In Memoriam

242056Z APR 06 ZUI ASN-A02114000022
FM COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA//ACS/AO/AOF/AOFP//
TO ALLCOGARD LANT
BT
UNCLAS
SUBJ: REMEMBERING A COAST GUARD HERO - DC3 NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL
1. 24 APRIL 2006 MARKS THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOSS OF DC3
NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL AND TWO USN SAILORS WHO WERE KILLED IN THE LINE
OF DUTY WHILE CONDUCTING MARITIME INTERCEPT OPERATIONS (MIO) IN THE
NORTH ARABIAN GULF.
2. DC3 BRUCKENTHAL WAS A PROUD COAST GUARDSMAN WHO SERVED HIS
COUNTRY AND HIS FELLOW MAN WITH HONOR AND COMPASSION. HE WILLINGLY
ENTERED INTO HARMS WAY TO PROTECT OUR NATION AND HIS FELLOW
SERVICEMEN FROM TERRORISTS AND TO ASSIST THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ AS THEY
PURSUE FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY. AS A MEMBER OF TACLET SOUTH, HE
EXEMPLIFIED HONOR, RESPECT AND MOST ESPECIALLY, DEVOTION TO DUTY.
3. THE ANNIVERSARY OF THIS INCIDENT PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT
OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO REFLECT ON THE DANGEROUS LAW ENFORCEMENT,
HOMELAND SECURITY AND NATIONAL DEFENSE MISSIONS OUR PEOPLE PREPARE
TO PERFORM EACH AND EVERY DAY. WHETHER IT BE MIO IN THE PERSIAN
GULF, AMIO AND COUNTER-DRUG BOARDINGS IN THE ATLANTIC AND CARIBBEAN
OR HOMELAND SECURITY BOARDINGS WITHIN OUR BORDERS, THE THREATS
FACING OUR OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL ARE GREATER NOW THAN EVER BEFORE.
DESPITE THE PERCEIVED ROUTINE NATURE OF THESE MISSIONS, IT IS
CRITICAL FOR US TO REMAIN EVER VIGILANT AND ALERT AS WE CONTINUE TO
PERFORM THESE VITAL NATIONAL SECURITY MISSIONS. OUR ADVERSARIES
ARE CONTINUOUSLY LOOKING FOR OUR WEAKNESSES AND SIGNS OF
COMPLACENCY THAT THEY CAN EXPLOIT FOR THEIR BENEFIT.
4. ON THIS DAY PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO REMEMBER DC3
BRUCKENTHAL, REMIND OUR PEOPLE OF THE POTENTIAL THREATS THAT ARE
ALWAYS LURKING IN THE SHADOWS, AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO CONTINUE TO BE
ATTENTIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND SAFE. OUR NATION DEPENDS ON US.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
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America's Most Wanted All Star

There is a Coastie in the running for America's Most Wanted All Stars. He is BM2 John Anthony. His wife explains why he was nominated for this award;

We were headed out for ice cream on a Saturday with my then 11 month old son. I saw a plan flying pretty low over Grand Traverse Bay and pointed it out to John. We both shrugged it off until we saw the blast of water. We made a crazy U turn in the middle of the highway. I stayed with my son and John dove into the water.
When he got to the pilot, he was conscious, but was struggling with his harness. John got him free and brought him to the surface.

So, here's the link to vote.

Not Dead Yet

I'm still here. My muse is UA right now. I'll get back in the saddle again soon.