Desert Coasties
SCUTTLEBUTT
The Scuttlebutt Page is where we will post news from fellow Coasties and items of general interest to the community. What's going on with you? Send us your news through the Contact Page. Please, no politics!
Joe Ferrang tells his story to CDR Gary Thomas, USCG (Ret).
An old Coastie picks up his trumpet and
attempts to play taps on Memorial Day, 2020.
You'll want to read this unauthorized diary
transcribed by his son, Bob. Click the PDF icon.
The World's Oldest and Largest On-line Military, Veteran, and Military Family Registry. Over 101 million Military Listings from Pre-Revolutionary War to the Present. Click Here!
Get your caps, accessories, flags, and much more here:
Be Connected is a statewide program focused on reducing deaths by suicide in Arizona’s military and veteran population by connecting service members, veterans and their families to support and resources. Need help or want to volunteer? Click Here!
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance has been helping Coasties since 1924. Retirees, active duty and other categories are eligible for disaster relief, housing assistance and educational benefits.
DESERT COASTIES T-SHIRTS & FACE MASKS
Wear your pride! Get your Desert Coasties T-Shirts here:
https://teespring.com/desert-coasties-veterns-t-shir#pid=2&cid=2397&sid=front
Get your Desert Coasties Face Masks here:
DISCOUNTS FOR VETERANS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
http://seniorlyfe.com/advertorial/22-discounts-for-u-s-veterans-you-should-know-about/
HAS YOUR VA ACCOUNT BEEN HACKED? BETTER CHECK!
A NOSTALGIC LOOK BACK AT 327s
Did you serve aboard a 327? Even if you didn't, you will find this very interesting. Take a cruise down memory lane with these photos of the USCGC Ingham's interior spaces. Originally posted by a Lt. Carney and sent to us by Lloyd Hensley. You can turn the photo 360 or zoom in and out.
http://www.uscgcingham.org/pano_index.html
BOB BONVILLE SHARES HIS DAD'S WAR STORIES AT WALDEN GROVE HIGH SCHOOL!
Bob Bonville, in cooperation with American Legion Post #131 gave a reading from his father's (Bob Sr. RMC USCG) unauthorized diary written during the invasion of Okinawa, April 1, 1945. The presentation was part a project coordinated between the Legion and Walden Grove High School History Department as they study the great wars of recent history and the US Military.
Bonville is one of a number of presenters who will be delivering stories and first-hand accounts of wartime activity from a serviceman's point of view.
After being introduced by Bruce Magnuson, the Post #131 Legion representitive, and before he began his reading, Bonville was individually greeted by each and every student with a personal handshake and heartfelt offering of gratitude for his service. "These kids were amazing, what a find bunch of well behaved and attentive young people", Bob told the teacher Ms. Doreen Sorce of the Walden Grove History Department.
During the presentation Bob had an opportunity to talk up the Coast Guard in general and specifically spoke about their contributions in WW2 and other armed conflicts involving the US.
FREE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING FOR VETERANS!
Click here for details: https://niccs.us-cert.gov/training/federal-virtual-training-environment-fedvte
CG CAPS, etc.
We've been asked about where to purchase Coast Guard (retired/veteran) caps. We have discovered a place that has caps and more. Medals of America carries caps, T-shirts, knit shirts, sweat shirts, jackets, patches, medals, service ribbons and more. Here is the link: https://www.medalsofamerica.com/coast-guard-color-3d-letter-hat
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
iN 2018, I was the guest of fellow Desert Coastie Jim Woodward in a class he is teaching at Pima Community College Green Valley Campus. His class is, "History: Lighthouses, Optics and the People Who Tended Them."
This particular class discussed the origins of Lighthouses over millenia including how technology played a huge part in Lens development and the effectiveness of Lighthouses as an effective aid to navigation. In addition, Jim told about how, as a Black Hull Coastie on the great lakes, he got involved in this subject which has remained a lifelong love and vocation for him.
I personally plan on attending this class in its duration the next time it is offered. If you are not aware of the programs offered with the LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAM at Pima CC, follow this link - www.olli.arizona.edu - for more information. There is a secion devoted to the classes offered at the Green Valley Campus.