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I just had the best 4th of July ever!
As you know for months I studied to be a fully qualified radio watchstander at the local Coast Guard base.
In May I passed the Coast Guard test and oral review board
It's the same exact course and test(s) the regular Coast Guard do.
Well I've stood watches, by myself, since then.
But today was the 1st time I was a key element in a rescue of an elderly couple
who's boat had engine failure a few miles out in the ocean.
My duty as radio watchstander includes getting the 1st information (the distress call) correct
so the Coast Guard boat and crew can perform the rescue.
I also handle and log all the radio traffic.
I keep the OOD at the base (Officer of the Deck) informed of all movements.
He then determines if he wants any changes.
If he does I then radio his orders to the Coast Guard boat on scene.
I'm like an "assistant coach" during a big game.
Only it's no game, lives are at stake, of those in distress and those on the rescue boat.
There is no room for error, everything must be done per policy.
It was the 1st time I again served in uniform on the 4th of July while our country is at war.
As a Coast Guard Auxiliary member and Coast Guard trained and qualified
for my duties I legally represent the Coast Guard while I am on watch.
In fact during my watch I am also subject to the provisions of the Unifomed Code of Military Justice.

I also had the chance to stand by for my regular relief (regular Coast Guard) for several hours.
His mom paid a suprise visit to see her son on the 4th.
They had not seen each other for months.

I did nothing extrodinary today.
I just did what I was trained to do.
But it did help me repay my country for my FReedom.