The 2025 Windjammer Days will shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who have served, are serving, or are preparing to serve in one of the most respected branches of the U.S. military: the Coast Guard. From active-duty members and retired veterans to the bright future leaders currently enrolled at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we’ll explore their personal stories, their contributions to the community, and the impact they've made on the nation's maritime security. The 63rd annual Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days will take place on Sunday, June 22 through Saturday, June 28. Please visit boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org for the full schedule of events.

I always knew that at some point I would go into the military as my father and brothers did before me. The only question was what branch?

In 1964, I joined the Coast Guard. I like the fact that it was the smallest service and because it gives you the chance to take as much responsibility that you want and its important missions.

My first duty station was a Search and Rescue Station in Lubec where I learned what was like in the Coast Guard. It was also where I got certified as a Coxswain.

Next I got transferred to the CGC Eastwind, an ice breaker out of Boston. That meant that Mary (Stuart) Verge and I had to move the date for us to get married. A week later, I departed for a year and two trips to the Arctic.

I next helped decommission on station and opened a new station in Eastport where our two children, Angela and Neal Jr., were born.

A year as Officer in Charge of Matinicus Rock Light Station where, at the end of my tour, they allowed my family to stay for a month. During that time, I interviewed for a position as an instructor at BMA School in Yorktown, Virginia. My application was accepted to teach small boat handling, navigation and marlinspike. I made Chief Petty Officer and was transferred to the CGC Cuyahoga as XPO, instructing OCS student in shipboard duties (watches, seamanship, ship handling).

Because I had a heavy weather certification, our next assignment was the Outer Banks of North Carolina as Officer in Charge of Hatteras Inlet Station (covering most of the Outer Banks and the infamous Diamond Shoals). A great experience and wonderful area.

My last assignment was Boothbay Harbor Station as Officer in Charge and the introduction to Windjammer Days. During my years in the Coast Guard, I was blessed with dedicated, smart, caring, skilled people will to go above and beyond to get the job done and help their community and country. Boothbay Harbor's crew was the best of the best.

In 1984, I was awarded the Douglas Monroe Award for Leadership and the Coast Guardsman of the Year award. Mary and I went to Washington, D.C. for the award. No one wins an award unless they have excellent backing from the people they work with, as well as their family.

I never thought I would make the Coast Guard a career but I loved what I did and found it was rewarding and was important work. I would recommend the Coast Guard to any young person starting out their life experiences.

In 1985, we retired to the community we love and thank you, Coast Guard, for a wonderful career.