"I don't own these stars"

Sometimes these posts just write themselves. The Day newspaper has a report on the Commandant's visit to the Coast Guard Academy today. As reported by The Day Admiral Allen reflected upon his active duty service drawing to a close and the Coast Guard core values:

'I don't own these stars'

Allen also reiterated the meaning of the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.

He said honor is the "compact you make with yourself on how you lead your life" and respect is the "compact you make with those around you."

"Devotion to duty is the compact you make with the country when you put on your uniform. I don't own these stars," he said, referring to the stars on his uniform that show he is an admiral. "The American people lent them to me, and I'm going to have to give them back on the 25th of May."

While I have only met him once, I have both great affection and respect for Admiral Allen - thinking like that expressed at the Academy today is why. As he communicates his passion so clearly and publicly I am continually challenged to reassess my approach to service.

Caught in the challenges and opportunities of the moment I've not often thought beyond my time of service -- but it is something well worth considering as it can focus our actions in the present.

As I said at the Flotilla 76 Change of Watch, leading 76 was a highlight of my life. As we all embark together on our next adventure in 2010 I'd like to thank the members of Division 7 for lending me the rare and precious duty of leading the Nations best Coast Guard Auxiliary Division. I cannot return the Division to you when I am done as it is always in your hands  -- in our hands. My compact with you is that we will leave it, whenever that time comes for each of us, even stronger than we found it so that the next generations of Auxiliarist Guardians can meet the challenges of their day and meet their commitment to the Nation and its people.