Please take some time to discuss this information with your shipmates at your next meeting. Utilizing these "Moments" fulfills Goal Category 1.3 in the NACO 3-Star Diversity application.***
"In a sense, people are our proper occupation. Our job is to do them good..." –Marcus Aurelius
Before Captain Zeita Merchant joined the Coast Guard, her professional life journey began with volunteer service in her local community. She credited her mother in encouraging that path for her as a young girl. Volunteering for different opportunities while growing up set the stage for and developed her passion for service. She clearly sees people as her 'proper occupation' and saw the Coast Guard as her conduit to that end.
As was mentioned in last month's Diversity Moment, the Coast Guard's decision long ago to open all its ranks and rates to qualified individuals, regardless of race, has paid dividends and provided numerous exceptional leaders like CAPT Merchant. Currently Commander, Sector New York, CAPT Merchant will become the first Black female to be promoted to the Flag rank of Rear Admiral, Lower Half (RDML). Her background is rich in high-academic achievements, as well as many Coast Guard awards -- including three Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals. Not at all surprising, given her commitment to making a positive difference at every level.
CAPT Merchant has said the biggest threat the military faces going into the 21st Century is the difficulty in adjusting to the needs of current members and prospective candidates. One of her priorities is to improve military recruitment and retention, particularly of women and underrepresented minorities.
Her story is our story: She began with volunteering, just like each of us in the Auxiliary. CAPT Merchant has said, "I feel as if we're responsible for giving back to not only the institutions that allow us to be where we are, but to help develop our future public servants. I truly believe there is no higher calling..." In each of us, there is a sense of duty to do something—anything to serve and help people. We would do well to follow her example – if CAPT Merchant was able to spectacularly achieve all she has with her background of volunteerism and service, think of all we can do as the Auxiliary with our thousands of varied and diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills.
Written by: Michael Brown, BC-DUP Outreach (Diversity & Inclusion Directorate)
COMO David G. Porter
Asst. National Commodore
National Diversity Team
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
