After photographing USCG barque Eagle Friday afternoon, I wanted to take the deck tour on Saturday morning. The boarding ramp didn’t look like it would be too steep for my rollator at 9:30 am, low tide. But when I approached the stairs, I knew it would be a challenge. Both the ramp and steep stairs would have to be walked without the aid of my four–wheeled walker. I got on the ship with hard work and a sailor standing by. The main deck was fascinating and crew was fun to talk to, including officer candidate Flores, my tour chaperone.
The climb up the stairs disembarking Eagle was exhausting, especially going up. Two crew members guarded me against a fall in back and in front of me. On the last two steps, I asked for and got a “lift.” They were very happy to help me, and it was welcome. I thanked them for an excellent physical therapy session. Once on terra firma, my legs were shaking. I had pushed myself to the limit. When I heard the distant blasts of Eagle’s horn as she departed this afternoon, I realized what the experience was all about: I had challenged the stairs to stop me, and they could not.
Good Morning Gloucester 
God bless you Fred!
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Good challenge and you met it with courage. Good for you 😉
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Never give up, never give in. You are an inspiration Fred!
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Well Done, Fred !
E=R ( Effort = Results ) !!
Wm Skip Publicover Current Port of Call Charleston, SC
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I imagine visiting the Eagle was a great impetus for you to take the challenge. Keep up the great work Fred!
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Awesome Fred
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Glad you enjoyed your tour, Fred. I have seen your tenacity with my own eyes and know you have lots of adventures ahead. You are such a joy to be around. 👍👍
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Fred, I bet they were honored to bring and have you aboard – you have always been good to all of us who had served and those still serving our country and that my friend is a special bond that cannot be broken or forgotten! God Bless You! Dave:-) & Kim:-)
P.S. Leadership is a higher calling and a more prized position! Service to the fleet 🙂
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Fred- I am so happy for your effort, and the results. I especially enjoy this story because my son is in the US Coast Guard, and I love positive stories about how kind they are! Thank you for sharing your journey.
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