The Long Blue Line (Spring 2024)

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RESERVE U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION As he prepped with Gray for the second round, the coach reminded him to slow down his breathing and go back to the basics: footwork, defense, use the jab, and look for the openings for other shots. Birds used breathing techniques to slow his heart rate down, and he focused on his well-trained basics, following the coded guidance Gray fed him from the corner. “Once I got in the ring and settled down, I started to see the openings,” said Birds, trusting his training to guide his defense and concentrating on his offensive moves. The rest of the fight felt like a blur to him. After he had finished three rounds, the referee pulled Birds’ wrist to the air, signaling his victory. He’s been in a number of fights since then, but that first match was special. For Birds, training is crucial, whether it’s part of his work as a law enforcement instructor, his role as the engineering division officer at Port Security Unit 309, or preparing for his next fight. This spring, Birds is scheduled to compete in the 5th Annual Las Vegas Masters Boxing Championships, putting his training to the ultimate challenge. He’s been in a number of fights since then, but that first match was special. Van Alstyne would agree, but equally important may be the right attitude toward that training. A born athlete, TJ Van Alstyne had been training with her uncle for the past few years as a boxer, a hobby that would both challenge her and keep her in shape for her work as a police officer with the Norfolk Police Department (NPD). She loves the physical fitness, camaraderie, and working around the community. Her first law enforcement (LE) partner at NPD, Todd Williams, said, “I remember meeting her when I was still in the [police] academy, and she told me, ‘Stay tough! I’m looking forward to seeing you out there on the street.’” He said Van Alstyne’s good mood and positive energy were her hallmark, as well as her love of a new challenge. As partners, Van Alstyne and Williams responded to police cases during the day and often talked about joining the military as a way to continue challenging themselves. They researched which branch would fit them best. When they decided on the Coast Guard, Williams left for training in January 2020, and Van Alstyne followed a few months later. She remembers a tough time during boot camp where she was considering leaving, partly because of the stress, and partly because she was worried about her family back home being without her. She called Williams for his advice. Her LE partner was now a machinery technician second class at PSU 305’s waterside division. This time it was Williams who 68 SPRING 2024 THE LONG BLUE LINE
Petty Officer 2nd Class Van Alstyne continues to train to maintain top physical fitness for not only her success in boxing, but also her position as a maritime enforcement specialist. (Photo courtesy of Tashara Van Alstyne) U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION RESERVE THE LONG BLUE LINE SPRING 2024 69
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I have said time and again, as we p
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MCPO LLOYD PIERCE: Spring has sprun
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I’m joined by RADM Merrie Austin,
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GLACIER REUNION SAVE THE DATE LOCAT
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USCGC STORIS U.S. COAST GUARD VETER
Page 17 and 18: NEVER TOO LATE: A CASE OF MISTAKEN
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Page 23 and 24: Somehow, someway the placard was re
Page 25 and 26: How does the Coast Guard celebrate
Page 29 and 30: Get Your NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEU
Page 31 and 32: This is what we are known for. This
Page 33 and 34: We are prototyping unmanned systems
Page 35 and 36: the Polar Security Cutter. This is
Page 39 and 40: A FAMILY AFFAIR By Beau Bridges In
Page 41 and 42: shared many of his experiences with
Page 43 and 44: HONOR. ENGAGE. EDUCATE. INSPIRE. JO
Page 45 and 46: Festivals held in Grand Haven, Mich
Page 47 and 48: Prior to opening his highly recogni
Page 51 and 52: AUXILIARY Auxiliarists who possess
Page 53 and 54: The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Aux
Page 55 and 56: Because of this, there are now more
Page 57 and 58: hands-on training by certified AUXC
Page 61 and 62: Meanwhile, the two leading ships of
Page 63 and 64: In 1961, the Raymond Loewy and Will
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Page 71 and 72: eassured Van Alstyne. He told her i
Page 73 and 74: RESERVE Chief Warrant Officer Antho
Page 75 and 76: ! FERNANDEZ HIDALGO, CARLOS FIKE, B
Page 77 and 78: TINSTMAN, LAWRENCE TISCHER, JACE TO
Page 81 and 82: BOYLE, DAVID SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH CDR
Page 83 and 84: FRIER, WALTER GARLAND, TX YNC RET.
Page 85 and 86: MIZELLE, TIMOTHY COLERAIN, NC SKCS
Page 87 and 88: TAPS TURNER, THERON DEPTFORD, NJ CW
Page 89 and 90: NOAA TAPS ALDERMAN, RICHARD TUCSON,
Page 91 and 92: CHAPLAIN'S CORNER EMBRACE EVERY SEA
Page 93 and 94: NEW USCG RETIREE MENTORING & TRANSI
Page 95 and 96: COAST GUARD LEGAL ASSISTANCE Coast
Page 97 and 98: CG PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER, RETIREE
Page 99 and 100: All other inquiries: osgli.osgli@pr
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The Long Blue Line (Spring 2024)

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