Hey, Hope all is well! I wanted to talk to you. I have changed employment and now working for Centura College Online and trying to put a two year and four year aviation degree program together. Call me at 233-6566 ext. 245 Thanks, Brad P.S. I think you have more gray hair now?
Hey there, The site is one of the best Coast Guard sites I have been on. I liked reading about your stories, and has got me even more excited.
I'm going Monday to MEPS. Then off to Cape May in December. I can't wait.
Mr. Harding,
I just happened to come across your web page and wanted to stop by and say hello. I don't know if you remember me, but I worked for you the last few years at AIRSTA San Fran when you retired.
I wanted to let you know that I am a Company Commander now and am picking up my first company FOXTROT-182 in a couple of weeks. I am excited and am looking forward to a great experience.
You have an outstanding web page and I hope you are enjoying your retirement.
Graduated USCG Jan 1999 Hotel 71. First trumpet in the TRACEN band for a year and a half under Musicians mate chief Paul D'Angelo. Became an ET-3 after that and let me tell you, Coast Guard is the BEST!
Greetings Mister Harding !
Enjoy your site. "Bravo Zulu" Thank you for having the Northwind photo here. "What A Great Boat". Hope you are continuing to enjoy retirement and wishing you fair winds and following seas !
T J Lynn Jr Master Operator, K7IWH,
US Coast Guard Cutter Northwind (WAGB 282) Memorial Radio Station.
Hi Chief, I was in Kilo 151 back in 1997. Just want to say thank you. I spent 8 years in the Reserves and have been a Police Officer for the past 9 years. Hope all is well. Tyson Shearer
Served USCG 1966-1970 - DC3. Cape May (Recruit Co. Romeo 63), to Presidential Honor
Guard, to Governor's Island, to USCGC Edisto, to South Portland Maine. Loved it all - OK maybe not all of it, but most!
USCG 1980-1988 EM2 USCGC Dependable 210'
Panama City Fl
Remember way to many touch and goes at night as a look out. I was lucky and got to fly with you rotor heads around 40 flights got AC wings from a crew member wear them on my hat still today.
Thanks for your service. If ever in North GA email me I live on a trout river with lots of fish to catch.
SP,
Forrest Ragsdale
HELLO SIR, IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE IN THE USCG! I ONLY HOPE THAT MINE WILL BE THE SAME. IT HASN'T STARTED OUT TO BAD. I AM STATIONED ST USCG STATION DESTIN FL. IT'S A BLAST!
Retired 20 yrs 75-95
Northwind, Eagle, Conifer. and then went active in 02-04 on USCGC Boutwell Made a lot of good friend along the way and had some good times also. Enjoyed your web site keep up the good work.
Thanks
John J Nimmons EMC ret
USCG Enlisted 1967-1971 Ser# 370-193
Boot Camp - Hotel 60 - Alameda, Calif.
Company Commander - Neil Ruenzel
Enjoyed checking out your web site. Thank you very much.
Dear Sir,
I have to tell you that being able to go through your website is a great pleasure.
Our grand daughter ,as of today's date, is 1/2 through Cape May TRACEN and I follow that web site
closely to enjoy the goings on there. We are so [proud of her and living close
to the ocean we know how valued the Coast Guard is. The closest unit to us id
in FT. Pierce and been up there twice. The first time the men showed our
grand daughter throughout the base and answered all questions she had that
confirmed what she wanted to aim for. This past July we went up for there open house and got on one of the ships and saw various events. Really good public PR.
Now we wait till she graduates Nov. 14 from MIKE-180 and see where she will be stationed. She is from Ma. and we now reside in Florida and will not be able to attend the graduation for health reason BUT they do offer a DVD which we will get.
Keep adding to the site please and would love it if you were able to get a MIKE-180 graduation picture as you h
I left the Guard in 1985. I was an AE2 in the Helo
shop. I was also one of the aircrew that crashed in the Everglades. The other aircrew was Jerry
Leonard. Seahaus (copilot) Odom (pilot). I remember your '53 Dodge truck. Do you remember me? The resident Cuban. email me if you do. Take it easy....Tony
You have had a full and varied career in the USCG and I can only imagine the
stories you could tell about your time
at CAPE MAY. A quick timeline for me:
TRACEN Cape May - Station SO. Portland, ME-
YN School, Groton, CT - CGC ESCANABA, NEW BEDFORD, MA - CG RECRUITING OFFICE,
SPRINGFIELD, MA. By the way, How hard is it to attend recruit graduation if you
don't have a family member graduating? Possible or not? Please let me know
what you think. Regards Russell.
I ship out august 12th this page has shown me a good bit of things to look forward too! I will let you know how It goes once i get a chance to comment again
I am the mother of a recruit
going through the CG training right now at
Cape May! He is in his second/third week right now. Of course, being
so far away from him and not having any news yet, I have been looking at
blogs & sites on the Coast Guard, on training, etc! Sounds tough!!
