Fordham+6_9_09

The overarching influence that shaped me is my 20 years I served in the U.S. Coast Guard and the lessons that flowed from my service. As the captain of Motor Life Boats I was given competing responsibilities for the safety of my crew and the rescue of those in peril. I evolved from the "tip of the spear" boat driver to a command center Search and Rescue Controller. Responsible for analysis, reaction and oversight of maritime and land based emergencies to include law enforcement covering offshore California, Utah, Nevada and parts of Wyoming. In this capacity I briefed a sitting Governor and presidential Cabinet member regarding operations. I was given significant responsibilities while protecting President's Bush (41) and Clinton in conjunction with the Secret Service. I personally escorted Vice President Al Gore and advised the Secret Service on how to move Gore around Lake Tahoe for a week. I served aboard a Polar Class Icebreaker, including a circumnavigation of Antarctica and interaction with Russians on the continent prior to the end of the Cold War. I was on duty in San Francisco for the September 2001 attacks where I assisted in the closure of a Tier 1 port. We had no guidance or manual to reference, just experienced based improvisation. I trained as a fisheries law enforcement instructor and using this skill taught the Tunisian Navy in North Africa on law and tactics. Using this same skill I trained with the Malaysian Navy in support of the War on Terrorism. I’ve had the mentally crushing job of updating families on searches for loved ones. Conversly I’ve had the joy of saving a life. I have seen members I've mentored thrive and have seen my mentors pride at my successes. The military trained me on the basics and built a foundation of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty that molded me into a capable individual. During my last years it occurred to me the value a combination of my learned trade and a formal liberal arts education (such as I seek) could bring to my future. Post retirement I choose to pursue a life long dream to sail around the world. I’ve since sailed from Cape Cod to Grenada stopping at most islands in between. My greatest lesson hasn't been about seamanship, but with life. I discovered the need to maintain a connection with people. I’ve fought loneliness every step of the way, felt rudderless and its given me pause. Though I haven't achieved my goal, I am not disappointed; In principle I've failed, but in reality I’ve gained. I have a deep sense of satisfaction at my ability to reinvent. Throughout my sailing in Latin American and West Indian cultures I've experienced racism many times. I was shocked to be viewed as a human cash machine and a historical oppressor. This has given me a dif ferent perspective, a better ability to access my own behavior and my countries history. I also observed how a society can transmit its attitudes to the next generation or not. Sometimes a short sail to another island would render a distinct attitude shift, reveal a prospering country and no sign of the aforementioned racial overtones. The two years sailing alone was a life-changer. The simplistic nature of harnessing the wind, the use of wind and solar power to meet my needs and marching to the beat of the weather is true freedom. I don’t regret the attempt and haven't shut the door on the dream but have left it ajar. I expect Fordham to help codify my philosophy of life. An immersion in the humanities will bolster my ability to grapple with a complex world while preserving a respect for tradition. My self-discipline developed over 20 years will bear academic fruit within Fordhams scholastic setting and the greater vibrancy of New York City. I have a strong desire to leverage my military background and life experience to teach. Fordham is a perfect spring board for such a career change. The Universities outreach to veterans only deepens my conviction of a mutual respect. No matter which trackline I find myself upon, my guiding principle is predicated not upon monetary considerations, but upon my enthusiasm to learn, to improve and better my country. Fordham University is well positioned to support these principals.