Star Coffey

Chase High School graduate of 1981, I joined the Marines the same year. I served 7 years active duty Marine Corps as a 2651 / Special Intelligence Communications Operator. Following Boot Camp at Marine Corps Base Parris Island, SC, I attended A School in Pensacola, FL at Naval Technical Training Center. From there I was stationed with a Marine Support Battalion in Okinawa, Japan, where I met Mike. Upon arrival at 2nd Radio Battalion Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Mike and I married. Janet joined us that same year. From Lejeune, we moved to NavCams WestPac, Guam. Alicia joined the family in Guam. Our family returned stateside; this time I was with 5th SSCT, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune while Mike was stationed with 2nd Radio Battalion, Camp Lejeune.

I was awarded Communicator of the Quarter my first full quarter in Okinawa, got a couple of Meritorious Masts, and Marine of the Quarter—that came with a parking space. I was nominated for Marine of the Year. My boss, the man who trained me there, beat me.

Guam was much the same with a promotion to SGT. In addition to the unit awards, I was nominated for Military Person of NavCams. The senior enlisted for our unit had told me early in my time there that he had no place in “His Marine Corps” for a woman. He sat on the board for the MP of NavCams. He later told me that I was 2nd only because while I was having a baby, the winner took a college class. I asked if he knew what a CLEP was. He said no. I explained that while I was making a baby, I took the final exam for 2 college classes, acquiring 6 credits to the winner’s 3 credits. We all know I really won. He then told me that he was never more proud to serve with a Marine. Probably hyperbole, but I liked that I was able to show him I had a place in “His Marine Corps.”

I was also awarded a Navy Achievement Medal. I changed Standard Operating Procedure in the Indian Ocean Operating Area, while being the youngest—read lowest ranked—Message Center Manager ever appointed in Comms at NavCams WestPac.

This 7 years equals 2 enlistment contracts. Janet was born November 1984. My first contract was up December 1984. Mike and I decided that I would not reenlist to become a stay-at-home mom. I lasted 87 days. I have paperwork to prove that. I was out such a short time that I still got my reenlistment bonus. Hardiest thing I have every done—stay-at-home mom. I literally went back active duty United States Marine Corps to rest. After the 2nd enlistment and 2nd baby, I told my husband I thought I was tough enough to try again. I made it 10 years the second time I tried.

Our family lived for 2 years in Adak, Alaska because Mike remained active duty until after Operation Desert Shield which later became Operation Desert Storm. It was a blessing to be at home with the children during these times.

I was volunteering in a 5th grade class at Forrest Hunt Elementary when I decided I wanted a class of my own. I attended Isothermal Community College, completing an AA. I transferred to Gardner Webb University, completing a BA in Secondary English Education. I then completed 27 hours at the graduate level in English Education. Currently, I am working toward an MA in Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction.

I taught at Chase High School for 18 years, Teacher of the Year once. I have been at Rutherford Opportunity Center since January 2018, Teacher of the Year once.

Mike and I have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Mike and I hope to one day live in an Earthship. When we retire, we plan to hike the Appalachian Trail. We have already begun conditioning and preparations for this adventure. We also plan to buy a class C RV to travel North America.