to assist in determining the best way forward for you and your family. I'd like to offer a special thanks to the many reservists who have deployed to the National Capital Region in support of Cyber Security. Each of you represented the Coast Guard Reserve well and has demonstrated how reservists can surge to fill a gap. Your flexibility and "can do" attitude has been the hallmark of the mission. Bravo Zulu! Annually the Department of Defense recognizes units from each of the Armed Forces Reserve Components that have demonstrated excellence in family readiness and its contribution to mission success, the 2015 CG Reserve award winner is PSU 308. My hat is off to PSU 308, their families, and a special shout out to unit Ombudsman Mrs. Michelle Webber. Great job and Thank You! Please remember to keep your head on a swivel; now is the time to be aware of your environment and be prepared if danger comes your way. We are living through a period full of hazards; keep your family, friends, and coworkers from becoming victims. Your vigilance in keeping your eyes and ears open, coupled with trusting your training, experience, and instincts will go a long way in keeping you safe. Again, I thank each of you for your service and keep up the great work; this is an exciting time to be a member of the Coast Guard Reserve. Semper Paratus. Master Chief Petty Offcer Eric Johnson Reserve Force Master Chief "I thank each of you for your service and keep up the great work; this is an exciting time to be a member of the Coast Guard Reserve." ReseRvist Magazine deckplate soundings Issue 1 • 2016 � RESERVIST 7