Coast guardsman, “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready)
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the U. S. uniformed services. It has been active since August of 1790, and has participated in 18 war engagements protecting our shores.
Former Coast Guard Commander, James O. Alexander, 74, and his wife, Patty live in Rossmoor. He was in the military for 27-plus years and earned 14 promotions.
Youth
“In the 1940s, the Great Depression had little effect on me except when I saw pictures of myself dressed in hand-me-down clothing,” he said. “On my first day of Kindergarten, I wore a pair of knickers (knee-length pants). I was the only one with knickers and got razzed by the other 5-year-old kids.
“The next morning, instead of going to school, I hid in the corner of our back porch. My mother found me. I told her about the razzing situation I had endured.
“My mother immediately got her purse, and we rushed to the store to buy a pair of ‘proper’ pants so I would fit in with the other kids,”
Years later, Jim and two brothers operated daily newspaper routes. Their father taught them many lessons, and always allowed Jim to work with him around the house. At age 10, they built a new garage attached to their house. Jim also helped a cousin build two houses.
“At age 16, I got my first ‘real job.’ I worked after school during the week, and on many Saturdays for one whole summer,” he said. “But, in my senior year, I faced an 8-year-obligation to Uncle Sam. Jerry Norcaust, a high school friend and I, visited all five military services, but unknown to them we “rated” each branch.”
Military
“Just out of high school in June, 1955, Jerry and I intended to do four years active duty and go on to college, so we joined the Coast Guard.
In the summer of 1958, while serving at Cape Sarichef, Alaska, is when I decided the Coast Guard was my upcoming career.
“By the end of four years, I was a First Class Petty Officer in the specialty of electronics serving at CG Base Detroit. I shipped over for another six years. I received orders and happily returned to Alaska to serve two years; part of the time at CG LORSTA Spruce Cape, and the rest in USCGC Storis.
“I wanted to extend my tour in Alaska, but I got orders to spend two years at a special school (RCA Institute) in New York City. This was education I felt I could not pass up as my closely pursued advancement program was on track. I finished that school and went on to the USCGC McCulloch, home-based in Boston, Massachusetts.
“By now I was a Warrant Officer (Electronics) and plucked from the ship to attend Officer Candidate School. Our country was well into the Vietnam War when I graduated in June, 1965. I was ordered to San Francisco to serve in the Electronics Branch of the CG District Office. “This was another feather in my cap as an Ensign. One of my responsibilities was to evaluate Radar installations within three days availability onboard CG 82 FT Patrol Vessels in Vietnam. We found the existing design to be implacable and I changed it. The Coast Guard Yard developed and proved we could now install the radars in two days.
“My three-year tour in San Francisco was cut short with orders to report to Coast Guard Headquarters for a four year special assignment.
When my four-year term ended, I was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and I asked for another assignment in San Francisco.
“I was assigned to be the project officer for building a Coast Guard communication station in Point Reyes, California. This entailed six months at Collins Radio in Richardson, Texas, designing the Operating Consuls for the Communications Station which was completed in 1972, and was recognized as the best High Frequency Communication Station in the world.
“While looking for another assignment and about to be advanced to LCDR. I expressed my desire to Headquarters for a non-engineering assignment, preferably sea duty, but I received orders to stay in San Francisco as the Assistant Division Chief of Reserves.
“By now I was getting close to retirement and I knew nothing about Reserve matters, but it proved valuable to me by the end of the Assignment during the summer of 1977. I was still looking for a Sea Assignment. The Senior Officer of the Assignment Board told me,‘Keep looking kid, you are too old for another sea assignment.’
“My new orders came as I was assigned to the Boating Safety Branch in Long Beach, California.
“Then I got a call from the Electronics Engineering Branch Chief begging me to allow a phone call by him to HQ to see if we could switch jobs. The next day my orders were changed, and I finished my 27-plus years as a Commander in Long Beach.”
Veteran/citizen
“On September 30, 1982, I woke up as a retired Gentleman from the United States Coast Guard.
“Having begun as a Seaman Recruit on June 14, 1955, and having received 14 promotions and retiring as a Commander in 1982 gave me a wonderful feeling.
“Now what do I do?
“During my career I heard many retiring servicemen bemoan that they would not know what to do for the rest of their life. A suggestion to finish their schooling was not a bad idea and to mix in some jobs during this time.
“Also, find where retirees are, and what they are doing.
See if there is an American Legion Post or Veterans Administration Post. Visit them first to see if is for you.
“In 1961, I had joined the American Legion while I was stationed on Kodiak Island. I realized what real fellowship is. I left Kodiak Island in August, 1962, and returned in early summer 1973, to do some work on a ship.
“I went into town on the first night I was there and asked for an old friend. I was told to wait. He called and found my friend was at the American Legion Hall. When I got there most of my old friends had dropped every thing and came to see me.
“I have now been retired longer then I was on active duty and have done many things which would surprise most of my service friends.
As an example, for 5 1/2 years I skippered a 96-foot, twin screw vessel for an Australian owner who showed up 10 days a year, and usually wanted to just sit on the vessel at the mooring. for 10 years I also worked with a partner running a high pressure steam cleaning business.
“But now, best of all, I travel all over the United States to conduct a part of opening ceremonies at various sporting events by having hundreds of people unfurl a huge American Flag for each event.
Incidentally, we own the World’s largest United States Flag, 255 Ft X 505 Ft that is available to rent.
“Fellow veterans: Learn what you can do in your retirement, mainly, get up and keep going.”
Bill Thomas of Rossmoor is a Veteran of World War II, and Past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4048, and American Legion Post 857. Contact him at vvbthomasvets@gmail.com.
