Biggest influence on you during your career

[SKC Danny Davirro]

Has anyone ever had a single person influence them more than anyone else?

In the early 90's, I served with a Boatswains Mate that was a pretty tough customer. I was part of his department, just because it was the logical place to put my type. I never felt like I fit in because I was outnumbered. He would do things that he believed in, right or wrong. He was never apologetic. He talked the talk, but he walked the walk. He could do just about anything except get Jerry Garcia's birthday declared as a national holiday :D . He expected perfection from many around him. If he got pissed, he would throw his hard hat up at me or say something off-color. He got my attention every time and I learned a lot from him. Over the years, I learned to respect what he stood for. I now realize that we need more decisive people like him for balance.

No one has ever been quite like him since.

[OSCS Jimmy D. Belcher]

It would have to be my wife. I would have gotten out at year 4 and now have passed 19 because her words of encouragement.

[MKC Art Bailly (ret)]

Biggest influence?? Just one?? Well if I had to pick one it would be a BM and my second choice would also be a BM. That’s a shocker coming from an MK. But when I was a third class and happy to be one with no motivation towards advancement there was a couple of BM’s that helped motivate me to get on the right path. I was assigned to the CGC Elderberry and we were basically a construction tender with some small buoy’s and shore aids to work. I was surprised to see a senior Chief right along side me running a rock waker, lugging bags of concrete, lifting heavy tower parts into place, carrying batteries up the side of a rocky shore, and the list goes on. I remember 1 day he said “ no you go ahead and stay on board and cook dinner and I’ll go build the tower”. Hardest working Coast guardsman I have ever come across with the exception of CWO4 Randy Salinski. BMCM Warren Woodell I’d just like to say Thank You for the great example you set and all that you taught me.

[BMC John Phillips III]

Danny, the cruel irony about this person is that you probably hated them while you were there, but afterwards you realize that he was right. Am I right?

[LT Arthur Nelson (MKC) (Ret)]

Mine is without a doubt is CWO(QMC) Tom Dickey. I am sure some of you with a fews years in know of him. I had the pleasure of serving with him as EPO on CGC HUDSON.

[SKC Danny Davirro]

Danny, the cruel irony about this person is that you probably hated them while you were there, but afterwards you realize that he was right. Am I right?


Somewhat. I always had a certain respect for him, never really hated him. I didn't always think he was right, but I later understood what made him tick.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

I dont think I could pin it down to just one. It's like they say "you can learn something from everyone".

At my first unit it was BM2 Scott Lunday. He was knowledgable, a good teacher, and after waiting about a year and a half on an aviation A school was the reason I chose BM. I was prior service and I didn't want to retire as an E-5, plus they had that CFTRR back then, and I already had Army time counting against me.

At my next unit the OIC was BMCM Lewis Fischer. Some of you have mentioned having him as a CC. He taught me to take care of people first, and was never hesitant at making a decision, or sticking to his guns.

After that My OIC was "Woody" Woodell that Art just mentioned. I was a BM3 1LT on the Anvil, and he let me make decisions (right or wrong) and live with the consequences. He was confident enough in his own abilities to fix things that he could let others go with their plan up to a point. He was willing to accept different ideas, and made you contribute.

[BMCS Burt Ford]

I worked for Woody as his XPO for about two months abouard Potoka. Great guy! He retires in August aboard Clamp after 33 years.

[BMCS Mike Ellis]

I don't post much, but couldn't resist the chance to chime in on this one.

Biggest influences on me? Without a doubt, right at the top has to be BMCS Don Carter. Worked for him on a '110 about twelve years ago and have been regularly seeking his advice ever since. It's gotten me through many tough situations.

Also have to recognize my current CO. BOSN3 Pete Louzao. Aside from knowing nearly every BM in the service, he's undoubtedly the best people person I've ever known. This guy keeps me human and reminds me why we have these positions; to take care of people.

Good topic....
Mike

[OSC Rich Kolar]

This may be my first post but have been lurking around for quite awhile. Influence comes from various places. Family, friends, co-workers all have had an influence on me. I will pick from family and co-workers.

