Eight Weeks for Eight Years - by Captain Cari Thomas

Eight Weeks for Eight Years

Today, 11 September 2009, 41 men and women became India-182 Company. In the over 60 years that we have been training recruits, there will be only one India-182. Although this process occurs each week, today’s formation is meaningful to remember the tragedy of 11 September 2001. These recruits… the enlisted leaders of tomorrow… will give eight weeks to remember the last eight years.

The Company Commander Creed

“These recruits are entrusted to my care. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Coast Guard men and women. I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, and professional skill."

Because of the special role, incredible responsibility and complete trust and confidence placed on the company commanders, we require them to reaffirm their Company Commander Creed in front of their recruit company. Much like the oath of office that recruits take, this ceremony is intended to reinforce the gravity of the duties of the Company Commanders. Like a boat coxswain, an aircraft commander, or a patrol boat Officer in Charge, our Coast Guard places full accountability and authority with the lives and welfare of those that we serve… in this case, our recruits.

Why We Serve

Alexander Hamilton, who conceived of the Revenue Cutter service in the 1700s, said this: “There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.”

And so, eight years ago as a country with great liberty, we watched or did things in acts of bravery and heroism. Helping people home via boats. Closing the ports to help prevent further damage. Ministering to the sick and the dying. That day…in which ordinary people did extraordinary things… changed us. We’re more aware of the things around us. We’re more tolerant of tighter security. We’re more motivated to serve.

What the Future Holds

These men and women who graduated today, and the men and women that began their Coast Guard careers today are the products of that day eight years ago. We take time today to not only remember those who lost their lives in 2001, but we honor those who answered the call to serve in 2009.

78 Guardians graduated today from Bravo-182. Just a few short weeks ago, their Company Commanders restated the creed and took on the duties of the transformation of these men and women from civilians into Guardians.

As they left for their first duty stations, they are motivated and dedicated to serving their Coast Guard and their country. Bravo Company did well in their voyage through recruit training displaying commitment, courage and character. They showed true commitment to improving themselves and one another… the beginning of a lifelong obligation to continual change and improvement.

They displayed extraordinary courage; the courage to rise above their peers in pursuit of a greater good, the courage to serve as a member of the military during time of war.

And, they have begun to understand the importance of character. As Guardians, our public expects us to be always ready and to do things always right. In order to be trusted, you must always be doing the right things, even when no one is looking.

In the Guardian Ethos it says that for the maritime public that we serve, we will protect, defend and save them. But for recruits, graduates and Guardians in the field… Not only does this apply to the public, but it applies to one another. We must protect, defend and save our shipmates. We must be their shield.

We remember to honor those who have fallen, and in the words of General Colin Powell, "You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy."

You are the American spirit that he talked about.

You are now extraordinary men and women about to do extraordinary things.

So the “circle of life” goes on. Another company forms, and more arrive next Tuesday. Our nation is full of young men and women who want only to save lives, make their communities secure and to clean up and preserve the environment. Our future is full of people who want to give eight weeks to honor the last eight years.