Coast Guard Veteran Dr. Vern: From Dropout to Doctorate | Living History with Alex

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Dr. Vern, a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran and author of The Power of Transformation: My Journey from High School Dropout to PhD.Dr. Vern shares an incredible story of perseverance, faith, and personal growth. He talks about joining the Coast Guard in the mid-1970s as a high school dropout, struggling with tests in boot camp, and eventually earning his GED through a Coast Guard education program that changed the course of his life. From there, he discovered a passion for helping others through education, eventually rising through the ranks, becoming a Chief Warrant Officer, and later earning his master’s degree and PhD.He also reflects on major moments from his Coast Guard career, the Sunshine Skyway disaster, and the sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn, while explaining how those experiences shaped his sense of service and purpose. Beyond the military, he shares how education opened doors for him to become a university dean, president, professor, and mentor to future leaders.🌟 Topics Covered:⚓ Joining the Coast Guard as a high school dropout📚 Earning a GED and discovering the power of education🎓 From enlisted service member to PhD and professor🌊 Service during the Mariel boatlift and other Coast Guard operations🏫 Building learning centers and helping military members earn degrees💡 Life lessons on faith, transformation, and never giving upIf you enjoy real stories of service, perseverance, and transformation, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.