The branch you serve under always holds a special place in your heart, but for me, the U.S. Coast Guard will forever stand apart. I joined because I wanted to make a direct impact — protecting lives, safeguarding the environment, and defending our nation’s waters. The Coast Guard’s missions are as diverse as they are heroic: Search and Rescue, Aids to Navigation, Law Enforcement, Environmental Protection, Maritime Transportation, Homeland Security, Drug Interdiction, and Fisheries Enforcement. Every day, Coast Guard men and women stand watch, ready to serve wherever they’re needed most. Our motto, Semper Paratus Always Ready, isn’t just words; it’s a way of life that stays with you long after you hang up the uniform. I’m proud of that service and the legacy it represents. This is for all my brothers and sisters who wear and have worn the shield. Rep your pride, your mission, and your Coast Guard family.