Anyway, I stumbled upon your
site, and just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed it very much! Coming from
Miami myself, originally, and growing up there, I enjoyed your
stories about my home town!!
Anyway, I'll be flying over
(I live in
Paris) to
Cape May for my son's graduation on the 16th of May, and I can tell
you that I'll be ONE PROUD MOM if there ever was one! I think the Coast
Guard will be so great for my son!
Thanks for your great site, and I particularly enjoyed the photos!
Serve 1/65-1/69
Boot camp Alameda KILO 40
Northwind 4/65 2/67
Point Franklin Seattle, Cape May 2/67 1/69
Made CS2 in Nov.68 (Should of never got out) 4 of the best years!!!
enjoyed your site...was a RM2 on the Northwind, many years ago...pulled 3(?) artic
west and 2 deepfreezes...saw some sites/places I thought I'd never see...many fond memories...thanks !!
We enjoyed our visit to Cape May Dec 27-29 2007. Our
son SA Wells G. P. graduated and is currently in Yorktown at BM-A school. Keep up the good work.
"Coastie" Dad-Preston Wells
Attended Boot Camp in July / August 1980
Whiskey & X-Ray 107 (Band Company)
Also PS "A" School in Yorktown Sept-Dec. 1980. MSO Nashville as well...Looking to
connect with old shipmates !!! Any suggestions??? Thanks Jere
Hello. I was one of your recruits when you were breaking in with YN1 Pace. (we won't go there..) it was Jan 92 (delta 138 I
think. it was too long ago..
Just a quick update. I am an ET. made Chief in '04 and supposed to make ELC next year...
I hope fair winds and following seas have followed you into retirement. I still remember you bagging the trash can and waking us up on your last day with us. (I still won't tell...)
Marc..
Looking to get up w/ my old friend Guy Rush. Last I heard he was stationed in Atlantic City as a D. I. and was possibly moving on to Kodiak, AK--any info?
Came into the USCGR in 1976. Went to boot the summer of my junior year of high school. Went to RM A school after graduating high school then went active. Stationed on the USCGC Northwind. Met her in Sault Ste Marie, MI during her deployment to the lakes after the Mackinaw went aground. Went on one Deep Freeze and an Arctic West.
Then went to CG Group Ohio River. Got out in 1983. Worst decision of my life.
Retired from the Air Force reserve in 2005 but always consider myself a Coastie.
Semper Paratus!
Kilo 143, Recruit Oct 93
Sir, I arrived here after you retired, wished I could've met you again and thanked you for your leadership in my career, I just made the cut to make Chief and it's people like you that helped me do that and you were the first of the many who influenced me. Aloha Dan B
Mr. Harding,
I am the Line Handler on the right and am a CC now. I'm an AMT2 here at the TRACEN. EMCS BOOTH (ret.) and I were checking out your page. Semper Paratus!
As a CG reservist who served for 33 years, I am very impressed by your site. It helps keep me in the Guard even though I'm now retired. Keep up the good work!
Your website has to be one of the most informative sites about the USCG that I have visited. I am a recruit headed to Cape May on 12/05/06. Can't wait!
I'm thinking
of joining the U.S. Coast Guard. Your website was educational and the pictures
were heplful too. I haven't spoken with a recruiter, but I'm giving it some
serious thought. Thanks for the info.
Mr.
Harding, My name is Robert Cain. I am an AMT2 stationed at A/S Clearwater.
Just wanted to say I toured your web page. Lots of cool pictures and stories.
I was in your last company at Cape May, O-152. Something I
I
Was stationed on the Northwind from 1984-87. And then at Yorktown, VA. I
really enjoyed this sight. The photos of the Icebreakers brought back great
memories. Take care of yourself and Smooth Sailing.
My
son just began boot camp on 3-21-06. Just surfing the web in search of
anything to help keep me connected to him...I know it is sad. He was so
excited. Your site is great. Thanks for the info. Brandon's Mom
I enjoyed your web page. I hope you are enjoying your retirement. I'm making Warrant this summer and transferring to DC. Do you know a way I can get names of the people who were in my boot camp company from 1984? Thanks.
John
I'm
retired AF and am developing curriculum for the CG. I found this site while
researching for information. Thanks for a cool site on the CG. I'll pass it on
the address. Again, thanks and Good Journeys!
I
was in the Coast Guard from June 1962 till June 1966. I was first stationed on
the Coast Guard Cutter ANDROSCOGGIN from 1962 till 1963. my second and
last station was at the new Coast Guard Air Station on Hunter Army Air Force
base in Savannah GA. Commander Flessas and I were the first to be stationed on
this new base. I have lots of fond memories of the Coast Guard many of which
where created there at Savannah.
I
accidentally stumbled upon your retirement page from a link on military dot
com. I was SR Jeromy Adams, Sierra 142 Ceremonial Detail Cape May, NJ
June-August 1993 I do remember you in more detail than at times I would
prefer.. (Kidding) In any event, my boot camp experience changed my life
dramatically, almost instantly, and permanently. I was on track to be a real
loser, or at best a slacker. Please do not ever forget that while those might
be "fond memories" for you, for many of us, they were very pivotal moments in
our lives. 2500 recruits is too many to remember us all, but rest assured we
ALL remember you.... And now that it's over....They are fond memories. Best of
luck in retirement, although I can't imagine that you're not up to something.
