Barrett (Tom) Beard, a retired Coast Guard Lt. Commander, holds a BA degree from The Evergreen State College, Washington, and MA from Western Washington University. Tom served as a museum director and later as a writer where he has over thirty published articles plus two books and the monograph, "The Poulsbo Boat". The book, "Wonderful Flying Machines", is the history of the maritime helicopter. He contributed chapters to other books including U.S. Naval Aviation and Association of Naval Aviation. He was editor in chief and one of thirty writers for the book, "The Coast Guard". Tom served ten years as a Naval Aviator, with a tour aboard an aircraft carrier in Vietnam. Following this was a career in the Coast Guard flying missions for ten years as a search and rescue pilot — both in fixed-wing aircraft and in helicopters. After a military flying career, he flew as a commercial pilot and holds an airline transport license with ratings in seaplane and helicopter. Additionally, he holds a Coast Guard master’s license. Beard recently contributed a riveting article to the Coast Guard Channel about a daring rescue in the Gulf.

Click here to read "Ocean Express".

Click here to read Tom's amazing account "Nineteen talk to me"

Keith R. Bridgman
Love and respect for the outdoors is an important element in Keith’s life. For over thirty years, he has pursued a lifestyle that incorporates spending time in the field whether from hiking or canoeing to hunting and fishing. His love of nature is what prompted him to begin photographing those defining moments from the natural world. His first attempts at serious photography began in the mid 1970’s when he was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard performing search and rescue operations from the Umpqua River Lifeboat Station at Winchester Bay, Oregon. Equipped with a simple Fujica ST701 35mm camera and a couple of lenses, he discovered the beauty of Oregon through his viewfinder.

A native Oklahoman, he has lived in many wonderful locations including Arkansas, New Mexico, California, Colorado, Oregon, and most recently, Kentucky where he and his family currently live amongst the farm country in the south central part of the state. It was the move to Kentucky that triggered a renewed vigor in his photography as he discovered an incredible land full of the rustic charm of America. In 1997, he began to write about his outdoor adventures adopting a style reminiscent of the old time outdoor writers like Ted Trueblood, Townsend Whelen, and Gordon MacQuarrie, a style rich in capturing the emotional elements of story telling. His website Beyond The Campfire features not only his photography but also includes many of his journal entries.

His photography has been featured in various publications such as Kentucky Living and City magazine, which is published by the League of Kentucky Cities. Several of his winter and snow scene images have been selected by The Kentucky Department of Tourism for use in future promotional publications. His work has also been displayed at various showings at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green Capitol Arts, and Glasgow Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Keith is currently developing a line of greeting cards based on Kentucky Seasons and has begun work on photo presentation shows set to music composed and arranged by his oldest son. He is still working on a special project called ‘The Alvaton Collection’ which he began in 2004. The project is a series of images that captures the rustic beauty of the area near his home and he entertains thoughts of adapting those images to the musical photo presentation format.

For over twenty years Keith has been a mainframe computer programmer for several major corporations. Even though he makes his living from a high-tech world, his heart always yearns for the simplicity he finds in nature.

Read Keith’s story and see his photos in “Return to Duty”.

Steven Craig is author of “Chronicles of Katrina – Lessons Learned from the Disaster for Your Home Preparedness Planning”, a book based on his experiences to the Gulf Coast area and his research into home preparedness based on the lessons learned. Sent by the Coast Guard to the area five times after Katrina ravaged the area, he compiled these lessons upon his release from active duty into an informative book that not only relates these observations, but takes it a step further by outlining specific preparedness programs all Americans should undertake.

With over 34 years Coast Guard Reserve experience as enlisted Senior Chief and as an Officer, Steve is presently serving as a Commander where he serves collateral duty as the Washington State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO). Recalled to active duty immediately after the 9/11 attacks, he ultimately would serve three recalls serving in roles as Facility Security Officer in Seattle and Continuity of Operations Planning Officer in Portland, Or. Steve’s recent civilian work experience includes serving as Emergency Response Planning Coordinator for The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA and most recently as Emergency Coordinator for Columbia County, Oregon where he just completed work as the Emergency Operations Center Manager in St. Helens for the TOPOFF 4 Exercise.

‘Chronicles of Katrina’ is now available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders Books, and other major outlets.

Read an excerpt from Steve’s book.

Visit Steve’s website at www.stevencraigauthor.com.

Mike Hazard grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1970. For the next 6 years he lived a childhood dream and responded to dozens of calls for search and rescue from boaters on the Straits of Juan de Fuca and points south of Tatoosh Island. His first duty assignment took him to Biorka Loran on Biorka Island, fifteen miles west of Sitka, Alaska, for twelve months. He was next attached to Coast Guard Station Neah Bay at Neah Bay, Washington, where he served as a Motor Lifeboat Engineer for nearly two years on CG40501 and CG44364.

