This is why I serve
 

The first U.S. military units into Haiti after the earthquake were U.S. Coast Guard cutters and aircraft. This isn't surprising, given that we normally have units patrolling those waters anyway.

In the first days after the quake, a few dozen men and women from those cutters went ashore, with little support, without proper resources, and without appropriate training, to face the millions of victims in dire need of help. Without thought to impossible task before them, the cutters' crews simply rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Those men and women aboard those cutters care nothing for the politics of the situation. They don't care about any social classes, skin color, or religious beliefs. They don't care where those victims came from, or where they are going. They simply see people needing help. So they do what they have been trained to do, they help.

Here's a small look at their efforts.

From the video, it's clear: all hands on deck and do whatever you can, no matter how little it may be.

This is why I serve. I care about the earthquake in Haiti.
BZ to those on the ground, and Semper Paratus.

Props to them :)

Dang it, you're making me tear up.

Semper Paratus!

If you're on FB, you can join the CG group if you haven't already. They posted this link earlier. Here's the link to the CG group, Chief: http://www.facebook.com/UScoastguard?ref=nf

BZ.

I got chills reading your post, Lifeboat, and even more watching the video. It's hard to imagine the scope of what's going on there, but you've got to start somewhere. I have much respect for the folks on the ground, including the CG for doing everything they can, no matter how adverse the circumstances.

I thought this would be a thread about oral pleasures... :sciencefail:

Thank you, Lifeboat and SharkB8.

I saw that news clip last night, and felt very proud of the CG and the work they are doing there, jobs they are not trained for nor have the proper equipment to do. Because to do nothing is not an option.

I thought it was going to be about driving along and suddenly seeing a deer or something in the road. But then I realized there's no "w" in that last word in the title.


Seriously, lifeboat, I'm glad to know our men and women in the military still care and will do their best to help in situations like this.

That's the thing right there. Can you imagine walking into that nightmare? Where do you start? I guess you just start anywhere, doing anything you can, and hope that help comes along shortly.

I'd never join a group that would have me as a member. ;)

My husband and I were watching the news in our usual state of post-tragedy shock and awe. Some guys were doing their best to treat some injured people with--I swear--stuff they had in their pockets or under their hats. I noticed they were wearing uniforms, and then both of us at the same time nodded and said, "Coast Guard, of course." We're never surprised to see that they're the first on the scene, quietly and efficiently doing what needs to be done.

It's the same thing that happened with Katrina.

USCG goes in and does what is needful because it is what they do. Once it was what we do, but those days are gone. Now it's what you do.

You guys rock and will always be in my prayers. Once again there are entire ships acting in what get written up in citations as "the best traditions of the service." And yes, I am crying like a baby. Put's a Ravens loss in perspective.

I salute you, you who are involved, for all you do and why you do it. You bring tears to my eyes.

Lifeboat, for all that you do, thank you. And thanks to all those 'boots on the ground.' What you do, what you give is invaluable.

That is a wonderful thing. Prayers and thanks to you and all the others who serve.

Thank you.

I have nothing but respect for the Coast Guard. They do amazing work. BZ.

Add obstetrics to the list of things they're doing for which they have little or no training.

Those boys and girls on the Tahoma are a loooong way from Maine. :)