Just found this forum while googling . My name is Jack Geck or Coasty91. I joined the USCG in 1967 and spent 10 great years as an Aviation Machinist Mate(AD)then 14 years  in Merchant Marine Safety. Loved it all. Assignments as follows:

Boot camp in Alameda

AD school USN NATC Memphis TN

USCG Airstation San Francisco 1968 -1973

USCG Airstation Barbers Point 1973-1977

USCG RTC Yortown OCS 1977

USCG Marine Inspection Office LA/LB 1978-1983

USCG Marine Safety Office San Juan PR 1983-1987

USCG Marine Safety Office San Francisco 1987-1991

I worked for California Department of Fish and Game, Office of Spill Prevention and Response  and did a 2 year assignment with the Governors office of Homeland Security. then I worked for FEMA for 6 years and spent 2 years on the National Response Team. Currently serving in the California State Guard as a Liaison Officer to the Office of Emergency Services. (Wearing an Army uniform now). In my spare time, I prospect for gold in the Sierra Mountains with a metal detector and write articles for the California Mining Journal.

My father was in the Coast Guard and did over 30 years,so I spent my youth moving with his assignments. I went to 23 different schools before graduating from high school and would not trade it for annything.

I'm still working on my college degree and who knows someday I might even finish that.

Jack