Mama Mary Invades the Coast Guard
Can't you smell the salt air?
Loved the boats, up close and personal! I actually got on a smaller rescue boat and a larger one.
The 
Stars and Stripes always make my pulse race, especially when the wind whips our flag to show it off. 
Don't you love the way this guy handles his weapon?
All right, I wasn't alone. Scarlet and a bunch of women were with me on the tour. Some of us even handled "mock" weapons and took tons of notes for our future books. 
We watched the men and women who patrol our waters and get the bad guys. I was amazed at their knowledge and experience and their youth.
Look at the way he holds his gun. That's real. No fancy stuff, just control.
Do you know which branch of the US military is the oldest?
If you want more photos and information you must head over to Facebook and Mary Marvella.com.
Great pictures MM! I still can't believe I left my camera at the hotel! Everytime I see other's photos of the tour, I'm green! It was a great tour, wasn't it?
I'm so glad you posted this. I was wondering how this trip went. I wanted to go so bad, but unforunately it wasn't in the stars this year.
Looks like you had a wonderful time and got a lot of material for your stories.
My guess for the oldest branch is the navy.
It was awesome! I didn't recharge my camera battery, so I ended the tour using my cellphone for photos. I just need to get them off the phone!
I'm sorry you missed the tour, Autumn. You'd have loved it! I'll post more photos when I figure how. Actually, there are more photos now at MaryMarvella.com.
Yes, I can smell the salt air!! Amazing!!
Great pictures, Mary! Everyone says it was a good session!! Thanks for sharing
Good picture of Mama Mary in her pink. I'm sure you had great fun. I have a question I actually need to ask the Coast Guard. Should have sent it with you!
What great fun way to do research!
I wish I had been there.
Good luck as you us your material to wow us with a wonderful story!
Good stuff MM!
I'm glad, Barbara. I love that salt smell in the air at the beach.
It was a wonderful session, Judy. You would have loved it!
Linda, I'll look for the contact info they gave us. I do like my pink. don't I look like I'm really listening?
Great pictures, Mary. I bet you had so much fun on such an interesting tour.
Great pics, MM, and such an interesting post. I'm betting since there are ships involved that the oldest branch of our military is the Navy, although right off I would have guessed the army.
Hey, Mona, yep I had a blast!
Beth, check your history. I figured Toni would off a trivia answer.
The Coast Guard claims to be the oldest branch, but even though they trace their roots back to 1790, they were not under the Department of Defense, but under the Department of the Treasury at that time. Even today they only come under the DON during war time. So with it's creation in 1798, the Army is the oldest military branch. But I don't blame the Coast Guard for claiming to be the oldest. Their roots do go back the farther.
What a great adventure for you and your cohorts, Mary. Looks like you'll have lots of new ideas and material for your stories.
Thanks. Scarlet! (She's a History major.)
Josie, we had a wonderful time. We rode on a smaller boat and then boarded a larger one. I wouldn't want to be the target of those guys we met. I have more photos on my cell phone with their equipment.