Active crew unites to support ops boss

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

Active crewmembers on flight deck

Eastern Pacific Ocean – CGC Active crewmembers take a group photo on the flight deck to send to Lt. Mackey after they shaved their heads in support of his recovery. Photo courtesy of CGC Active.

Sometimes, our devotion to duty extends beyond operations. Sometimes, it’s our devotion to each other, as Shipmates, which compels us to do great things.

One recent expression of selfless compassion took place onboard the 210-foot Coast Guard Cutter Active when 30 crewmembers voluntarily shaved their heads to show their support for a fellow shipmate after an unfortunate turn of events changed the course of his life.

It was just before the holidays and Lt. Brian Mackey was having severe headaches and vision problems. It was when his wife, Dawn, finally drove him to the emergency room when he learned that he had advanced Glioblastoma brain cancer. The doctors quickly medically evacuated Mackey from Port Angeles, Wash., to a Seattle hospital where he had brain surgery the week before Christmas.

While he underwent treatment, the crew wanted to show their support beyond good wishes and a get-well card. In a gesture of unity, the officers, chiefs and several crewmembers shaved their heads both to show their compassion and to raise Mackey’s spirits.

“Currently, I’m in excellent health and undergoing preventative-eradication treatment,” said Mackey. “Through it all, I have received tremendous support from the Coast Guard family, it’s truly amazing. The District 13 Commander even stopped by the hospital to express his support, and the Commandant, Admiral Papp, called to express his wish that I get better; a conversation that both inspired and lifted my spirits.”

XO & CO

Eastern Pacific Ocean - Cmdr. Chris Hollingshead and Lt. Cmdr. Mike Guldin, Active’s commanding officer and executive officer, shave their heads showing their support for Lt. Mackey and hoping to lift his spirits.

As a prior command chief onboard Active, the cutter holds a special place in the Mackey’s career. Once a boatswain’s mate, Mackey promoted his way up through the ranks to warrant officer and then on to lieutenant to return to Active as the operation’s officer.

“Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Brian and Dawn as he goes through his treatments,” said Cmdr. Chris Hollingshead, Active commanding officer. “We look forward to the day when he will once again be able to sail with us.”

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  • Jim Koshar, LT, USCG(Ret.)

    Once again, our Coast Guard personnel supporting one another! I found this to be a very moving story and LT Mackey’s recovery is in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Alyce S Callahan

    Our Coast Guard family is so special. I am truly blessed to be a part of such an organization and will always continue supporting our men and women who give their lives for this organization everyday. God Bless!

    Alyce

  • Coastie mom

    Hoo yah, Coasties

  • Its_my_email_2010

    Keep getting better Brian I know Chief (Jablonski) misses you…and Dawn if you ever need anything we’re here for you!
    Sincerely
    Heidi Jablonski

  • Its_my_email_2010

    Coasties rock!

  • Coastie2003

    True deifinition of “Shipmates”. Well done Active!

  • Matt Harper

    The entire membership of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary extend their best wishes and speedy recovery to Lt Cmdr Mike Guldin. May the warm sun always shine on your face.

  • Pvanaller007

    Although my husband passed away almost 4 yrs ago from metastatic pancreatic cancer, I will be forever greatful to the Coast Guard (specifically from then Commandant Thad Allen down the ranks to include his then CMDR Scott Decker) for their unending support of my husband and our family during the 5-1/2 yrs my husband fought his battle.

    It is awesome of his unit to all shave their heads in support. I pray for LT Mackey and his family that he will be able to be rid of this disease and is able to rejoin his unit.

  • Coastie97

    What a great way to express support for a shipmate! This is yet another amazing story of how the Coast Guard takes care of their own. Bravo Zulu to the ACTIVE crew! Thoughts and prayers go out for LT Mackey.

  • James R. Hollingshead

    My best wishes for Cdr. Hollingshead and crew of the Active, particularly Lt. Mackey. I plan to see you in May. Uncle Robin

  • Rameez_raja5

    good job hollingshead and mike

  • LT Jeff Craig

    Hang in there, Brian. You made a profound impact on my career and life when you took me under your wing as a BM2 when I was a young SNBM. You continue to serve as a role model to me and many others. Like I always say – I am convinced that I will work for you again some day. Take care, shipmate and let me know if I can do anything for you or Dawn.

  • Deszignr

    Thank you all for the support and love to my brother Lt. Brian Mackey. I am so proud of who he is and that Brian is in the Coast Guard family. Dawn, I love you shining star.
    Coasties Are Blessed!

  • Rev. Jean L. Waldron

    Dear Brian,
    I am greatly moved by the loyalty of your crewmembers. Know many love you and are praying for a complete healing. Love, Aunt Jeannie

  • Carrie Sneed Huff

    Brian: We are thinking about you down here in Coos Bay.. we have missed you and Dawn and wish you a speedy recovery and love you both. Tracey and Russ also send prayers your way!

    Love, Carrie, Tom and Sarah