I left boot camp for the Honor Guard in Alexandria, VA, then went on to QM A
school and served in that capacity until December 1997, aboard USCGC Cowslip.
After that, I decided to pursue my interests in the media in the civilian
sector. About 6 months prior to the end of my enlistment, CGC Cowslip was
struck in Dense fog by the M/V Everglade near the mouth of the Columbia
River.... A very VERY large ship. I was on the plot. I never got scared, I did
exactly what I was supposed to do, (Picked up the 1MC and warned everyone,
then went to GE.) I don't say that to boast about an adventure, to which there
is far more detail, but to emphasize once more, that the training and
confidence that I gained in Boot Camp, set me up for success in the face of
very real danger and chaos.
So from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my family, please accept
my profound congratulations on your career accomplishments, the most
monumental of which, in my opinion, was making a man of me.
CWO
Harding, My name is Clavier, Christopher, I'm sure you won't be able to
remember me but you were my Lead Company Commander for Delta-152 the end of
1997. BM2 Molly and BM3 Rule were my other company commanders. I was just
sitting here bored and searching online and did a search on the Coast Guard
and found your website; very nice website by the way. I am now a DC2 stationed
at Station St. Ignace, MI. Independent duty as the housing rep. After Boot
Camp I was stationed on The Mellon for a year and nine months and then off to
"A" school. After "A" school I was stationed at Group Air Station Atlantic
City, NJ. Housing Division, that was around the end of 99-01. I got out after
my first 4 years in 2001 and worked in the civilian sector for 2 years and as
I said now back in Active Duty in MI. I'm about to transfer and start out on a
totally new avenue, TACLET South Miami. Just wanted to say that your website
is great and best wishes for you and your career and THANKS for getting me off
on the left---right---left!!!
Hello Mike, I was stationed with you at CG Air Station Miami. Do you
still have the old Dodge pickup? I also remember you at CGAS Cape May and
Recruit Training there. Anyway you may remember me by AD1 Paddy Connor. I was
the South Jersey Recruiter, stationed Atlantic City Boat Station. I now live
in Mechanicsburg Pa. Well I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK in your retirement.
Mr
Harding, Found your website in a Coast Guard search …brought back memories!
Where are the pictures of your first recruit class….MINE? I believe it was
Quebec-139? Correct? Anyway just ribbing you, I am back in Atlantic City after
a POPDIV tour! I am #2 on AMTC list, thanks for the “Professional Development”
you gave me in Cape May! God Bless you also, AMT1 Jerry Chapman.
I
enjoy all I can find about the Coast Guard. I have license plates of Ohio with
the USCG emblem and statement of Coast Guard on both cars--love to tell the
world of the Coast Guard and its accomplishments. I was in Recruit company
Mike 16 in Cape May---Jan 1953 thru the 1st week of April... then in reserves
( after 2 years in Alaska on USCGC White Holly( WAGL-543 ) from 1955 to 1960's
Hi,
Great website! The picture of the Boutwell in Alaska is awesome. I served as a
gunner’s mate on her in ’76 and ’77 and made about 3 ALPATs on her, before
being transferred to MSO Mobile, AL. The pic brought my wife to tears, ‘cause
she was always on pier 36, waiting for the 719, when it was home-ported in
Seattle. I hate to be a stickler for details, but I can’t help it in this case
-- being an ex-GM. The picture of the Boutwell is labeled 2000, but shows it
with a 5”/38cal on the bow. I don’t know exactly when the Boutwell went
through her FRAM, but all the WHEC’s were finished by 1992, changing out the
big 5 inchers for the sleek 80 rpm Mk75 76mm Oto Melara. Again, you’ve built a
great website, the kind that makes me proud of my limited service in the USCG.
Semper Paratus, Steve
Recently, I came across news announcing your retirement and am writing to wish
you well in your post-retirement endeavors. Around 1995 I completed
basic training at Cape May under your authority. Thinking back, there
were many things I hated about the training, but what I enjoyed most was
marching past the rotorcraft while you identified the parts and explained the
function of each part to us. I joined the USCG after being told I would
have a good chance at helicopter flight school. After realizing this was
not the case due to my imperfect vision, I left at first opportunity.
Despite this setback, I made many good friends out of the experiences from
TRACEN Cape May and a few from my first duty station.
After reading the bio listed on your website, I can’t help but imagine you in
the right seat of the R-22 as I attend commercial helicopter flight school
next summer. The relentless persistence and unforgiving pummeling I
endured under your authority helped me get through college while supporting a
family and has contributed to the realization of my dream of becoming a
professional helicopter pilot. Thank You. Best Regards, Jeffrey
Seaton II
Wow, I really like this, just wish that there was a site where I could find
the Chief who scared the life out of me 27 years ago, when I went though boot.
