Hello and welcome! I am a 2/c cadet by the name of Josh Surgeon and was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I have two sisters, one brother, and six nephews. Growing up in Oregon made me realize how much I love the outdoors. I love traveling, camping, hiking, climbing, and spending time with my friends and family. Thus, growing up I never had any desire to leave Oregon and I was one of those kids who always changed their minds about what they wanted to be when they grew up. The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted a meaningful adventurous job that I would not get bored of, and that is exactly what the Academy, and ultimately, the Coast Guard offers. Since I have been at the Academy, I have sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, and had the opportunity to travel to Spain, Monaco, Italy, France, Bermuda, Hawaii, Florida, and New York. Above all this I have also gained lifelong friends who are scattered throughout the United States that all share my same desires to serve, travel, and live life to its fullest.

I grew up knowing nothing about the Academy and in a non-military family (although certainly not anti-military). So my transition into the Academy was rough to say the least (I will talk more about this in the blogs to come). But, for now, let me tell you that I pushed through, battled back, and have overcome the obstacles that once slowed me down. I am now a Co-Captain on the Boxing Team and am competing for a national title. I am currently pursuing a career as a Coast Guard Dive Officer which, if selected, will require five months of additional training through the Navy and Army Dive program (a.k.a. really hard boot camps). My grades continue to rise. But most importantly, I have built a network of friends, advisors, and trusted individuals that I can turn to at any moment for help and/or guidance.

Let me be the first to tell you that attending the Academy is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do in life, but you must earn it. You will come to the Academy and you will not be prepared for it, nor will you make it through alone. However, you will grow, you will learn, and you will have fun if you seek help and allow yourself to become part of the Coast Guard family.