From Eagle to Eagle

After retiring, I became an instructor for the Coast Guard in Yorktown, Virginia.My primary job was teaching the command course for senior officers, but I also helped in many other classes. My students varied in ages from 18-year-old seaman to Captains with decades of experience. The students were primarily members of the U.S Coast Guard and local, state, and federal officials that include Fire, Police, NOAA, Navy, and the Army. We also have senior leaders in the industry representing oil companies, pipelines, environmental response organizations, SpaceEx, and even a U.S. Senate Candidate. I also helped develop and deliver an International Maritime Officers course presented in Yorktown and overseas.After retiring, I became an instructor for the Coast Guard in Yorktown, Virginia.My primary job was teaching the command course for senior officers, but I also helped in many other classes. My students varied in ages from 18-year-old seaman to Captains with decades of experience. The students were primarily members of the U.S Coast Guard and local, state, and federal officials that include Fire, Police, NOAA, Navy, and the Army. We also have senior leaders in the industry representing oil companies, pipelines, environmental response organizations, SpaceEx, and even a U.S. Senate Candidate. I also helped develop and deliver an International Maritime Officers course presented in Yorktown and overseas.Mark Ogle is known by many names and many accomplishments which are insightfully detailed in his Coast Guard journey. I proudly take credit for several nicknames, none of which adequately capture the immense contribution Mark has made to this Nation. An accomplished expert in all Coast Guard missions and an extraordinary leader, “Opie” has made Mayberry and this very grateful former Commandant very proud. Read this book and enjoy.” Admiral Thad Allen An immensely enjoyable read depicting the incredible journey of a true patriot who served his Nation with distinction. I was privileged to serve with him, laugh with him — and more importantly, learn from him. This officer ran at wide-open-throttle for his entire career, leaving in his wake a litany of folks who’s lives were positively impacted by his "down-home” leadership style. Get a cup of coffee, crack open the book, and take the journey with him — you will be better off for it.” Wm. Dean Lee, Vice Admiral USCG (ret)