BMC Dermandy, Romeo 101, 1978. Thanks for the fun, still serving, YN1 Reserve
ISC Seattle
Hi
Michael Just spent quite some time looking over your web site and I enjoyed it
very much. I found it by doing a Goggle search looking for a picture of a HH52
(in red) and you came up among the first few listed. After looking over your
bio I dont think we were ever in the same area but I served from 76-80 with
most of that time in the Northwind and Polar Sea as a RM. Keep up the good
work, I wish all my slides hadn't been lost or I would send you lots of great
ice ops pictures. Take Care Dan
Nice set of photos! Just one thing I noticed, though...the picture of BOUTWELL
in Alaska is dated as 2000, but it's a Picture of the Pre-FRAM boat, which
means it was probably taken prior to 1990. Best of luck to you! Bryan Fisher
First timer but impressed with the Quality of the site. I've been looking for
the sheet music for 'SEMPER PARATUS' Fred's place showed the 1st page only. I
am also a member of USCG AUX 5NR GO TEAM
Mike, You're just as ugly as when we served together in Miami...seems we both
managed to survive a CG Career! Drop me a line or call...410-263-3522 (Work)
Steve
I
am friends with your wife, Kat. (she is a sweetheart). I found your website
off Fred's place while looking for info on Coastie's who have been displaced
fm NOLA. CWO Ron Bandy, USCG Retired and SK Clarence "Bug" Henshaw, USCG Ret.
Please give Kat a hug from Jean and Chaka, she will smile. I was a graduate of
Charlie 92, Cape May. CC Wilson. Oct 7-Dec 1974...
Fabulous Web Page. Started Aviation School in E. City, there 9 years then they
forced me to retire b/c of age. Boot Camp Company 1 at Manhattan Beach,
Brooklyn 1943, Retired 1986.
Was in M60 at
Cape May, went to Groton for YN school and then to the 13th District.. Spent 3
years on CGC Winona, including 10 months off Vietnam. Great website!!
I was in your
company T-151. I am now stationed on the CGC SEA OTTER which will be in San
Diego after we accept it and sail it from Bollinger shipyards in Lockport, LA
through the panama canal to San Diego.
I was so
thrilled to learn so much from your site about the Coast Guard. My boyfriend
is a Company Commander there at Cape May, and I wanted to try and learn as
much as I could about what he does. Your site, had me laughing, crying and
even praying for the recruits on their arrivals. Thank you so much for your
site. He has been in the CG for quite some years, was a recruiter now in Boot
Camp. I'm so proud of him, the Coast Guard is his life, and its made a
difference in mine over the past few months. Thanks again, Tanya Derby
I am from the
old Guard, I really enjoyed browsing around. I was honored to be in P-88. Our
Company was all from Michigan. Any picture or info on our guys? Grand Haven
Michigan has a big Festival for the Coast Guard and they want to do a reunion
Cruise, but we can't find any old addresses. Can you help? PaPa-88 was back in
1973 Aug 4 thru October. Thanks for any help.
Enlisted in 63 was in boot camp when Kennedy was
shot, back then it was thirteen wks did 16 wks due to holidays. Stationed on
CGC Yankton, Mt Desert lighthouse and SW harbor search and rescue. Got out in
67. Best four years of my life
I joined the
CG in 11/52 and spent 3 years at CGAS SFO as an AL. Made several trips to the
Pacific and Alaska on the R5D flying logistic support for LORAN stations. Saw
great Garden Party locations like Attu and FFS. I am presently a Director of
the Coast Guard Foundation and established a scholarship fund to CG White
Hats.
Nice site I do
hope you guys realize the impact you have on people while you are a C/C Mine
was a big bully Named BM1 ROWE If I knew then what I know now that big so-so
would have been doing hard time in Leavenworth. So please be careful and
remember integrity. His was totally lacking
I
was in San Francisco 87-89 on HH3Fs stationed with Curtis Oakes and
Rindlisbacher (Now Master Chief) Hadn't seen their faces in years but did get
some good words of wisdom from Curtis. I was created by BMC Nelson in
Romeo 119 in late 1984. Cool site!!!
Thanks for reverting me in boot camp ten years ago, you better hope I never
pull you over. Pulling your chain you were fair and a positive influence
thanks, Sierra-145
First and foremost I will start by saying I have not seen Mike Harding in at
least 10 years now and yet at least once a day he crosses my mind .. This MAN
truly changed my life and made me something that at the time I was struggling
to be. A MAN !! I came from one of the roughest toughest inner city projects
in zip code 19135 in Philadelphia, PA, Yet I was scared in boot camp. From day
one I wanted to quit. Instead of letting me quit or giving up on me, Harding
pushed me, at the time I had just lost my best friend to a shooting and my
closest brother was dying of a rare form of cancer, yet I went in anyway ... I
wanted out badly though. Real bad. I went and saw Chaplain SOTO, I asked RM2
Absher, then I asked AM1 Harding. Let me quit, this is not for me.