In my CCTI packet I wrote a short essay on CPO Mark Ballard my first RMIC (TCIC) underway. I was always the one he picked for assisting in destruction or accountability in the back room and it always turned into some kind of pep talk on how I should keep working hard and advancing. Mark knew of the potential I had even though I didn't. He looked after his entire radio shack like a father-figure and allowed us to be successful on our own terms. I learned much from him and pattern much of my leadership from his example.

On the family front I choose my Father (much to the dismay of my Wife, but she deserves a higher pedastal). My father wanted to be in the service but due to physical limitations he was unable to do that. He wasn't quite jumping up and down when I decided to join the Coast Guard but accepted my decision and backed me 100%. He talked to me after I had advanced to RM3 and said that when I made Chief he would be there. Many years later (2004) he and my mother proudly attended the CCTI dinner and he pinned on one of my anchors alongside my wife. The pride I felt that evening still radiates everytime I pin them on. He knew the importance of being a Chief and did his research into the long and hallowed history of our fraternity.

Examples and influences are all around us, for good and not so good. It is what we do with them that makes us who we are. Someday I hope to be an influence in my JO's, Petty Officers, and my children. They are our future, we are their legacy.

[BMC Wayne Kidd]

For me it was then QMC now QMCM (ret) Joseph Gispert. Best sailor I have every known and a sea story waiting to happen every time he walked down the brow.

[BMC Ralph Williams]

BMCM (ret) James (Jim) Boyle.

Great guy learned alot from him.

[YNC Josh Braarud]

YNCM Paul Michel. Not everyone like working for him, but you damn sure learned a helluva lot.

He retired just before I was initiated.

[SKC Eric S. Highland]

My greatest influence in the Coast Guard... easy...

The Most Honorable Master Chief Eddie "The Urban Legend" Lerma

A mentor, a hero, and friend.

I will always tip my cover to him.

((In my latter CG years.. it has been The Most Honorable Master Chief Myles "Big Juice" Shaw; an truly devoted to the CG, Chiefs, and SK Rating individual)

v/r

[BMCS Bill Gheen]

For me it was BMCM Royce Heckendorn and BOSN4 Rick Loster.

[MSTCS Jerald P. Motyka]

I'm kind of embarassed - as the most notable is an Army E-7.

Sergeant First Class Percy Clayton, a 4th ID Vietnam combat vet that I served with in Korea. He really taught me how a leader should LEAD and be out front as an example.

In the Coast Guard, it was BM2 Chris Schramm (now a CWO). He took this former Infantryman and got me to THINK like a Coastie. He also showed me what a guy that LOVED his rating looked like.

But I have always been blessed in my military career. I have a GREAT example of a leader - who gets replaced by a complete ass.

SFC Clayton was replaced by SSG Koo... an illiterate, back-stabbing jerk that wanted to lead from the rear and take credit for everything good and point fingers for everything bad.

SFC James Smith was replaced by SFC Reynolds - who couldn't lead his way out of an open paper bag.

BMC Steve Huffstutler was replaced... but I will always remember Chief Huff's guidance. Soft yet firm... VERY direct.

There are others, but I will not name names, as they are still in the Guard... and I was told by another great leader, BMC Randy Fielding (my recruiter!!) who told me to NEVER piss anyone off, as I would run into them again (or someone that KNOWS them!!). I will never forget it! :D

[PACS Steve Carleton]

I've been thinking about this for awhile. I have encountered many great Coasties that have passed bits of leadership advice and mentoring to me during my formative years, which, I might add are still going on.

Among the more notable people:

PA1 Telfair Brown (Ret), he took the time to teach me skills that were not in any book, nor would they be used on a daily basis. He always (and still does in his civilian position at HQ) took the time to teach and was very patient with the seemingly endless stupid questions. He also taught me how to strike a better balance between home and work.

PACM Carolyn Cihelka, she was my first Chief right out of A-School. She and I had many disagreements, but in the end, it was always about her pushing to be a better leader.

