by Maya Jung
From the time he was a child, Phil Overton was enraptured with the sea. One of his earliest memories is of viewing three Coast Guard Cutters and being fascinated by the intricacies of their design and the clarity of their purpose of protecting the ocean and those who traveled upon it. At age 19, Phil enlisted in the Coast Guard and considers his time in the ranks to have changed him for the better, provided him with the confidence to strive and succeed, and deepened a love of the wonders of the ocean and all that lies beneath it.
Phil fondly remembers his Boot Camp Training Officer, Petty Officer Ishman. “He saw in me potential I had not seen myself, he inspired me, mentored me, and honed a dedication and work ethic that has served me well in all of my life,” said Phil. The Petty Officer was a former Presidential Honor Guard member, a stickler for bearing and protocol. “In a short period of time, Coast Guard training turns raw recruits into able persons,” recounts Phil. “A highlight of my life was being the Honor Graduate of my Recruit Training Class.”
Advanced schools and training followed and Phil was assigned to duty at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London.
“I was a busy young man” recalls Phil,” the Military is unique, in that it places great responsibility in a person’s hands at an age far younger than would occur in the private sector – security for a major installation, logistics, and supplies being some of those.” Phil cites time management as a key skill instilled by the Coast Guard and points to the fact that concurrent with his duties he was able to do college degree work as an enlisted man.
On discharge, Phil embarked upon a career with Prudential Insurance as a Certified Financial Planner; he has now been with them for over 30 years. “The values instilled in me by the Coast Guard and by other branches of the military in those who served make the civilian world a better place–team work, loyalty, honesty, and dedication. Veterans may leave the Military–the Military never leaves them!” Phil proudly stated.
Married for 25 years to beloved wife Faye Barbone, Phil is an ardent Environmentalist. Hikes through the wilderness are surpassed only by his love of scuba diving. Phil is a Certified Dive Master and Instructor, enjoying the seas from below that he once protected from above. As all Veterans do, he continues to serve his community, presently as a candidate for Town Council in Westerly, RI.
The RESIDENT salutes Coast Guard Veteran Phil Overton!
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