Harding looked at me and said NO. This MAN did to me in 8 weeks what school
teachers and friends and even some parents couldn't do in 8 years !!! I
wanted badly some day to follow in his footsteps and be a CC but I was
seriously injured doing Helicopter OPS one day
I
enjoyed your site and am glad you make things like this available to those of
us who are retired. I am working on a second career and am glad not to be
recalled at all hours anymore. Keep up the good work and have a good holiday.
Do you know where I can get an photo of USCGC TAHOMA with a NY city
background? I served on TAHOMA as EO in the late 80s and early 90's. I wanted
to get a copy for my USCG corner. I appreciate any help you could give
me...CDR Phil
Enjoyed surfing your site. I will dig deeper into it at another time. Hope to
be able to find men I might have served with during my stay 7/1970 to 1/1974.
AD3 at Corpus Christi herding Goats (HU16As) and finished up at Cape May on
the HH52As... Still in the Aviation field and owe this to the Coast Guard..
I
was at Cape May September through early December 1970. You are doing what I
dreamed of from the first day of boot camp. I stayed for 8 years, met a
women who needed me at home every night. I wanted her to be happy so I put my
own dream away, and became a school teacher. At least once a month I calculate
where I would be had I stayed on. This would have been year 33. I am still
healthy and think I would still be there if I hadn't met Miss Ruby.
Thanks so much for the site! I feel as though I'm 18 again!!!!! Also, (always
an ulterior motive) I am trying to round up some folks from Quebec and Sierra
141. Mostly AMT2 Blaise Koep, Walt Calenius, BM2 Heather Smith. If you have
any info on these guys, I would love to hear it!!!! I went through basic with
them, then discovered that I have some heart problems, and had an Honorable
medical Discharge. We were all such a tight group, really like family, but
have lost touch over the years, I'm sure that you know the drill, they were
busy on Active duty, and I was busy at work, in college and raising 3 little
ones and a big one (my husband, hee, hee)! Sorry that this is so long winded,
I just thought, what better person to help me in my quest, than the guy with
the great website!!! Thanks again for your years of service, for making great
Coasties, and again for the site!!!! Take Care, Christine C. Schaefer
I
was looking at your website just to see what kind of things my boyfriend had
to go through, and I decided to complement you on the website. It's really
good.
I am in debt
to the USCG for making me an adult (well almost... tall order for me). I also
learned the meaning of military bearing, and still have the biceps to prove it
after 12 yrs!!!!
Went through Cape May Boot camp in Feb.1965 in Hotel 57. Was transferred to
the band under the direction of MU1 Barry Moorehead. Wonder where he went?
From boot camp went to the CGC Eastwind WAGB279 out of Boston. Made 1 North
Pole trip and 2 South Pole trips, and once around the world. Was disabled by a
white out and the CG pensioned me off. It was the greatest education and
experience being in the Coast Guard. To this day, all my shipmates keep in
touch with each other and we meet as much as we can. Reunions every 2 years
with mini reunions on the off years. Greatest bunch of friends you could ever
ask for.
My
son was stationed on the USCG Cutter Seneca in Boston MA. He is now going to
be at USCG Treasure Island SF - He is a 2nd class PO - OS...23 years and
joined the CG in 1999...Take care....
Your site is awesome! My daughter Jackie (19) just enlisted in the CG and
heads to boot camp 10/25/04. She departed on 07/15/04. Any suggestions,
comments or tips? Your site has tons of info and great features. Please add me
to your list. Thank you. Regards, Paul Shutak and Family New Milford, CT.
Served in the
Coast Guard from July , 1965 to October, 1967 . Boot camp company Sierra-58 .
Served on the USCGC WLB 307 ( EN3 ) on West PACs to Vietnam .
I'm a plank
owner on the Boutwell and I'm looking for more pictures. I was on Ocean
Station CHARLIE when we logged a 58.5 degree roll. I have noticed from some
pictures that they have installed S stabilizers.
Active from
1972 thru 1976. Did two patrols on USCGC Northwind WAGB 282. Went to AT School
in North Carolina, finished duty at Air Station San Francisco.
Yankee-24
Sept.1974, Cape May; ST2 on Morgenthau (NY), and Hamilton (Boston). Now a
FF/paramedic Hampton Fire. Served as John "Pelletier" and took my birth name
back 10 years ago.
You were my CC
(India- 142, MAR-APR 1993). You left a great impression in me that has lasted
my whole career, and will continue to motivate me. Thank you for your
inspiration.
Coast Guard
retired ... enjoyed your site very much ... very enthusiastic and upbeat
presentation ... Keep up the great work and I'll be back ... Thanks ...
Hey Chief,
Love your site. I retired QMC in 92. I was on old CGC KUKUI, CGC RUSH, CGC
MELLON, CGC POLAR SEA, AIRSTA KODIAK and FTG PH. I'm a pro guitarist banjoist.
