Reservist

ISS1 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

Issue link: https://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/436616

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 3 of 63

From Our Readers From the Editor LEttER OF thE MOnth To the Editor: I wanted to share some fond recollections of Master Chief Paul Antic with your readers. "Pally" had been a rock in the Office of Reserve Affairs (G-R) for a number of years by the time I arrived in Sep '94 (I was to be the new chief of G-RS-1).MCPO Antic was assigned to G-RS-2, working for then-Cmdr. George Molessa. More than a few of us soon learned to keep his presence there quiet from the powers that be down on the 3rd floor, the old location of CGHQ Admin (G-CAS). Seems his total years of Reserve service along with his age were catching up with him and in no way did he want to risk being "discovered" and shown the door instead wanting to extend his stay as long as he possibly could. Only when he suffered a serious heart attack and was rushed to George Washington Hospital did he no longer have a way to keep "hidden!" We knew it, and he knew it. By then, MCPO Antic made it to just over or just near 43 years of Reserve service to our Coast Guard and our Nation. I watched as Ed (Kruska) created the MCPO Antic cover in May '96, reflecting in his cover story the man who by then had truly become the unofficial "Ancient Mariner" of the CGR. In his cover photo, wearing his Service Dress Blue uniform, I do believe the nearly 11 hash stripes on his left sleeve likely weighed more than he did... judging by his always slight frame. MCPO Antic was a "Go To" kind of Coastie, to whom many, including admirals, sought advice, to whom he unfailingly responded in great Master Chiefly fashion. I certainly did! He was a Coast Guard Reserve icon and, I am so proud to say, a friend of mine, and that of countless others. I am eternally honored to have known him during those special years! God bless Paul's soul who now rests in His eternal arms, and bless those he leaves behind in this world, who are grieving this day and missing him so much! — Capt. Charles "Chuck" Polk, USCGR (ret.) Plenty of stuffing. Sandwiched in between just past Thanksgiving and soon to be Christmas I find my mind's eye conjuring up a mixed metaphor of stuffed turkeys and stockings as I review the stories we have packed into this issue of the Reservist. In addition to the many stories about a variety of activities and accomplishments by both individuals and teams of reservists in the Around the Reserve section, a leadership theme permeates this issue. It starts with our cover showing Rear Adm. James Heinz, Director of Reserve, underway in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with Port Security Unit 312. The visit to Guantanamo was part of a week-long visit Adm. Heinz undertook with CG Reserve Force Master Chief Eric Johnson to get a deck plate view of the training and readiness of reservists within the 7th Coast Guard District. Inside readers will also find an article about the Chief Petty Officer Academy experience as seen through the eyes of two students, Public Affairs Chiefs Rachel Polish and John Masson. There is also an in-person account about the Senior Enlisted Leadership Course authored by Senior Chiefs Michael Mullins and Sarah Foster. Our Retiree SITREP section captures the story of Lt. Cmdr. Susan Vance, who was a young college student during the tumultuous Vietnam era, about her decision to join the Coast Guard Reserve. Also, both active duty and Reserve retirees can learn about a new Federal Emergency Management Agency initiative specifically designed for Coast Guard retirees. The initiative was championed by former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles 'Skip' Bowen. Master Chief Bowen, who is Co-Chair of the CG Retiree Council, offers some thoughts on why retirees might want to give this program a look. Finally, I had the privilege of interviewing the former United States Senator Sam Nunn who received the prestigious United States Navy Memorial 2014 Loan Sailor Award. A former Coast Guard reservist, Senator Nunn talks about his Coast Guard experience and how it shaped what would be a long and distinguished public service career. As always, thanks for reading. Anima est Bonus! Jeff Smith 2 RESERVIST � Issue 1 • 2015

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Reservist - ISS1 2015
subscribe to email alerts