August2017

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE

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T h a n k Y o u f o r Y o u r S e r v i c e

HIGHLIGHTING: Jay Burak and Georgette Kyriacou from FWH Associates, P.A.

J ay Burak served as a member of the USCG for five years. During those five years, he was stationed in Virginia and in Bayonne, NJ. During his time, he was rated a Damage Controlman, meaning he was responsible for maintaining his ships watertight integrity, and emergency preparedness and responsiveness. His ship, the USCGC Katherine Walker was responsible for maintaining over 300 navigation aids for every vessel entering and exiting the New York Harbor. Jay is a crucial member of our team here at FWH Associates and is an active member within the CAI Community, we would like to take the time to thank him and honor him for his service and dedication to our country. Q: So you’ve been working at FWH and been an active member in the CAI community for several years now, but what a lot of people don’t know is that you are also a veter- an of the United States military, the US Coast Guard to be

coast guard? Was this something you had always kept in the back of your mind growing up, a post high school or college decision, or even a spur of the moment thought? A: During my sophomore year of college, I wasn’t enjoying life and decided I needed to make a change, try something different you know. Q: Has the open water always been a big part of your life? I know we’ve spoken about both being lifeguards on the Jersey shore in the past, did that help you come to the decision to join the Coast Guard? A: I’ve always enjoyed the life of boating and being on the water, I grew up around the shore, so the coast guard just seemed like a great fit for me. I was also able to stay US based which was a plus for me. Q: Where were you stationed? Did you have a choice on where you went, and how long are usually at a location? A: After you finish basic training you are assigned a station, however, depending on your rank and rate you do have a choice. I chose to stay on the east coast, where I spent time stationed on the USCGC Katherine Walker in Bayonne, NJ. I was with the US Coast Guard group east- ern shore and spent time in Chincoteague, Virginia as well. Q: Walk through an average day [if there are any] in the USCG, what were your specific duties, what was it like being on the base? A: I was a Damage Controlman, my duties included but were not limited to welding, carpentry, firefighting,

exact, how many years were you in service and during what time? A: I was enlisted with the coast guard for 5 years, beginning in 1998 and finishing up in June of 2003. Q: When did you really decide to join the

Jay Burak

Courtesy CAI-NJ.

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