of other branches of service, and the pandemic added to it by impeding their recruitment and training abilities. Multiple studies and repetitive survey results have indicated poor family support, lack of career advancement, and poor communication as reasons service members are unhappy or leave the military. In the 2020 Blue Star Families Military Lifestyle Survey, only 46% reported feeling like they belonged. With many units of the Coast Guard being remote, the new mentoring program ensures Coast Guardsmen are always connected and supported, regardless of where they are located. “I think this mentoring program can really impact retention in the Coast Guard. If you feel like you have a path to success or feel like you have people dedicated to helping you succeed, you’ll stay,” Vanderhaden said. The belief in the program’s potential comes from his own experience. “I was ready to punch out at 10 years and call it a day,” Vanderhaden said. “It was tough but then transfer season came and new people came in. I actually found some mentors I really felt like had my best interests in mind so I ended up staying. But it was close… if things hadn’t changed and I hadn’t had those mentors, I wouldn’t be talking to you today.” A mentoring program correlates to creating healthy organizational culture and support, which has been heavily studied and remains a focal point for most civilian corporations. It’s an approach the military appears to be adopting as well. “You can pay people a lot of money to stay, but at the end of the day, they’ll stay because they love what they do and feel like they can grow,” Vanderhaden said. Growth and purpose isn’t just for the mentees, either. “As senior enlisted leaders, what’s most rewarding for us is growing the next group of Coasties who are our replacements and to give back.” Coast Guard members and employees can enroll for the new mentoring program at CoastGuard.Chronus.com. � Coast Guard Reserve gains three new Physician Assistants Story by Lt. Ray Rakhar In 1971, the Coast Guard began recruiting physician assistants in an effort to supplement physician staffing support. When first introduced, PAs were in the enlisted ranks. However, consistent with the other armed services, their entry ranks changed to commissioned warrant officer and later to commissioned officer status. As their numbers grew, PAs assumed integral roles in the delivery of health care throughout the military including the Coast Guard Reserve. Today, PAs are assigned to Coast Guard clinics, training centers, air stations, and port security units. Recently, three PAs graduated from the Reserve Officer Candidate Indoctrination class 1-21 in June 2021. Physician assistants Lt. Ray Rakhar, Lt. Miguel Escalera and Lt. Heidi Barnes are now commissioned officers in the Coast Guard Reserve. All 3 PAs have prior service in the Army, Navy and Air Force, respectively, and were commissioned through the Selected Reserve Direct Commission Physician Assistant (DCPA) program. They bring an abundance of knowledge and experience to the Coast Guard and have been assigned to PSUs across the country. PAs are trained at the graduate level and able to expand the reach of the healthcare team in assessing and treating patients. That level of skill and education earns military PAs a place in the commissioned ranks right alongside physicians, nurses, and other graduate-level professionals. Coast Guard PAs are trained in health, safety, warfare readiness, casualty care, trauma management, and crisis response. As the needs of the Coast Guard continue to evolve, medical care and readiness needs are changing as well. These officers represent part of the solution to meet these needs as we Physicians assistants Lt. Ray Rakhar, Lt. Heidi Barnes and Lt. Miguel Escalera celebrated their graduation from the Reserve Officer Candidate Indoctrination class 1-21 in June 2021. reconstitute the Reserve medical officer force. As they progress through their careers, they will have the opportunity to serve at PSUs, in Coast Guard clinics, during disaster response, and on planning staffs supporting the full range of Coast Guard missions. If you know a prior service PA, or experienced civilian PA interested in serving the Coast Guard Reserve, point them to: https://www.gocoastguard.com/reserve-careers/officer- careers/programs/direct-commission-physician-assistant- selected-reserve Issue 4 • 2021 � RESERVIST 9