LCDR (PAC) Ed Swift (Ret), I never worked for him directly when he was on Active Duty, but I spent plenty of time with him when he went to work at CGRC, he taught me Chiefly leadership examples from the "old school" that with a little tweaking can still be used today. He and his wife Mare, were always standing in my corner cheering me on as I made the transition form PA1 - PAC - PACS.

LCDR M L-B(K) USCGR, I learned how not to be a leader by advancing yourself personally on the backs of your people. I did learn that the "tough boss" approach can also work miracles and I have adopted, with some modifications some of this when working with my staff.

My Family, last but certainly not least my wife Darlene and my 10 year-old son R.J. make it all worth while. I love being able to answer my son every day when he asks, "how was your day Dad?" My wife has given up so much more in such a short time, she has taken on the role of Stepmother, teacher, an confidant with such enthusiasm, that I am truly overwhelmed, one day after I hang up the blue suit, I will owe her big time.

[BMC Scott Coder]

Danny,

I think that you and I may have the same person in mind. As a yound SA/SN the buoy deck was a terrifying place to be, but I new that the BM1 had the lock down on the evolution and crew safety. At the time it was hard to deal with the abrasive yelling, and hard hat throwing, but now that I am the BMC I fully understand and appreciate the early training in shaking things up. BARTENDERS live on. :cool:

Scott

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Scott and Danny,
What was his name?

[SKC Danny Davirro]

I think it is a little classier not to mention his name, but Scott knows who I am talking about.

Danny

[BMCS Curtis Dewey]

Bartenders..early 90's...BM1 throwing hard hats..hmmmm... I fit all those descriptions except i was the BM3/2 who usually had the hard hat thrown AT him :D I must of just missed you 2, i got off in Jan 93

[BMC Scott Coder]

Dewey,
I reported a few days after you left. Non the less I was still faced with the ramblings and dancing bear ways of August West. Best unit to date for my career. I have been in search of the 180' life ever since, but never found anything that could compare.
BMC

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Just wondering. Sounds like a BMCM I worked for that recently retired.

[BMCS Ian McVicker]

No kidding

[BMCS Burt Ford]

Maybe I did Danny. Was wondering who threw hard hats.

[OSC Will Turenchalk]

QM1 Ed Stalters and BM2 Mark Wilkins on my first ship out of QM A school, the MANITOU. I gained immeasurable technical knowledge, and emulated thier laid back, confident attitude. QM1 Stalters taught me two valuable lessons which I use to this day:

1. Don't let them know how much you really know.
2. NEVER let them see you sweat or stress.

Oh and the gem..." if you don't know it, fake it" ;)

[BMC Scott Coder]

Will,

I hope you didn't fake it with me. If so, maybe I really don't know as much as others think I do.

Scott

[OSC Donald McClain]

I would have to say thanks to 2 fellow shipmates that influenced my career.

The first would be BMC (ret) Shawn Pollard. As a young SN on a 95' patrol boat - then BM2 Pollard took all the non-rates under his wing and taught us that doing a job right the first time meant that no one had to come behind you and do that job over again. And if you did it right the first time - you could take pride in what it was you did. He taught me some very valuable lessons that I use today. Thanks Shawn.

The second would be RMC (ret) Dan Gardner. He is the main reason I'm still in the rate (so to speak) today. He was a hands on type of guy, but only after he would give everyone in his shop ample time to find and fix the problem. He taught the basics and expected all of us to build off them - and we did. He was and has been to this day one of the best Radioman and Chief I've ever had the chance to work with. Thanks Dan

As with any career there are more people than you think that have helped make this journey fun - so for those that I have stationed with, I'm sure a little of everyone has rubbed off on me one way or the other and for that I say thank you.

All I can ask for is that several years from now is that I have had a positive effect on one of my guys.

Don

[BMC Gene Daigle]

I have two. The first one was as a SN on the Mowhawk, BMC Bosenhart. Mean old bastard. Looked and acted more like a Marine. Set the bar high and expected nothing less. The next was as a QM3 on the Drummond before it moved to Key West when it was Cape Canaveral, then (BM1) Kagarise, now CWO and is at Sta Fort Pierce. Had the pleasure of working with him over the last two years while he was punching his ticket at Sector Miami, as the Training Office (RFO). Most knowledgable BM I know and has the best balance of book smarts and common sense out in the field.

