STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of AVT1 Daryl Harrington, U.S. Coast Guard (1988-2001)

A classmate introduced me to the idea of joining the Coast Guard, something I knew little about at the time. Curious, I met with a recruiter, and after watching their video, I was sold. It looked like a great opportunity to serve while furthering my education. My friend and I planned to enlist together through the “buddy system,” but in the end, I got in, and they didn’t. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I attended boot camp in the dead of winter in Cape May, New Jersey, an interesting experience, but one I handled without any issues. Fortunately, I got my first choice of assignment after graduating and was stationed aboard the cutter Thetis out of Key West, Florida. My first trip underway was unforgettable. We sailed straight into a massive storm with 40-foot seas and winds reaching 60-70 mph. At that moment, I seriously questioned my decision. But in the end, everything worked out. I spent over a year traveling the seas before getting into aviation, gaining incredible experiences and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Being part of missions that saved lives and protected property was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. From search and rescue operations to alien interdictions and drug enforcement, each mission was life-changing in its own way. It gave me a profound sense of purpose, knowing that my efforts were making a real difference, both directly and indirectly, in people’s lives.

Oh, absolutely, it wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns. There were plenty of missions where we had to fly through rough weather, making me question whether I was truly ready for it. One mission, in particular, stands out. We were five hours away from the nearest landing site when the plane suddenly started filling with smoke. For a moment, things got pretty intense. Eventually, we were able to descend low enough to pop the hatch and clear the smoke. The culprit is Faulty insulation on the air-conditioning system. Definitely a moment I won’t forget.

Being stationed at Barbers Point, HI, was an incredible experience. The flights were long, but they gave us the opportunity to visit breathtaking islands and connect with amazing people. It was, without a doubt, one of the best times of my life.

Having the opportunity to be part of so many rescues and knowing that lives were saved because of our efforts is something I will always cherish.

With a proud military background, I bring discipline, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic to every aspect of my professional journey. I hold myself to the highest standards, leading with integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to teamwork.

One of my Letters of Commendation was for a search and rescue mission off the coast of Guam. The Governor of Guam even sent a thank-you letter to the Commandant, recognizing our efforts in locating a skiff of overdue fishermen. Initially, the search in the designated area provided by RCC came up empty. Relying on my training and knowledge, I calculated where the winds and currents would likely have carried them if they were disabled. With fuel running low, we took one last look. And there they were. It was an incredibly satisfying moment.

I will always be grateful for Lester Ward and Andy Phillips’s leadership and mentorship. They had a profound impact on my professional and personal life, shaping me into the person I am today. True leaders and friends, their guidance played a huge role in my success, and I can’t thank them enough.

There are so many people who have made an impact on my journey. It took me 15 years to reconnect with Lester Ward, and I’m grateful to be in touch with him today. However, I have yet to find Andy Phillips. I’m hopeful that one day, I’ll be able to track him down and catch up.

That’s too embarrassing, but it makes me crack up when I think about it.

After leaving the Coast Guard, I found myself in Silicon Valley, working for a startup in the semiconductor industry. My military background provided a strong foundation for success in that role. From there, I transitioned into architecting IT solutions for clients, paving the way for a career in technology. Today, I am an accomplished Engineering Leader and Cloud & AI Strategist with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and digital transformation. I have a proven track record of building and scaling high-impact technology practices that deliver real business value.

The military has profoundly shaped both my life and career. The lessons I learned in teamwork, leadership, punctuality, and discipline have become the foundation of who I am. I hold myself to the highest standards, ensuring that integrity, accountability, and teamwork remain at the core of my leadership philosophy.

What I miss most about the military is the camaraderie. There’s nothing quite like the deep friendships and trust built in that environment. The corporate world is vastly different, and I often tell people that my military background has wired me differently. Given the chance, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

First and foremost, find a mentor. It will make a world of difference. There will be both good times and challenging moments, but the rewards will far outweigh the difficulties. Stay curious and absorb as much knowledge as you can. You may not get rich, but the sense of fulfillment from the impact you make will be invaluable. Most importantly, create lasting memories and stay connected with the relationships you build along the way.

I am glad that I found TWS. This site has allowed me to capture some of my memories that my family and friends will enjoy for many years to come. Thank you.