For his final assignment, he was attached to Boating Safety Detachment 13 (BOSDET 13) at Sandpoint Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington. He holds an AS degree in Construction Management and a BS in Business from UNLV. He currently works and lives with his family in Las Vegas, Nevada. His writing career came to life with his first novel “The Sea’s Fury” in January of 2007.

Read an excerpt from Mike’s book.

Visit Mike’s website at Spinnaker Press.

Phil Jaffe studied journalism and printing at Beverly Hills High School in California. In 1951, he graduated from Beverly High and entered the University of Southern California (USC). At USC, he continued to study journalism and business administration. He was a member of the Coast Guard Reserve and was activated to full time duty in 1953. After 14 weeks in boot camp, Phil was assigned to the icebreaker Northwind. In 1955, he completed his tour of duty and returned to USC where he continued his education.

During his professional years, he owned a printing company in Los Angeles where he printed and published a variety of magazines, books and travel guides. One of his accounts was the Los Angeles Lakers. During six years with the Lakers, he had an opportunity to write and publish books with and about Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. Phil also assisted in publishing a book written by John Wooden and Bill Sharman called "A Guide to Winning Basketball". His friend Jerry West once told Phil that one of his best assets was that “he helped make things happen”. This stuck through the years as Phil was very active in many civic activities including the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, and various fund raising projects.

His publishing and printing career extended over 40 years. He retired in 1998 and in 2000 moved to Port Ludlow, WA. where he and his wife Susanne enjoy living on the waters of Puget Sound. They spend their summers cruising local and Canadian waters through the Inside Passage, and their boat is named Northwind. Phil still enjoys writing and photography and continues to “help make things happen”.

Read an excerpt from Phil's book "The 1954 Historic Arctic Adventure of the Northwind".

You can order Phil's book here.

Martha J. LaGuardia-Kotite author of "So Others May Live", a collection of Coast Guard rescue swimmer stories is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Government. One of her first assignments was as the Cutter Resolute’s Public Affairs Officer during the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska. She was also an Executive Officer and boarding officer, patrolling the Caribbean and southern Atlantic Ocean; Assistant Operations Officer for Coast Guard Group Key West where she helped coordinate a massive Coast Guard response to rescue thousands of Cuban and Haitian migrants; and the District 13 Public Affairs in Seattle.

She is currently a Commander in the US Coast Guard Reserve. “So Others May Live” is her first book. Martha and her book were recently honored by Boating Writers International (BWI), recognized in the Boating Adventures category, a new category that pulled in 46 entries for its debut. One of the stories in the book “Hurricane Baby” also won a runner-up award from the Boating World International where judges noted “This is the action-packed adventure story of Mario Vittone, hero. The story is told straight, letting the gripping real-life detail provide all that is necessary to keep you turning the pages. A terrific read.” It’s also listed on the “Commandant’s Professional Reading List for 2007-08 and is the recipient of the Heritage Award from the Foundation for Coast Guard History.

You can buy the book by clicking here.

Read Martha’s story about the Coast Guard’s “Pioneers in Aviation” including a spotlight on the first female rescue swimmer, Kelly Mogk.

Dennis Noble was born on 5 March 1939 in the rural county of Kalkaska, Michigan. Soon after graduating from high school in 1957, he entered onto active duty in the enlisted force of the U.S. Coast Guard, serving at a number of shore stations in the Great Lakes and on the East and West coasts. His sea duty took him largely to the Polar Regions, with six trips to the Arctic and twice to the Antarctic. Other sea time was spent working in oceanographic research connected with International Ice Patrol and other oceanography projects in the Pacific and Atlantic. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in September 1978 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). His service awards include the U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medal (two awards), Arctic Service Medal, Antarctic Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, the U.S. Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (four awards) and the National Defense Service Medal.

During his off duty hours, he earned a Bachelor in Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma (1976) and a Master of Science in Library Science from The Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. (1978). After retirement, he earned a Ph.D. in U.S. history from Purdue University.

His civilian positions after retirement from the U.S. Coast Guard include, reference librarian in a public library, director of two public libraries, managing a library in a closed security prison, an Adjunct Instructor at Peninsula College, Port Angeles, Washington, and at Montana State College—Billings. In 2000, he left library work and teaching to write full-time in Sequim, Washington.

He began writing history in 1974 while still on active duty and has been writing full time since 2000. He has authored thirteen books and is most noted for his in-depth research and providing the views of those at all levels of society. Because of his work in maritime and military history, he has appeared on four television programs—three on the History Channel and one on the Public Broadcasting System—concerning the history of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. military in China.

You can read just one of Dennis’ stories, “Boatswain’s Mates Never Cry”, published by permission of Proceedings Magazine.

Check out Dennis’ list of publications.

