John (Jack) Harrald was only 17 when he entered the Coast Guard Academy in 1960. He didn’t know at that time how his participation in the Coast Guard would affect his future life, both professionally and personally. In addition to the skills needed to maintain and operate a ship, Jack learned how to be a leader and make decisions. He recalled an incident off the coast of Greenland when the wind was blowing 100 knots. With all the lifeboats gone, the C.O. knew it was time to return to port. Jack helped pilot the ship back to safety.
Jack and his 113 Coast Guard Academy classmates have remained lifelong friends. They still keep in contact with each other, often attending reunions and vacationing together. Jack believes their strong bond is rooted in the trust and mutual respect formed while on duty. One of Jack’s first assignments was two years off the coast of Sitka, Alaska. Although he and his 14-member crew felt very isolated, they knew they had an important job keeping the navigational long-range system running for the Northern Pacific.
Jack is thankful for his wife Judy and their two daughters who were supportive during his 22-year Coast Guard career. Jack’s long absences and the 12 moves to both coasts were not easy; however, Judy held the family together and helped their daughters adapt to their new posts.
Jack is very proud and honored to have served in the Coast Guard. Captain Jack Harrald retired in 1986.
