Deep Sea Salute: “A Diver's Tribute to Our Veterans”

Diving deep into the ocean's depths, I've learned a thing or two about courage and the unknown. Today, on Veterans Day, I'm surfacing to pay my respects to my fellow service members, those brave souls who've navigated far more treacherous waters than I.

Out here in the deep blue, it's all about staying calm under pressure, a trait I see mirrored in my brothers and sisters in arms. These veterans, they've braved storms I can only imagine, showing true grit and resilience. We're cut from the same cloth – tough, ready, and relentless in the face of danger.

Today, we're also remembering the ones who didn't make it back to shore. Those who dove into the ultimate mission and paid the highest price. We salute their bravery – their memory is our guiding star, lighting up the darkest depths.

In the Coast Guard, we're all about having each other's backs, both on and off duty. Supporting our vets isn't just a Veterans Day thing – it's our duty every day. Whether it's lending an ear or a helping hand, we're here for them, just as they were for us.

Every vet coming back to dry land should feel the deck beneath their feet and know they're not alone. We need to build a community that understands and values the unique skills and experiences they bring back from their service.

On this Veterans Day, let's rally together to honor our veterans. Their service, like the vast ocean, is deep and full of mystery and challenges. Let's show our gratitude not just today, but every day. To all my fellow servicemen and women, past and present, thank you for diving into the unknown for our country. Your bravery is the current that keeps our nation moving forward.