My Life in the Coast Guard

Raymundo Santillan Ft. Pierce, Fl. Essay/Speech 6 April 6, 2011 My Life in the Coast Guard

I can count on one hand the accomplishments in my life that have taken over a decade to achieve. My formal California education of Kindergarten to High School graduate took thirteen years. There is a significant difference between a five year old child and an eighteen year old young adult. Upon graduation I knew without a doubt that I was not the same person I was thirteen years ago. Another thirteen year journey of my life has been devoted to service in the United States Coast Guard. The personal, spiritual, global, cultural, and financial growth I have achieved is the result of a great choice I made many years ago. A five year old is ignorant to the road ahead of him, but is excited and eager to learn. I had those exact feelings, as a twenty-one year old man on a bus headed to Cape May New Jersey. I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into; I just knew I had to make a drastic change to my life, to get to where I needed to be.

I was told that Coast Guard boot camp was ranked number two in difficulty among the Armed Forces. Whether that was true or not, I had obstacle after obstacle to hurdle while joining to let that weigh on my mind. Before I knew it, I was fully immersed in a completely new and different realm where I knew none of the rules. Fresh off the bus we are forced to obey every command with a loud AYE, AYE and without question. Living in close quarters with strangers assisted in being broken down as individuals to be rebuilt into a cohesive unit. I was not very athletic or active before I joined so the physical conditioning was hard but I enjoyed the results of the pain. After morning beatings it was lunch then straight to the mid-day head bobbing contest, held during learning time in a 90+ deg. classroom. The true test would take place at the end of the day while lying in my bunk; I missed my family and wondered if I had made the right choice. Clearing my head of the days training I would ask myself many questions; questions that I would have to wait over a decade to even see a glimpse of an answer. Upon graduating boot camp I received orders to my first sea going cutter.

I did not grow up near the ocean or even with a pool, but I was acquainted with the water and did not fear it. The life of a sailor is very complicated and can be broken down into categories. With each rate and new rank the categories change and multiply. In the beginning, my categories could be broken down into three groups, being an engineer, a sailor, and then my personal affairs. I was a Fireman on a 378 ft. cutter with a crew of 170; I had to learn the ships mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and damage control systems. I was also a sailor, who had to learn the rules of the nautical world and how to move about the ship safely. Our patrols were 3 months out at sea then 3 on land; half the year on the ocean has an effect on people. Living in a room with 19 other personalities sharing 3 showers, 3 sinks, and 3 toilets takes its toll and some can’t handle it. Knowing the world is in chaos, hearts and souls of loved ones devastated, faces you will never see again must be cleared to do your job with a loud AYE, AYE. I have met and dealt with many who were not strong enough, my greatest friends who are now my brothers and sisters are those, who like me, could. One finds comfort by those who knew their pain and are taught by the stars, the wind, the water, and the salt if worthy. The peace of still waters and the rage of blizzards, each have many lessons to learn. It was not always so hard though; the ultimate reward would come in the form of a foreign port call. Experiencing a new country with your friends and a cab driver taking you to all the best spots can wash away all the barnacles. Swapping culture knowledge with the locals is the best way to learn about others and yourself. The vivid memories of fair winds, following seas, salt in the air, the sun on my face, and chanting Yo, ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me will never fade.

I learned to love the ocean and all that sea life has to offer, but it is very fast paced and can be draining. The second half of my career has taken place with land lubbers; Station Ft. Pierce is my first non-travelling unit in over 10 years. The change of pace has been extremely beneficial to my growth as a Coast Guardsman and a man. I am grateful for all that I have and I pay it forward to a great community. I have played music for local cancer benefits; I work with elementary and high schools, and have also performed two weddings for shipmates. I continue to meet awesome people and create lifelong bonds. Land or sea, the common denominator for happiness has been surrounding me with great shipmates and great locals.

My path towards enlightenment requires me to be in the Coast Guard and has been a major part in shaping my destiny. I know without a doubt that I am not the same person I was thirteen years ago. The Coast Guard may not be for everyone, but it is what I needed to advance in life. I did nothing special; I did what hundreds, if not thousands have done before me. The wisdom to realize you need positive change and the courage to take drastic actions to attain your dreams is all anyone needs.