Good morning Sgt. Suzy,
  I would say I hope you remember me but you remember everyone you are always so good about that well I just wanted to say hi, and finally give you my story.

                My name is Carrie Sue Garlick, and I graduated from cycle 6, 5th platoon "Young Guns." I have no idea where to begin but, I would just like to say my life after Grizzly has been full of nothing but adventure and opportunity. I am getting ahead of myself I came to grizzly with no hope of a future, I was a straight f student and ditching all the time. I was grounded to the point that  had no social life, and I knew it was my fault. I remember when the idea of Grizzly was presented to me I completely refused and fought with my parents about even giving it a chance.

    Then it happened one morning I woke up went to school and did the same old thing I finally got tired of my same old self destructive days and I told my mom I would at least go for a tour and see what it had to offer, my mom was happy with me for the first time in years, well we arrived for the tour I thought it was amazing and my mom was terrified and kept saying your not a bad girl we can figure something else out. That was the moment our views changed I knew then that I had to do it. I wanted to go I wanted to make the difference in my life. While I was there I had good grades and a positive attitude, what I took from Grizzly is that it was my choice and it had always been my choice on what to do with my life and that I was better than that little girl who first started out confused and terrified of life, and on the day of graduation I was a young woman full of ambition. The following months after graduation I went back to school graduated and applied for college I got in because of the recommendations from Grizzly.  I unfortunately was unable to attend due to money but two weeks or so later I joined the Coast Guard. I have been in 3 and a half years now I am stationed in Key West on a medium endurance cutter it is designed for law enforcement and search and rescue.

     I have gotten to see the world, I have been to Japan, Alaska, Grand Cayman, Barbados, Columbia, and Cuba. I am sure there are a few places I am forgetting but by the time I am out of the Coast Guard I will have enough money and education to open my own business. I couldn't have done this without Grizzly and the staff that makes it what it is. I honestly would do it all over again every step, breathe, and sore muscle. I know with all my heart that Grizzly is and always will be the place that gave me a chance at life. So I end with this, any former cadet and or future cadet reading this, anything is possible and don't let anyone have you believe otherwise. Remember you make the choice to go and succeed so it is you who was capable all along, Grizzly just simply "PUSHES" it out of you.

                                 Thank you, and with much respect,
                                                            Petty Officer Carrie S. Garlick
                                                            United States Coast Guard