Semper Paratus!!! Steve
Thanks for
posting Nate's picture. Here's the trust fund info: The Nathan Bruckenthal
Memorial Trust P.O. Box 398 Northport, NY 11768 Thanks again, - Martin D.
Castellanos, Investigative Bureau Boca Raton Police Services Department
-------------- Maritime Law Enforcement Instructor United States Coast Guard
TACLET South An actor knows two important things -- to be honest in what he is
doing and to be in touch with the audience. That's not bad advice for a
politician either. President Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004)
Hello! Thought
I'd drop a quick line to let you know I enjoyed your website...Stumbled upon
it while looking up some stuff about my era with the USCG - was a radioman on
WHECs from 1970 thru 1975 (regular 4 year enlistment, extended for a year
while I made up my mind whether to reenlist)...Spent my time on the Winona
(Port Angeles WA.), and the Klamath (Seattle WA.) which were both 255' Ocean
Station vessels (OSN and OSV specifically). Just missed the Viet Nam
deployment by the Winona, got on just after they got home. Finished my
seagoing days on the Boutwell when it was home ported in Seattle. Nice ship!
Finished my stint with the Coast Guard at Captain of the Port, Seattle (now
known as Port Safety Station Seattle). Would have made it a career but my
spouse had other ideas, so I got a job with the Federal Way Fire Department,
where I am in my last year working as an Operations Division Battalion Chief.
I still miss the good times I had with the Guard, and appreciate folks like
you
Hello Chief,
How you doing? Sorry for not writing before but I've been in and out of San
Juan sailing the Caribbean. I haven't seen many people from Tango-151. There
is people that I always hear about like El Amin who was on the cover of the
Coast Guard Magazine. I heard about MK2 Craig and that is really sad. He was
the one always pushing the company over the edge and making us laugh, keeping
up our hopes. Let me tell you that I made 2nd class in three years and now I'm
working on my sea time to make first, it hasn't been easy, but it is not
supposed to be. Well, take care Chief and God bless you and your loved ones.
J. Gonzalez
Nice site.
Good pictures. Still exploring. I was doing a word search on "Nathan
Bruckenthal", and found it. I augment STAPANSACOLA, and love working with
these great kids. Currently undergoing Watch Stander training, and I also get
underway from time to time. I discuss issues @ Military.com, screen name
"MARLIN639". JPP, USCG Aux. Coosa River Flotilla 88-8CR, Bham, Al.
A
former recruit in KILO-139 w/ Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Harding
& Radioman First Class Wilford, respectively --- and from 2000-2003 I trained
16 Companies (E-158 thru L-165). Proud to be a part of the CC Corps! Brace up
Cape May-- I'll be back!!! //HS1 Rangel sends
Hey nice page
you got here... I just graduated from TANGO-167... best decision of my life.
Now I'm serving proudly in the CG Honor Guard for the next two years. Do you
know where I could find a page from my company? Thanks and keep up
the hard work ...R. Summers
I also went to
HH3f Airframe and Power-Train school in spring of '70. My grade was AM2. I was
a SAR aircrew man in the 52 and H3. I also completed the H52 co-pilot syllabus
and flew as co-pilot on extended searches. I was stationed at CGAS Brooklyn
after "A" school from 10/69 to 2/73. We had three HU16's, three H3's and four
52's. The goats left in early '70. Keep up the good work. Coastie forever, Jim
C.
My name is
Matthew Campora and I was never in any of your companies however I remember
you. I was in KILO 141 back in 1992 under Chief Fox. I am currently doing some
research for a web site on my years in the Coast Guard. They were wonderful
years. I would like to compliment you on your site. I am doing mine as a hobby
and I am sure I will be taking my time on it. But I just wanted to say that
you have helped thousands of young people understand what a better life by
introducing them to the Coast Guard.
The United
States Coast Guard holds by far and without question, the title of Noblemen of
the Military. They are truly Service Men, not only prepared militarily but in
humanitarian ways no one else come come close to. Bravo and God bless you all.
Semper Paratus! Mike Bazurto
Went through
boot camp as a member of Delta-144. I injured myself about two
weeks in, but you and the other CCs saw to it that I graduated with the
company. Just wanted to thank you, PO Infantino and PO Fields.
I have enjoyed
viewing your web site. My son is about to graduate from Cape May On Apr 2,
2004.Can't wait to see him your pages have enlightened me as to what to expect
from that day. we are so proud of him...and know that this was an excellent
decision he made. Thank you, Christine Twomley
Hi Mr. Harding! I just found out your a Mr. now.
Congrats!!! I finally made first. I also found your CC website.. Nice Job! I
was excited to see that CC school was accredited now. I just declared a major
with Excelsior U. and it happens to be in Psychology. What a coincidence.. The
message said though, that it applied to people who went to CC school since Jan
1994.. I was in Bob Andersons class and I believe it was the 2nd Class to ever
go through. I can't remember our grad date but I think It was around that
time. Do you know if that class counts?? I hope so! I could really use some
upper level credits. Well, I am on night shift at ATC in the 65 shop now.
