Yesterday, I had the pleasure of eating brunch with Master Chief Frank Welch, the highest ranking NCO in the Coast Guard. He and his wife are delightful, and she is an excellent host and cook. It got me to thinking about how the Coast Guard does a thankless job.

The Coast Guard was rolled under the Department of Homeland Security, while the other military branches are under DoD. But their job is no less dangerous. But the Coast Guard has participates in most major wars, including: the War Between the States, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and both Gulf Wars.

In Vietnam, the boats that patroled the countries 1200 miles of coast line and countless waterways and streams included Coast Guard vessels. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Coast Guard sent cutters, tenders, and patrol boats to provide port security and support. They also performed intercept and search missions which put them closer to the action that many naval units.

Of course this is in addition to their more prominent duties of drug smuggling interdiction, immigration enforcement, and answering calls of maritime distress.

Their contributions to National Security and Military Preparedness are invaluable and should be applauded.

(Hook 'em Horns, Master Chief.)