DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) — A week-long reunion for Coast Guard veterans in Duluth provided a chance for members to document their history.
Greg Papineau, a 61-year-old Coast Guard veteran, spent much of the week reminiscing about his time in the service.
“I am one of a small number of people to be called a Master Cotterman and have over 20 years of sea-going experience,” said Papineau, “I have served in 21 countries on three continents and on ships in Lima, Peru, Kwajalein, Atoll, Japan, Korea and throughout the Caribbean.”
More than 100 Coast Guard veterans attended the reunion, sharing endless stories about serving on patrol vessels like the USCGC STORIS Kodiak.
“It’s wonderful that veterans can come together and rekindle the friendships they made while serving,” said maritime historian John Ottman.
To ensure veterans’ stories are preserved in history, the Coast Guard Historical Foundation recorded historical interviews with veterans during the event.
“By recording these memories and stories, we are helping to preserve that history for the future, for our families and for the country as a whole,” Ottman said.
Veterans like Papineau say they hope the recorded interviews will be shared with military personnel and the public.
“It’s important to know your history,” Papineau said.
The interview will take place in the Coast Guard Historical Foundation archives.
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