Actually I am POPDIV and got back from the Antarctica trip in April. What are
you doing these days?? Take care! Odie
Good morning
CWO Harding, Were you a Company Commander in Cape May in 1993? I was a SR then
in S-142. I happened to come across your name looking in the Global email
address book. v/r, LT Kin P. Szeto
Mr. Harding I
was surfing the internet for TRACEN Cape May web site and came across your web
site, I could not believe when I saw 0-140 boot camp photo. I believe there is
only myself and a reservist still in the Coast Guard from the company. Then to
find out you are still active duty. It has brought back to many memories.
I was
stationed with you back then.. I was AD2 George Sheridan (my step father
adopted me and my three younger brothers had our last name changed to Boyle).
I was just talking with a new LTJG here that was prior enlisted. You were his
Company Commander [CC] in Cape May (Victor 144). We were talking about funny
USCG moments and he mentioned his CC in boot camp asked him "Are you
retarded". I asked him who his CC was and said AM1 Mike Harding. I said damn I
think I know that guy...So that's how we got here...How's it going?
Hey Mr.
Harding, AVT1 Jaime Young here. I was a member of Hotel 141 with you as my CC
and RD3 Stauffer as your assistant CC. I happened upon your www.military.com
group today and joined so I thought I would drop you a line to say hello. I
hope that your voice has recovered from having to yell the word 'knucklehead'
so many times. I don't know if you remember our company or not but a couple of
incidents that might come to mind to remind you of the company were when the
Squad Leader from our sister company broke into your office late one night and
taped a note to your television inquiring as to the origins of a black eye you
had for a few days. If I remember right you had the guy running around the
regiment barging into other CC's offices yelling 'I am nosey nosey nosey'. The
entire company got a good laugh out of that one. You never did say where the
black eye came from but I don't think that guy ever asked again. If you get a
minute or two and are so inclined drop me a line back.
CWO Harding,
What would you say to someone who was in limbo about going back into the Navy
or enlisting in the Coast Guard? I was in the Navy and I got a Medical
Discharge. I just recently got my request to have my Re-Entry Code changed. I
am now allowed to re-enter the military. I know I want to save lives and
eventually be a Police Officer. I have been an EMT-Basic with IN, KY, and
National Registry certifications for almost a year now. If I were to go into
the Coast Guard, I would want to do either MLE, SAR, or Rescue Swimmer. If I
go back into the Navy, I would want to do either SP (MAA) or Corpsman. What
advice could you offer? Could you put me in contact with someone who is in the
Coast Guard in either MLE, SAR or who is a Rescue Swimmer? I would really
appreciate your feedback and opinion. Yours Very Respectfully, Former SN
Micheal Whitehead-USN Honor, Courage Commitment "That Others May Live"
Dear Sir: My
name is Linwood I am a student at the University of North Carolina. My home
town is Raleigh, NC . I am studying Psychology and criminal justice. I am
interested in becoming a company commander in the US Coast Guard. More
importantly, I am interested in training and teaching new recruits to become
strong and positive coast guard men and women. I was going to be a teacher,
but I chose to major in psychology. The reason is psychology can help me
understand the human mind. In class, I learn how the mind can be conditioned /
shaped. In all, I am interested and I would like to keep in contact with you.
I hope you can provide some information in how to become a company commander.
I need to know what to tell my recruiter about pursuing this career. I am
joining the Coast Guard when I graduate from Pembroke. ( May. 2005) Please
contact me
Mr. Harding: I
wanted to send you a personal email to thank you for taking the time to make
your web site and the boot camp web site on
www.military.com. I have been in the Coast Guard for the last 8 years
(a graduate of Y-148 under the direction of Chief Alessi and AT1 Stiff) and my
contract is set to expire. However, after reviewing your web site and the boot
camp contents therein, I have been inspired to re-enlist. Your web sites are a
great service to the people of the Coast Guard and it helps us all remember
those great (and bad) days at Cape May. Most of all, it reminds me of reasons
why I joined and inspires me to continue serving in the US Coast Guard. Thank
you and keep expanding you site! Jim PS. I'd love it if you added a section to
your web site with boot camp stories from the Company Commanders prospective
AND, if you have any cadence lyrics you could post, that would be GREAT!
CWO Harding, I
was in your company back in 1993, I-142. I have since migrated to the Navy of
all places. I am currently stationed in Naples, Italy. Just wanted to say
thanks for kicking my ass into shape back in 93, without you I'd probably
working at 7-11 pumping gas for the elderly. Congrats on making Warrant. LT
Paul Costanzo
currened and inspires me to continue serving in the
US Coast Guard. Thank you and keep expanding you site! Jim PS. I'd love it if
you added a section to your web site with boot camp stories from the Company
Commanders prospective AND, if you have any cadence lyrics you could post,
that would be GREAT!