[OSC Delain Tate]

The biggest influence for me was RMC Ray Roberson (ret). He was my first RMIC out of "A" School.

[OSC Robert Crumley]

For me, my biggest influence during my career would have to be my first Chief in the Coast Guard, CWO2 (ret) Cristian Rodriguez. He really allowed me to explore the rate, taught me quite a bit, ranging from HF to Satcom to security and EKMS. He was able to see my potential and my thrist for knowledge and let me take the bull by the horns and run. He has been my biggest supporter even after his retirement. I owe quite a bit to him for his help in my career.

[YNCM Doug Squires (Ret)]

Biggest influence on my career: BMCM Nick Ferro. Hands down, by far the greatest Chief Petty Officer the Coast Guard has ever had.

Guys like MKCM Vic Bozner, YNCM Wendy Walker and YNCM Frank Shepard,
Master Chief of the Coast Guard Al Theile, YNCM Frank Love, YNCM Marc Fagenbaum, YNCM Tom Scarmastro …Retired MCPON Bob Walker..all helped me get to where I am today.

[ETC John D Zidek]

[QUOTE=BMC Gene Daigle]I have two. The first one was as a SN on the Mowhawk, BMC Bosenhart. Mean old bastard. Looked and acted more like a Marine. Set the bar high and expected nothing less. QUOTE]

Damn mean Gene I didnt make the list??? WTH

[PACS Steve Carleton]

BMC Bosenhart. Mean old bastard. Looked and acted more like a Marine. Set the bar high and expected nothing less.

Gene,

Now its BMCM Botzenhart, Gold Badge for D5, and yes, he still looks mean and nasty, but still one of the best.

[BMCS Jon Gagnon]

I have a big list, some positive and some I wanted to be nothing like. Two stand out that have been tremendously positive are CWO John Dodd and BMCM Lars Kent. I was fortunate to learn a lot from both of them.

BMCS Jon Gagnon

[BMCS T. D. Ellis]

QMC John C. O'Connor now CDR (ret), my first Chief. Without a doubt, one of the most squared away individuals I ever met. As a non-rate striker with a Master's License, he gave a me a lot of latitude as a striker.

CWO4 Paul E. Dilger, my present CO. 27 years seatime, never raises his voice and just an outstanding individual both professionally and personally.

[MSTC F Bizzell]

Gene, John,


I can't believe Botzenhart is still around. I definaetly agree, he set the bar way high, acted like a marine, but was approachable and would help you when you needed it.

[MSTCS Jerald P. Motyka]

I just spent a week with Master Chief Botzenhart. He's now the Fifth District Gold Badge.

And his impression of the Gunny from Full Metal Jacket is spot on!! He's a darned funny guy! I'd like to work for him one day.

[MKC Brandon Andrews]

Just like so many others, the biggest influence on my early career was my first Chief, MKC Larry Ludvingson. As a new "Boot" FA on my first unit Chief L truely instilled in me the needed discipline, and attitude to do this job. He was a big man, 6'4" or so, (seemed bigger to a new kid) but always watched out for his guys.
The other person that I consider one of my biggest influences, especially as a Chief, is Mater Chief "Buck" Ward (Ret). Although nowhere near the size of Chief L in stature, anyone that knew Master Chief knew how he could fill a room when he walked in. With out sounding like I'm trying to suck up to the Master Chief :D he is who I think of when I think of a MKCM.

[ETC Emiliano Acuna]

ETCS Ron Christie. As a ET2 at ESD Key West, he made a mark on me that I carry today. I guess I had impressed him some how. When the ET1 left and the shop was awaiting the new ET1, he assigned me as the shop foreman. When the new ET1 arrived, I continued on as the foreman while the ET1 rand property, supply, and logistics. He had a way empowering people and setting them up for success.

-Emo