ASHTABULA —
Saturday was a holiday, but most county residents didn’t know about it.
Joseph Wright and others who serve their country at the Ashtabula Coast Station did take off a few hours to celebrate the 222nd National Coast Guard Day, held on Aug. 4 each year.
Appropriately, the local Coast Guard members hold their celebration at Walnut Beach, where more than 100 years ago a life-saving station was established to assist the Lake Erie mariners who sailed near the city.
“It all started here,” said Wright, who is petty officer first class and in command of the Ashtabula Station. “That’s why we come down here for the picnic.”
Spouses, children and even the pets of the members attended the meal, which was held in the morning, before members resumed their patrols of the lakeshore. The Auxiliary of the Ashtabula American Legion Post provided some of the food to honor the members for their work.
Wright, who has been in the Coast Guard 10 years, is an Akron native who joined because he “likes the water.” That love of the lake and sea is a common thread, along with a desire to help those who find themselves at odds with the water.
“I joined the Coast Guard because I love to help people, especially when they are in need. It is very rewarding,” said Hugo Reyes, a Massachusetts native. Reyes has been in the Coast Guard four years and is working on his masters degree. His specialty is enforcement.
Other members of the station specialize in navigation, boating, environmental issues or rescue. Wright said they typically have 18 personnel at the station, but this summer the census has swollen to 21.
Also this year, for the first time in the station’s history, there are females serving at Ashtabula. Wright said the building was renovated to create quarters for up to eight female personnel. There are already five of them serving here and another will soon be arriving.
The extra staff members have been needed. They have rescued more than a dozen persons from the water so far this year. The station also does environmental enforcement and border patrol. Wright said the responsibility of the Ashtabula Station extends from just east of the Perry Power Plant to a short distance across the Pennsylvania line.
The members typically work two days on, two days off at the station, except on weekends, when it is 72 hours on. Most of the Ashtabula Station members are married and live in the community when not at the station.
“The crew spends six months of every year in the station,” Wright said.
Bill Campbell, boatswain mate second class, said he likes the work because “every day is different.” He joined because he had a couple of friends who were in it and enjoyed the work.
As the smallest branch of the armed forces, the Coast Guard can be tough to get into, however.
“There are a lot of qualified applicants who are sitting on a waiting list,” he said.
Local News
Coast Guard members celebrate their day
- Local News
-
-
Local group proposes charter form of Ashtabula County government
County government could see a big change if a local group is successful in getting a proposed charter form of government on the November ballot.
-
Black bear takes a stroll on Ashtabula street
“Once upon a time, there were three bears ...”
-
Happy ending in Cleveland gives hope to Ashtabula County people seeking missing loved ones
The amazing rescue of three Cleveland women held captive for 10 years is proof one can never stop searching for a missing person, local law enforcement officials said.
-
Kingsville Public Library creative writing class honors Suzanne Byerley at reading
Chuck Becker’s voice was strong and clear as he read the words of his dear friend Suzanne Hartman Byerley.
-
Conneaut’s two museums ready for holiday openings
Conneaut’s two historical museums are ready to reopen this holiday weekend, a sure sign of summer’s arrival.
-
GOTL tourist, author to sign books Saturday
With a hot dog in one hand and a pen in the other, tourist turned author Wendy Koile will sign copies of her historical reference “Geneva-on-the-Lake: A History of Ohio’s First Summer Resort” at Eddie’s Grill on Saturday.
-
GOTL to host monster carnival starting this evening
Geneva Township Park will benefit from a monster of a carnival this weekend, complete with bands, rides and food.
-
Ashtabula County commissioners award local firm bid for Harpersfield booster station project
A local firm was awarded the bid for the Harpersfield Township booster station project, Tuesday.
-
Jefferson hires new leader for schools
The Jefferson Area Local School District completed its search for a superintendent Tuesday, hiring one of its own to lead the district.
-
Ashtabula County gets a new logo
The Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been working for the past year on developing a brand for the county, and Wednesday, that brand was revealed.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Local group proposes charter form of Ashtabula County government
