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Karen McAndrews was inspired to join the Coast Guard after seeing a recruiting ad. Alex Haley, the author of “Roots,” told the story of how he was the first chief photojournalist and that seeing small boats racing to rescue people was exciting.
“I thought saving lives for a living sounded pretty cool, said McAndrews, who spent nine years in the Seattle area. “The military was very demanding both physically and mentally for me. It did instill a huge sense of pride in me. I was in an all-female company, and I appreciated the diversity of our company. Boot camp made me realize that I could do so much more than I ever though I could.
“I had plans of becoming a photojournalist but got tired of waiting on school. I became a storekeeper, which dealt in pay, property, accounting, budgeting and supply.” It took McAndrews quite a while to obtain the rank of chief (E-7) and almost gave up before giving it one last try.
“It had been my goal to retire as a chief, and I was so proud to finally reach that goal,” she said. McAndrews recalls receiving her first achievement medal. “It was not usually awarded to a seaman (E-3), but I had been doing the job of an E-5. I was fortunate that my boss put me in for that award.
“I met so many special people in the Coast Guard. My first XO helped me early in my career. I truly admired every instructor at the Chief Petty Officer’s Academy in Petaluma, Calif. “The military helped me to become a take-charge kind of person. It also taught me about giving back to the community and how every job there truly matters. I am so honored to be a part of the Coast Guard and proud of those who served,” she said. McAndrews’ dad, John Butler, served in the Navy during World War II, and her brother served in the Army.
“I thought saving lives for a living sounded pretty cool, said McAndrews, who spent nine years in the Seattle area. “The military was very demanding both physically and mentally for me. It did instill a huge sense of pride in me. I was in an all-female company, and I appreciated the diversity of our company. Boot camp made me realize that I could do so much more than I ever though I could.
“I had plans of becoming a photojournalist but got tired of waiting on school. I became a storekeeper, which dealt in pay, property, accounting, budgeting and supply.” It took McAndrews quite a while to obtain the rank of chief (E-7) and almost gave up before giving it one last try.
“It had been my goal to retire as a chief, and I was so proud to finally reach that goal,” she said. McAndrews recalls receiving her first achievement medal. “It was not usually awarded to a seaman (E-3), but I had been doing the job of an E-5. I was fortunate that my boss put me in for that award.
“I met so many special people in the Coast Guard. My first XO helped me early in my career. I truly admired every instructor at the Chief Petty Officer’s Academy in Petaluma, Calif. “The military helped me to become a take-charge kind of person. It also taught me about giving back to the community and how every job there truly matters. I am so honored to be a part of the Coast Guard and proud of those who served,” she said. McAndrews’ dad, John Butler, served in the Navy during World War II, and her brother served in the Army.
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