How did this all start? A good friend, BM1 Johnson, is stationed aboard the Escanaba, which is constantly out on patrol defending America’s shore and coastline against any threat to our freedom. They also perform search and rescue of any vessel or life needing assistance, among other duties. If the media were to cover every life saving, or Homeland Security event, they would dominate the news. Yes, they are a busy ship, as is all of the USCG ships currently on patrol.

Whereas the ship is always out to sea, they are not always able to watch the Pats game, or know what is going on in the world. While most ships in the fleet do have satellite television, e-mail, and web access, it is not always available due to their missions or operational security. And when it is accessible, it is extremely limited, and not everyone can abandon their duties to catch up with the Pats and world back home.

After learning this from Mrs. Johnson during the pre-season and discovering that 95% of the ship are Pats fans, I sprang into action. Before every Pats game, I would send a preview of the game with all the stats and history to BM1 Johnson. After every game, I would send the scores, post game data, my view on who I thought were the stars of the game, and all other information I could think of to him. I also sent daily headlines of the latest local news and the occasional joke to keep everyone smiling. BM1 Johnson would then print the information that I sent to him and post it, so all the crew could view it when time permitted, and be caught up with the season and latest Boston news. I was more than willing to help out the crew in any way possible.

When I was named the 2004 Patriots Fan of the Year, I mentioned the ship and crew whenever I could during my interviews and tried to get them the exposure they richly deserved. A few weeks later, while the ship was on patrol, I would receive an e-mail that would propel me into orbit. It was Captain McPherson inviting my family and I on board the Escanaba for lunch and to make me an Honorary Crewmember of the USCGC Escanaba WMEC 907.

On 24 FEB 05, my father, girlfriend, and I met BM1 Johnson at the ship, where he graciously took time out of his day and took us on a tour of the Escanaba. During the tour, we also got to meet the Captain (CPT), Executive Officer (XO), Officers and Crew of the Escanaba, most of them for the very first time, and they were nothing short of professional. They all were very sincere in meeting me, thanked me for the e-mails and supporting their ship; yet, it was I who was appreciative of them for taking time out to meet me, and also for having the courage to enlist and serve this great country.

After the tour, we met on the Mess Deck for a special ceremony for which my family and I were proud to attend. Before being inducted as an Honorary Crewmember, I was able to see a Seaman (E-3) being promoted to a Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4). After being pinned with his new rank, he spoke and thanked the entire crew for helping him pass the exams needed to achieve Petty Officer 3rd Class. The crew returned his comments with thunderous applause. Next, the Captain introduced my family and I, and reminded the crew of all I had done to help the ship. He then handed my father and Jen an official crew cap, and then called me front and center. He presented me with the Honorary Crewmember certificate and cap and proclaimed me an Honorary Crewmember of the USCGC Escanaba. Needless to say, I was beside myself.

I then spoke to the Officers and Crew and stated I was truly honored and thanked them wholeheartedly for this honor. Truth be told, I was beaming with pride to be honored in this fashion. Next, I asked if there were any Eagles fans aboard (I knew there was one), and all the crew started yelling and pointed to the lone fan originally from Philly. I said, “Maybe next year, your team should eat more Chunky’s!!!” That brought some laughter. I then thanked the Officers and Crew once again, and they returned it with applause. I was truly moved by the entire ceremony and the Officers and Crew’s applause.

My family and I then went to the Ward Room for lunch, where we were joined by CPT McPherson, LTCDR Schofield (XO), LTJG Karow (Public Affairs), and BM1 Johnson and his family. It was there, that my family and I got to talk more with the Captain, XO, and LTJG and good friend BM1 Johnson. They were extremely personable, very sociable, and exceptionally pleasant to my family and I.

I can not overemphasize how grateful and honored I am to receive such an award. I am deeply touched by what the Officers and Crew of the Escanaba did for me, and will never forget “The spirit lives on”.