Profiles: boatswain's mate

Profile: Life in the Armed Forces, Dec, 2003

Boatswain's mate Third Class Justin Schnute

BASIC TRAINING: Cape May, N.J.

ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING: Yorktown, Va.

Why did you join the Coast Guard?

After 9/11 I felt that I needed to do more for my country and what better branch of service to join than the one that protects our homeland. I wanted to be a part of something and I wanted to make a difference. In the big scheme of things I may not have done much, but I made a difference to the people I saved from a boating accident last fall. I made a difference to the people I helped get out of their homes during the huricane evacuation.

What do you like most about being in the Coast Guard?

Every day is different. I learn something new every day that I can use to better myself and my duty. It feels great when I walk down the street in my uniform and I have total strangers come up to me and thank me for my service. It makes me feel like I have done my part, little as it may be, I have done it.

What has the Coast Guard given you?

Great leadership and time management skills. I can now accomplish anything and everything I set my mind to no matter how long I am given. I also have found great friends that will last a lifetime that I would never had met had I not joined. People come from all different parts of the country and because we are all away from home it makes it easier to bond. It's like we become our own little family.

When you're not at work what are you doing?

If I am not on call with the Bodie Island fire department I am training for the Olympic Trials. I spend about five hours a day in the pool conditioning my body and constantly trying to improve my time [Men's 400 Meter Freestyle]. I have been practicing for years and I finally have a time that will qualify me for the Olympics. Trials are at the end of the year and I plan on being there.