NOT FOUND: gaurdian1.jpgThe sound of bagpipes filled the tented structure where thousands of family members, friends and colleagues were assembled on Friday, November 6, to honor and remember the seven crew members that lost their lives in the line of duty aboard Coast Guard 1705. October 29, 2009, CG-1705 collided in mid-air with a Marine helicopter just off the coast of San Diego. In addition to the seven member Coast Guard crew, both of the Marines on the helicopter also lost their lives. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by a joint board from the Coast Guard and the Marine Corps. Admiral Thad Allen, commandant of the Coast Guard, stated the message this crew sends to us is: “We protected you. We defended you. We saved you. We were Marines, and we were Guardians.”
All seven of the CG-1705 crew members were actively stationed at Air Station Sacramento in McClellan, California. As the family members were escorted down a center aisle to front row seats, a slide show played capturing the lives of the loved ones that brought everyone together that overcast morning. Family members smiled through tears at some of the candid photographs that were being displayed. The crew of CG-1705 was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That being so, the words that Captain J.J. O’Connor – commanding officer of Air Station Sacramento – spoke of the crew members of CG-1705 were priceless. The slide show presented several photos of the crew members spending off duty time together which indicates that these individuals didn’t just worked together, but lived and loved together. There were also photos of the crew with their individual family members/significant others, as well as a few of them from their childhood years. Capt. O’Connor eulogized each of the crew members. His remarks confirm what the photos portrayed:
NOT FOUND: gaurdian2.jpgLieutenant Commander Che J. Barnes – Aircraft Commander – was originally from Capay, CA; and had been stationed at Air Station Sacramento since October 2007. “He was a wonderful leader … inspired crew members to be close … and did it with humor and grace…” Barnes flew over 3,000 flight hours during his 13 years with the Coast Guard. Barnes is survived by his father, Martin; twin brother, Noah; brothers Thaddeus and Freeman; and girlfriend, Carrie. He is preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen.
Lieutenant Adam W. Bryant – Co-Pilot – also known as “A.B.”, loved football, fishing, reading, music and joking. “He loved being a shipmate, and used his humor to help those around him smile.” Bryant had more than 405 flight hours and joined Air Station Sacramento in May 2008. A.B. was a native of Crewe, VA; and is survived by his parents, Nina and Jerry; and brother, Benjamin.
Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman – Flight Engineer – was the Chief on 1705, and as O’Connor stated, “The backbone of the Coast Guard is the Chief. He was always caring for family.” Chief Seidman was the highest enlisted officer on the flight. He was stationed in Sacramento February of this year and had over 4,200 flight hours during his 23 year career in the Coast Guard. Seidman is a native of Stockton, CA; and is survived by his wife, Jennifer; parents, William and Connie; and brother, Jeffery.
NOT FOUND: gaurdian10.jpgPetty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis – Navigator – had only been at Air Station Sacramento since June 2009, but had been with the Coast Guard for 10 years. His wife, Kristen, is also with the Coast Guard and is due to deliver their daughter, Kalina, soon. “He was quiet and caring.” Officer Grigonis had over 1,042 flight hours. Carl is from Mayfield, OH; and in addition to his wife and daughter mentioned above, is survived by son, Hayden; mother, Janina; and brother, George.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham – Radio Operator – was “a blessing and a proficient tech and aviator”. She also volunteered a lot of her time in the community. She came to Air Station Sacramento in July of 2006 and had more than 1,400 flight hours. Beacham, originally from Decaturville, TN, is survived by her husband, Seaman Travis Beacham; daughter, Hailey; mother, Shirl Jean; brother, Michael; and sister, Kelly.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky – Air Crew – was the newest member of the CG-1705 crew to Air Station Sacramento, but he loved the Coast Guard and loved to fly. He was with the Coast Guard for 7 years and had over 995 flight hours. “Jake,” as he was known to those closest to him, “loved his family – Coast Guard and personal – and was always smiling”. A native of Norristown, PA, Jason is survived by his fiancé, Christiana; parents, John and Lisa; and sisters, Amanda and Rebecca.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder II – Drop Master – came to Air Station Sacramento in October 2007, spending exactly half of his career in the Coast Guard here. He had more than 390 flight hours. “Danny was light and energy and smiles. His hallmark epitomized the future of the Coast Guard. He was dedicated to safety, service and excellence.” Kreder is from Elm Mott, TX, and is survived by his wife, Victoria; parents Jeff and Jodi; brothers, Brandon and Cory; grandmother, Pamela Sue; grandparents Wayne and Shirley; and in-laws, Sam and Tracy.
“We are here to honor and remember; but more importantly, we are committed to never forget,” stated Captain O’Connor. He also quoted Ronald Regan in saying, “The willingness of some to give their lives so that others might live never fails to evoke in us a sense of wonder and mystery.” That is precisely what the crew of CG-1705 did. They were serving, protecting and saving when they paid the ultimate price.
Admiral Allen said, “When we all stand together, there is no room to fall.” He was followed by District 11 Chaplain, Commander Darrell Wesley, who stated, “Our individual faiths provide the anchor, and the chain is family. Pray for the families of Coast Guard 1705. Celebrate the lives and legacies and applaud the virtues [the crew members] embodied.”
“Crossing the bar” is a term that depicts the rough, dangerous shallow bar in the ocean that has to be crossed before reaching the harbor. It’s also used to paint a picture of crossing over from life into death. The poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson was read at the memorial service for Coast Guard 1705:
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
We remember you, Coast Guard-1705.
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