(L to R behind Auxiliarist Rachel Mary Ceballos) preschoolers Zachary Ceballos, Kristen McGregor, and Justin Primc. (Note: Parental photo releases are on file.)

Last month I received a call from my son’s pre-school teacher.  She said there was a growing concern that some of the boys in the class seemed to have become obsessed with the military - specifically the combat side of the military. These four year-olds shared in gory detail what they thought would happen if someone were blown-up by ‘bombs’ or shot by automatic weapons. 

I understand the argument that “boys will be boys,” but it’s also understandable that the detail was a bit much and perceived as somewhat threatening to some of their classmates. So, her request was simple . . . as part of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary could I come speak to the class about the non-combat side of the military? 

Talk about the Coast Guard? No problem! 

We arranged for me to speak to the class the following week. I organized photos of rescue swimmers, helicopters and ships, gathered my boat crew gear, a couple of synthetic lines and, thanks to our Flotilla Materials Officer, some promotional goodies.  

I felt prepared the morning of the event. I was going to talk about search and rescue (SAR), icebreakers, law enforcement, public education, and the environment. But, believe it or not, when I walked into the class of almost 20 four year-olds, I felt quite intimidated.  

I often have trouble keeping the attention of my one four year-old — how was I going to keep the attention of all those kids jumping up and down in the back of the room?  Luckily, I fell back on the training I had learned while I was in the Coast Guard: Tell them what you are going to teach them, teach it to them, and then tell them what you told them. 

I started off with “Who knows what the Coast Guard is?” Surprisingly, about four or five children raised their hands - so we had a starting point. We talked bout the helicopters that many had seen flying over the skies of Seattle, about the ships at Pier 36 that they can see from the Viaduct, and about all the really cool things that Coastguardsmen do. They especially liked the helicopter rescue stories and pictures that went along with that (who doesn’t?).  

They had lots of great questions, too. “Won’t the ice that the ice breaker breaks make a big hole in the boat?” “How do they learn to swim and rescue people?” “How do you get oil in the water?” 

All in all, it was a successful event. They learned about what the Coast Guard does and that other branches of the military also have combat and non-combat related duties. I was told that by the end of the week the kids had constructed a cardboard boat and took turns pretending to be rescuers and people who need to be rescued. They even remembered to say, “I’m with the Coast Guard and I’m here to help you.” 

Parents were grateful for the life jacket education and environmentally conscious coloring books. However, not every parent was as happy about the Coast Guard-approved whistles I provided. (I should have known that my reminder “these are outside whistles” would be perceived as outside the classroom in four-year-oldspeak, and not necessarily outside of the house or car. Note for next time . . .) 

So, now, a month later, I’m happy to report there may be a few future Coastguardsmen in that group of children as several continue to play ‘Coast Guard’ and ask me questions when they have the chance. I want to offer a Bravo Zulu to the teacher for the creative way the children’s focus was redirected. More than that, I was incredibly proud that the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was able to ‘come to the rescue.’ 

~NGS