In 1942, as a 19 year-old apprentice seaman, Tanney Oberg was fascinated with the radio gear in the radio station at his first duty assignment: Coast Guard base Chelsea, Massachusetts, where he did “armed guard” dock patrol with an empty rifle. This fascination was just the beginning. He went on to Radio School, then served as Supervisor of the watch at Radio Greenland, and Radioman-in-charge on the Coast Guard Cutter Sweetbrier. He later attended Engineering College, and worked for different employers as a Radar Instructor and Radar Field Engineer in both the U S. and in England. Along the way he was admitted as a member of the prestigious Institute of Radio Engineers. Subsequently, he was granted admission to the grade of Senior Member in the Institute, professional recognition for his passion and growth in the field of electronics.

In the early 60’s Tanney joined the corporate world as a Vice President and Director of a mini-conglomerate in Baltimore, Maryland. He made numerous trips to Japan to interact with the company’s Japanese employees in its Tokyo instrument-calibration laboratory. Tanney was impressed with the “can do” attitude and industry of thee non-judgmental, dedicated employees.

For a number of years, Tanney was an independent business consultant and business writer. Today he resides with his wife in Parkville, Maryland.

In "Lucky Sweetbrier - Coast Guard Cutter Survives WWII, Okinawa Kamikazes, Typhoons and More...", Tanney not only gives readers an interesting view of the men who served on this buoy tender but also insight into the Coast Guard and society itself in the 40s. We're fortunate to make available a chapter from Tanney's book “Lucky Sweetbrier”.

Senior Chief Tom Rau retired from the Coast Guard in May 2002 after serving over 27 years on active duty and in the active reserves. A great deal of his active-duty time was spent on Lake Michigan at six different search and rescue facilities along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. One of his more notable achievements included writing the “Group and Stations Communications Watchstander Qualification Guide” used throughout the Coast Guard to train radio watchstanders in handling boater’s calls for assistance. In 1990, Rear Admiral Robert Nelson, Chief Office of Navigation Safety in a letter to Rau wrote; “This guide has provided us a valuable tool to improve our service to the boating public.”

Rau has had a great deal of experience with the boating public in search and rescue even in his later years as a Chief. On his retirement Senior Chief Rau received his second Coast Guard Commendation medal with The Operational Distinguishing Device. The award cited that from May 1997 to May 2002, Senior Chief Rau personally conducted 150 search and rescue cases on the water and performed 435 vessel boardings. His most noted contribution, which two Coast Guard Commandants have personally awarded him for, is the Boat Smart column. Rau has been writing safety articles since 1986. Many of the columns are based on actual Coast Guard cases he has played a part in. During the 2001 Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Michigan. Admiral James Loy, then Commandant of the Coast Guard, awarded Senior Chief Rau the prestigious Alex Haley award for the Boat Smart column.

Even though Senior Chief Rau has retired, he remains active with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Manistee, Michigan. He also holds a Coast Guard 100 gross-ton Master License, coastal waters. Rau continues to write the Boat Smart column with the Coast Guard. The popular column now reaches hundreds of thousands of readers through dozens of newspapers and magazines. Boat Smart is also distributed across the globe via the internet. In addition, Senior Chief Rau’s 60-second Boat Smart safety messages have reached millions of radio listeners across the Midwest. For all his efforts, that include over 350,000 published words and hundreds of columns, he has never received a dime. Senior Chief Rau feels that if just one life is spared on the water from his effort, that is more than a payment enough.

You can buy Tom’s book in the Coast Guard Channel store.

Sr. Chief Tom Rau (USCG ret.) writes a syndicated boating safety column with USCG Sector Lake Michigan. More information is available at http://www.boatsmart.net.

Read the US Power Squadron review of Tom’s book here.

Mike Walling served in the U.S. Coast Guard for six years as a commissioned officer and a senior petty officer. His assignments included buoy tending, search and rescue missions, drug law enforcement, and oceanographic operations to the Arctic. Recently, the Naval Order of the United States honored him with the 2005 Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature for his first book “Bloodstained Sea, The U.S. Coast Guard in the Battle of the Atlantic 1941-1944”. Walling has spent more than 40 years collecting stories from hundreds of World War II veterans. He is currently collaborating with the Coast Guard Channel on a documentary project about the Coast Guard in World War II. Walling has also just published, in conjunction with Flat Hammock Press, a new edition of “Sinbad of the Coast Guard”, the adventurous, true story of the USCGC Campbell ’s mascot whose exploits during World War II became legend. His knowledge about Sinbad was put to use in the Coast Guard Channel’s Sinbad movie.

Click here to view the Sinbad Movie.

To read Mike’s article “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” about the Coast Guard’s unintentional involvement in the “Sink the Bismarck!” campaign, click here.

To read a compelling account of an historic rescue by the CGC Bibb, click here.

Bill Wells has researched, written and published materials about Coast Guard History for over twenty years. He holds a Master's Degree and has taught history for the U. S. Navy's PACE Program. He is a retired Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer and a Coast Guard Vietnam Veteran. For more information about Bill’s work on Coast Guard history, visit http://www.aug.edu/~libwrw/. His recent contribution to the Coast Guard Channel is the captivating story of heroism during the Vietnam War. Click here to read.