ATLANTIC CITY – The United States Coast Guard landed a bright orange helicopter with white markings at Atlantic City High School on Thursday, March 14, 2024, to talk to Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) students about the future.

Coast Guard officers dispelled rumors and addressed outdated ideas about military service. Instead, they focused on the benefits of joining the Coast Guard. “At our core, we are a federal law enforcement and life-saving agency,” said Coast Guard Recruiter Sam Freedman, who works out of Air Station Atlantic City, which is located at the William J. Hughes Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center at the Atlantic City International Airport. Freedman said his work with the Coast Guard has afforded him a successful life that has taken him up and down the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Key West, Florida. “I’ve met multiple life goals,” Freedman said. “I have a family, four children, and since joining I’ve felt honored at the ability to serve my country and have a fulfilling career.”

The Coast Guard is one of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces, but it is also part of the Department of Homeland Security. Guardsmen have a unique role in protecting the nation's maritime interests, both at home and abroad. They also perform a variety of tasks, such as search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, ice breaking, port security, and humanitarian aid. 

Although JROTC isn’t specifically a recruiting tool, several students said they are keeping their options open and expressed genuine interest.

Zuzanna Turska, 16, of Margate is already vetting possible military careers. Turska has applied to the Coast Guard Academy Introduction Mission (AIM), a one-week summer program that gives potential recruits the opportunity to immerse themselves in Academy life. She has also applied to the Naval Academy Summer Seminar, which also lasts one week. “I want something that we do every day,” Turska explained. “You get to help people out. I think it’s really cool to be helping and not just preparing for something.” Coast Guard Lt. Gillian Gerton told Turska about her personal experience. “You do military training, drill practice, parades,” Gerton said. “They look for good leaders. It’s about showing that you’re dedicated to something.” Turska was not intimidated. “I’m looking into helicopters,” Turska said. “The military is short-handed on pilots,” Gerton said.

Gerton also talked to students less likely to join. “We’re not a recruiting program, we’re a citizenship development program,” Naval Science Instructor (NSI) retired Coast Guard Chief Sean Griffin said in February when the students went through their annual military inspection. “Our number one goal is academics.”

Aryiane Hill, 15, of Atlantic City, said she didn’t know what to expect when she joined JROTC. “It was something fun to do,” Hill said. “I wasn’t ready for the PT (Physical Training). But it helped me get ready for basketball season, and I’m thinking about doing lacrosse or track.” Hill also said being involved with JROTC helped her improve her grades. She isn’t thinking about a military career, but said she isn’t completely ruling it out.

Collin Clyde, 15, of Ventnor, said he may join the Air Force. “It’s pretty cool having people like this come talk to you,” Clyde said. “They save lives. They’re heroes.” 

Samantha Cabrera, 16, and Kimberly Guzman-Chirinos, 15, both of Atlantic City, said the Coast Guard is an option. “This is Plan B,” Guzman said. “My Plan A is to start my own business where I can use my crafting skills.” Cabrera wants to start a fashion-related business. “I’m taking geometry because I need that for fashion,” Cabrera said.

Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) retired Coast Guard Captain Sean O’Brien, said the JROTC focuses on other aspects needed for success, including physical fitness and self-discipline. “On Monday it’s drill day. On Tuesday it’s uniform day. On Wednesday it’s PT (Physical Training) Day. On Thursday, it’s Academic Day. On Friday, it’s fun PT,” O’Brien said. “The kids are fantastic, and they’re all earning it.”

Atlantic City High School Principal Constance Days-Chapman said this is one example of the host of possibilities available to students here. “I am excited that we were able to provide this opportunity for our students,” Days-Chapman said. “Many of our students are not going to go to college. It is important for students to know what career opportunities are available to them.”