Diane and I graduated high school together way back when in 1969. We lost touch for many years but this wonderful internet brought us back together probably about 5 years ago. Diane and her husband both serve our Country and she was recently promoted to CHIEF in the Coast Guard. In honor of all of our men and women serving around the globe, I post this picture and Diane's bit of "history" regarding her and Wayne and their military service.
Wayne has been in the Coast Guard for over 34 years (15 years active duty, 19 reserve). He is a Chief Operations Specialist (OSC) and has worked with Homeland Security matters for a good while. Following 9/11, he worked in New Orleans for 4 years, where he served as a Watchstander and oversaw administrative matters for the officers in his unit. He then retired and was recalled a year ago. He currently is working in a supervisory role with the unit that is responsible for salvage operations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The unit oversees salvage operations of contractors hired to remove boats, barges, and other debris tossed into the waterways by the storm. FEMA hires the contractors and the Coast Guard oversees the operations.
Wayne has been in the Coast Guard for over 34 years (15 years active duty, 19 reserve). He is a Chief Operations Specialist (OSC) and has worked with Homeland Security matters for a good while. Following 9/11, he worked in New Orleans for 4 years, where he served as a Watchstander and oversaw administrative matters for the officers in his unit. He then retired and was recalled a year ago. He currently is working in a supervisory role with the unit that is responsible for salvage operations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The unit oversees salvage operations of contractors hired to remove boats, barges, and other debris tossed into the waterways by the storm. FEMA hires the contractors and the Coast Guard oversees the operations.
I have been in the Coast Guard for almost 18 years (2 years active duty, 16 reserve). For the most part, I have worked in administrative positions, dealing with pay and personnel matters. I am a newly pinned Chief Yeoman (YNC) and currently work in the Coast Guard Eighth District Legal Office, where I serve as a Legal Assistant. We assist members with legal problems, questions, and issues. I have learned how to prepare Powers of Attorney, and I input all case information into our automated system to track case development and resolution. I hope to learn how to prepare wills as well between now and September 30th, when my current orders end. I am waiting to see if funding is available for an additional year beginning Oct. 1st, but if approved, I would not be working in Legal. That's the nature of the military. People get shifted around to wherever they are needed most.
Wayne and I met in the Reserves and have been married for almost 12 years (our anniversary is Aug. 4th, the same day as the Coast Guard's birthday!) We anticipate being happily married for as long as the good Lord allows us to be on this earth. Wayne is a wonderful man who has been such a blessing in my life. I couldn't begin to list all the things he has done for me and my daughters and grandchildren. He treats my daughters as though they are his own. For that one thing alone, I will be eternally grateful to him. I try to treat his children and one grandson the same. Many "blended" families have problems but we all seem to get along just fine, another blessing. God has blessed us in every way imaginable, and we are truly grateful to Him most of all.
L-R: Captain Sullivan, Chief Diane, and her husband Chief Wayne:
L-R: Captain Sullivan, Chief Diane, and her husband Chief Wayne:
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