With over 15 years of combined service, both as an active-duty member and as a reservist, it’s no secret that I’m committed to the Coast Guard's missions. My husband, Cody, is an active-duty machinery technician. In 2022, he received orders down to North Carolina, which led me to take a billet as a reservist at a neighboring station. Prior to taking active duty orders at headquarters, I was encouraged to participate in the spring 2023 Chiefs’ Call to Initiation with the Crystal Coast Consolidated Chief’s Mess by my officer in charge. The decision to participate in CCTI—only a week after advancing to chief–led me to a new network of friends and colleagues at the Special Mission Training Center as half of my CCTI group was attached to the unit. I initially thought the tactical side was a little intimidating with their green uniforms, unbloused pants and unfamiliar acronyms–I was doing a lot of internet searches. I found out that almost a third of the uniformed members assigned to SMTC are reservists on active-duty orders. At the end of CCTI, I knew that SMTC’s mission, and the story of the reservists who support it, was something that should be shared. Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Turner, our videographer, and I had the opportunity to spend a week at SMTC capturing footage and engaging with the instructors and staff who train our tactical and expeditionary forces. Their passion for the mission was infectious. Ensign Amanda Rousseau, a reservist and prior chief boatswain's mate from my CCTI group, spearheaded organizing our engagement with the unit. Thank you! As for my decision to go through CCTI? I learned a lot about myself and how to mitigate stress. It was a lot to juggle as a drilling reservist, but I don’t regret the long drives, early mornings, and the sometimes heroic effort to secure childcare. What I ultimately learned was that we cannot and should not do everything alone. We cannot conduct boardings, respond to search and rescue cases or even publish a magazine by ourselves. CCTI exposed me to a living repository of information, a group of people that create community through their knowledge and shared experiences. This is the same camaraderie I see throughout the Reserve, regardless of rate or rank. The Coast Guard Reserve is small, and we rely on each other for guidance. I see reservists everyday supporting each other through challenges, celebrating triumphs and offering assistance when needed. The last few months have been incredibly fun and challenging in developing the last two issues. With the return of the editor, Anastasia Devlin, I conclude my time with the magazine, but I won’t be far! I’m joining the team permanently as a civilian, continuing to share the story of our component and our reservists. If you have events going on at your unit, pictures you want to share or people you want to highlight, please contact me at: [email protected]. Chief Heather Scheer Assistant Editor Volume LXX . Issue 4 • 2023 reserve.uscg.mil/magazine [email protected] MAGAZINE Anastasia Devlin Editor Chief Heather Scheer Assistant Editor Chris S. Rose Creative Director COMMAND Adm. Linda L. Fagan Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Miriam Lafferty Assistant Commandant for Reserve Capt. Susana Lee Chief, Office of Reserve Policy and Requirements Integration Cmdr. Katy Coombs Chief, Reserve Policy and Strategic Communications Division Lt. Cmdr. Samantha M. Block Chief, Reserve Strategic Communications CONTACT INFORMATION [email protected] Commandant (CG-R55) Attn: Editor, Reservist 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE (Stop-7721) Washington, DC 20593-7721 http://reserve.uscg.mil Facebook: @uscoastguardreserve Instagram: @uscg_reserve Twitter: @uscgreserve #uscgr RESERVIST (COMDTPUB 1001.29) is published by the Assistant Commandant for Reserve, U.S. Coast Guard. It is intended for information only and is not authority for official action. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Homeland Security or Coast Guard. The editor reserves the right to select and edit all materials for publication. We continue to strive for perfection, yet unattained. Reservist Magazine From the Assistant Editor This month's cover is an homage to the Reservist of the early 2000s.
