Reservist

ISS1 2017

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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Station New York Reservist Among 2016 Enlisted Reserve Scholars For Coast Guard reservist MK1 Jason Genao, serving others is his calling in life. The 29 year old from New York separated from the active duty Coast Guard in 2010 after enlisting in 2006. It was during those four years Genao discovered it is his purpose in life to serve others. He continues to serve today as a member of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the Coast Guard Reserve. After being honorably discharged from the Coast Guard, Genao joined the Coast Guard Reserve and was assigned to Station New York and learned many of his peers continued public service careers with the New York Police Department, FDNY and more. But it was the story of Jeffery Palazzo, a FDNY firefighter and Coast Guard reservist who lost his life trying to save others when he answered the call on September 11, 2001, that decided the civilian career he [Genao] would pursue. "He, alongside other members of the FDNY, helped save over 10,000 lives that day. After reading his story and speaking to members who personally and professionally knew him I was motivated to become a New York City Firefighter," states Genao. Today, Jason is proud to call himself one of New York's Bravest and is placed in one of the most reputable and busy firehouses in the city. His four years with the Coast Guard instilled the discipline, knowledge, and strength to be one of those chosen to serve his community every day. "My itch to serve the public persists," he said. "This is why I have enrolled in Mount Saint Mary's College pursuing a nursing degree - this will allow me to help people in their most vulnerable moments." Since leaving active duty, juggling life as a student, firefighter, and member of the Coast Guard Reserve has meant completing his nursing degree has been a slow process, but he is more determined than ever to reach this goal however long it takes. "I come from a family who immigrated to the United States to give us a better future. Both my parents never completed any form of education and it was their number one priority that my sister, brothers, and I did." Jason, his wife Katie, and their one-year-old son Myles live in one of the most expensive counties in the country, and with his G.I. bill fully exhausted, every dollar put towards tuition is crucial. Support from the Coast Guard Foundation's United Services Automobile Association (USAA) Reserve Scholarship is greatly appreciated. "I would like to thank everyone who made this possible, and I hope to live up to their expectations - I'm forever grateful," he said. "I will continue to look for ways to make a greater impact on society." Congratulations to Jason and all of our 2016 Enlisted Reserve Scholars who each received a $1,000 higher education scholarship: • Kaitlin M. Boyle, daughter of MKC William F. Boyle stationed at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Biology at Christopher Newport University in Virginia. • Alexander I. Foglesong, son of DCC Derek K. Foglesong of the 14th Coast Guard District, is attending the University of Hawaii studying Mechanical Engineering. • FSC Amanda Helton Gomes, from Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, is attending the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine. • BM3 Luke T. Josey, from Coast Guard Station Michigan City, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History Education at Western Illinois University. • Abigail K. LaBerge, spouse of MK3 Peder M. LaBerge from Port Security Unit 313 in Everett, Washington, is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education/Special Education. • BM2 Benjamin J. Miller, from Port Security Unit 313 in Everett, Washington, is attending Portland State University pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Science with a Minor in Mathematics for Middle School Teachers. • MST3 Jane D. Saunders, from Coast Guard Sector Maryland- National Capitol Region, is studying Environmental Science at Washington College in Maryland. — Story by Christopher McBriarty, Coast Guard Foundation Communications Specialist MK1 Jason Genao with his wife, Katie, following his graduation from the FD n Y Academy. Issue 1 • 2017 � RESERVIST 15

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