CWO Harding, I
was in your company back in 1993, I-142. I have since migrated to the Navy of
all places. I am currently stationed in Naples, Italy. Just wanted to say
thanks for kicking my ass into shape back in 93, without you I'd probably
working at 7-11 pumping gas for the elderly. Congrats on making Warrant. LT
Paul Costanzo
Hey Mike, Looks like your still having fun in the
Coast Guard. I was the big guy in Public Works at Air Station Miami (air
conditioning repair)1976-1979 enjoyed your web site. I would enjoy seeing any
pictures of that time. Well keep up the good work! Mike
Great web
site! Thank you for this service and please continue to expand your boot camp
section! What are the Company Commander's stories? Why are they there? What
Company Commanders day like? How many company's per year? etc!
Mr. Harding,
Good day Sir. I was in V-144 in July-Sep 1994. Yourself and RM2 Absher were
the CC's. I just found your website and wanted to say hello. You will never
know how much influence you had on my life. I remember vividly a lecture on
"humility" that you gave me one day! Rest assured that I took your
instructions to heart. Thank you. I've had a great career so far, and I'm only
10 yrs into it. I hope you're doing well. Take care and I hope to hear from
you and any other V-144 shipmates. v/r, BM1 Michael J. Ellis Executive Petty
Officer USCGC PETREL (WPB-87350)
Graduated Boot
Camp in 1959 With Company Mike 39 Went from there to Atlantic City Life Boat
Station, Barnegat Lightship. The Westwind and from there to the CGC Sauk a 110
ft Tug served eight years got out in 1967 enjoyed the entire 8 years
I was a member
of Golf-149. We were allowed to sail the Eagle from England to the Azores. I
agree it was a blast to sail. The best part was sitting on teak beach and
watch the dolphins race the ship.
Anybody from
J-165? If there are any shipmates from J-165 write me. I had YN1 Davis and YN1
Washburn as CC's and can I tell you, dang they were mean and tough! But I
thank them for every time I got my butt kicked because all the time I was
pushing the deck, it paid off when I got to my first unit!
Hello, CWO
Harding! I remember you from my Echo-147 days, and all those other companies I
had the pleasure of being reverted to! LOL! I didn't graduate; I was
discharged for failure to adjust to the military lifestyle. I don't have any
regrets! It was an interesting experience! Hello and best wishes to all my
ex-shipmates out there!
My boyfriend
is in unit Tango 166. and your web site has helped me to see what he has gone
through.. Thank you for having such a wonderful website. Amanda
V-144 (Summer
'94)Looking for the rest of us DAMN YANKEES. ALPHABET, where you at! CARROWAN
(spelling?) forget your name again?? YBERRI, is that a Rolex on your wrist?!?
I'm back West, drop me a line mates.
Hello Mr.
Harding! Congratulations on your advancement! I was the company yeoman for
Lima 144 and have to say that I regret not taking the opportunity to accept
OCS that was offered to me in boot camp. However, my husband was enlisted and
went through OCS last year and we're now in Pensacola as he trains to be a
pilot! He probably was stationed with your wife at Alameda, we just left there
in March. His name is Ensign Donald Isom and was the ESO for ISC
Alameda. There's another guy here from our company (Rob Stotz) who's training
to be a pilot. Small world! Hope all is well and want you to know just how
respected you were. Regards, Risha
Strange to
call you that being the last time we spoke, you were a 1st class in 1993.
Congratulations on your numerous advancements and promotions. Impressive
career no doubt. I was in Uniform-143 (and before that S-143 and T-143), you
were my Company Commander. Your web site is outstanding. Just wanted to take a
second and pass that on. I appreciate all you did for me back in 93. I had
been through 2 other companies for behavioral problems before landing in
Uniform. Here I am almost 10 years later with a family, 3 kids and a career
that always surprises me. You never gave up on me, and I owe you for that.
CWO Harding,
this is great. I was in S 142, Graduated July 1993. You may not believe it but
the live lessons and practical factors that you provided us in Boot Camp still
remain stead-fast. The one memory that I still think back on is your method of
getting me through "Swim Hold" Although you reverted me you also took time to
personally assist me to my swimming hurdles. Look forward to seeing you again.
Robert Mitchell
My
granddaughter SR Koyle is in Cape May, NJ from June, 2003, graduating 9/5/03;
please take good care of her. Thank you, GOD BLESS YOU ALLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
I enjoyed your
site. Especially the TRACEN Cape May area. My youngest son is at TRACEN Cape
May now. As you know, communication is minimal, so any connection helps.
Thanks for developing such an informative site.
Hello, Things
are going well for me, how about you? I was in your v144 company. I am now an
ET2. I took a while to make petty officer because I got out as a seaman due to
a baby. I came back in 2 1/2 years later. I am now on the Tahoma in
Massachusetts. I like it...kinda. I have two years left on the boat. I hope it
goes by quick Jennifer (Woodbury) Baker
My daughter
Chastity O'Donnell just joined the coast guard 4-21-03. she is in boot camp
now. just writing to tell you take care of her......love her mother
I went through
basic in Sept. 1992, Co. H-141. This seems like a great place to meet up again
w/old shipmates. We may not all remember each other's names, but how could
anyone forget their CC's name!?
