Scott Signing Photo by Bill Mason, SO-PA 11 D8-ER

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – While the rest of the world had their eyes glued to their televisions watching Olympic athletes compete for bronze, silver and gold medals, Auxiliarist Scott Farr had his sights set on another type of major achievement; being selected to Officer Candidate School (OCS) with the United States Coast Guard.

Scott began his career as a member of Team Coast Guard, perhaps earlier than most individuals did. He started as a volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1998. Scott, then age 17, became a member of Flotilla 11-5 in Nashville, Tennessee and, at that time, was perhaps one of the youngest Auxiliarists to join.

“I first made Scott’s acquaintance when he was only sixteen years of age,” says Jennie McNeil, Rear Commodore South. “At that time, his father was a Flotilla Commander in the Auxiliary and Scott was itching to join. What is really amazing about him is that he managed not only his career in the Auxiliary but also supported himself with a job along with attending school to obtain a college education.”

Scott attended Middle Tennessee State University majoring in computer science and was involved in every Auxiliary program area from operations, public education, vessel examination, marine dealer visitor, public affairs, communications services, and administration. He was elected Flotilla Commander twice in 2001 and 2002 and then Division Vice Captain in 2003. During his Auxiliary career, Scott trained in communications, patrols, and seamanship specialty courses and volunteered his time working on a Coast Guard Aids to Navigation cutter, Cimarron.

Lady Grace

Knowing all along that upon graduation from college, he wanted to be in the active duty Coast Guard, his dream and goal of becoming an officer is now coming true. Scott Farr’s career in the Coast Guard started when he signed his Officer Candidate Agreement and Enlistment contract on August 13, 2004.

Nevertheless, according to Scott, not everything was as easy as it seems. A lot of pre-planning, advice, and timing were needed to continue. In fact, for a whole two-year period prior, he worked diligently on his OCS package, which included letters of recommendation, application forms, required medical records, interview preparations, and interview records.

“I have known Scott for about four years when he was an Auxiliarist,” recalls Chief Randy Price, U.S. Coast Guard Recruiter in Nashville. “He is the most dedicated OCS applicant I have ever dealt with in my seven years of Coast Guard recruiting. He groomed himself and prepared for service as a Coast Guard Officer more than anyone else we ever processed.”

In early 2004 with only one semester left before earning his college diploma, all that was required was the waiting period until the board convened in the summer. On July 16, 2004, the board’s decision was posted in an ALCOAST message and Scott found out his name was not on the primary candidate list but he was listed as the #1 alternate on the Reserve Commission list. Scott knew his chances were very good because an earlier 2004 OCS class picked up nine of the alternates on their list.

Scott Farr

On Wednesday of the following week, he received a telephone call from Chief Price with the answer he was looking for. “Pack your bags, Scott. You are going to New London, Connecticut! Your name was chosen from the alternate list!”

By the end of July, he packed up his apartment and left on a three-week vacation before he was to report to OCS. He took time to visit his family in Virginia Beach, Virginia and event went to Washington, D.C. for two days to visit and reflect on those that have served before him. “I fondly remember going to D.C. every Memorial Day with my mom and sister. The sacrifice of joining the military to serve my country has been my calling,” he says. However, on this trip Scott wanted to reflect on those that have also answered that call before him.

Sworn in as VCP

His interest areas are Coast Guard law enforcement missions and he would like to be assigned to TACLET (Tactical Law Enforcement) or one of the new MSSTs (Maritime Safety and Security Teams). However, before he earns his commission as an Ensign in the Coast Guard, Scott has to endure the very challenging and demanding seventeen weeks of OCS.

When asked what he thinks about being an active duty Coast Guardsman, “I would not have it any other way. My eyes are Coastie blue and the Coast Guard runs through and through,” he says with a large smile.

According to Scott, making the transition from silver to gold was an easy decision but he admits he has very fond memories and will miss his fellow Auxiliarists. “While I will not be able to participate in the Auxiliary as much as I would like to anymore, I will do what I can with the Auxiliary when I am able to,” he says. “I will miss everyone but I’ll be back to see everyone again soon. Besides, I paid my 2005 Auxiliary membership dues!”

Scott’s plan is to serve in the Coast Guard as long as he can and when retirement time comes, he will continue to work alongside the Coast Guard as an Auxiliarist once again.

Chief Randy Price, USCG Nashville - Recruiter in charge, Scott Farr, applicant, administering the oath, Petty Officer Bryan E. Osborne, USCG Recruiting Office – Nashville. Photo by Bill Mason, SO-PA 11, D8-ER

While Scott Farr is not exactly an Olympic gold medalist, he is proud of the medals and awards that he earned as an Auxiliarist. Among the most distinguished commendations he received are: a Coast Guard Auxiliary Sustained Service Award (2002), a Coast Guard Unit Commendation (2001), a Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation (2002), three Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendations (2002, 2003 and 2004), and a Coast Guard Auxiliary Membership Service Award (2003). He was honored with awards that include the “All For One and One For All” Member Growth Award (2002), Group Ohio Valley Auxiliarist of the Year (2002), and Auxiliarist of the Quarter – 8ER District Award (2002).

With the gold on his fingertips and the silver at his heels, Scott is now well on his way to achieving his lifelong dream. Perhaps the Auxiliary helped train and shape him for service or perhaps it was just fate. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure, the Coast Guard motto: Semper Paratus (Always Ready) fits him very well and will stay with him for years to come.