October 27, 2009
Tuesday

Ketchikan, Alaska - Meet Lieutenant James Speckhart, a Safety Officer with the United States Coast Guard, and his little brother Kody, who starts junior high this fall. James has been in Ketchikan for eighteen months and is stationed here for a total of three years. Speckhart is a committed volunteer; he spends his free time both as a dedicated Big Brother and as a Unit Commissioner with the Boy Scouts.

Speckhart likes the family oriented mission of Big Brothers and appreciates the fact it promotes a personal relationship between a Big and Little. James and Kody had their first activity at the gym; they've expanded their repertoire to include Frisbee throwing, a hike up Fawn Mountain, as well as being involved in the monthly BBBS activities like Build a Bird House and Orienteering hosted by Leslie Swada, of the US Forest Service. Speckhart describes Kody as "well mannered and always up for doing something new."

Kody is a smart boy who shared with me the fact that he now wears a size ten shoe. Kody enjoys his time with James, explaining, "We both love to be outside." Kody appreciates James because he's easy to talk to and mostly they talk about fun stuff together. Kody knows that he's made a good friend in James and he feels certain that the two will remain friends even when James leaves the area. Kody's favorite activity with James occurred as the pair went out sailing together. Kody was a quick study and they both enjoyed being out on the water.

If Lieutenant Speckhart (who has a size eleven shoe) can find time to give, maybe you can too. Take James' advice: Give a bit of your time, a precious commodity, and help make a positive impact on youth and benefit society.

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Ketchikan, Alaska