I had the great privilege this week of speaking at a commemorative luncheon in honor of BMCM (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear hosted by the Carl M. Brashear Foundation. The event was very well-organized and I was very grateful for being given the opportunity to participate. You can read a copy of my remarks here.
I believe we can all benefit from learning more about Master Chief Brashear. He served during a time when he had to fight the Navy every step of the way to bring his extraordinary talents to bear. Master Chief Brashear wasn’t content being placed in a box or waiting for others to knock down the walls for him. He took ownership of his situation, and with fierce determination, he overcame the many institutional barriers he encountered and compiled a record of professional achievement that I do not believe will be equaled by anyone, anytime soon. And he accomplished his most significant achievement AFTER the loss of his lower left leg as a result of a line-handling accident.
To learn more about Master Chief Brashear’s life and career, I encourage you to read “The Reminiscences of Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Carl M. Brashear” conducted by the U.S. Naval Institute. He's an example to us all.
All the best, JCHjr
8 comments:
"I personally met Master Chief Carl Brashear during the fall of 2001 at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC. The "Bronze Warrior" newspaper was hosting "Men and Women of Color in our Armed Services" and Master Chief Brashear was the guest of honor. During his speech Master Chief discover that I was the only other Chief from Hampton Roads in the audience. He invited me to his table and my life has never been the same. Master Chief Brashear is the most humble and engaging human being that I've met. He made all around him feel welcome. I feel honored and privileged that I was able to shake the hand and fellowship with a true American Legend instead of read about one."
Thank you Admiral Harvey for posting your comments. Each time I read, am reminded, or see the movie "Men of Honor" portraying Navy Master Diver Master Chief Brashear's life, I am encouraged to withstand adversity without compromising my integrity. Kudos to USFF very own, Ms. Glenda Arrington, who was the spearhead for this commemorative event honoring Navy Master Diver Carl "Maxie" Brashear, our hometown hero.
I had the pleasure of attending this heartfelt and momentous event to celebrate the life and legacy of Master Chief Carl M. Brashear. I was indeed both surprised and delighted by some of the comments made by Admiral Harvey in his speech (listed below). My feelings are that it takes a well grounded and sincere person to make such statements. Admiral Harvey, thank you for your honesty.
"THE FACT IS THAT MASTER CHIEF BRASHEAR, AS IMMENSELY TALENTED AS HE WAS, HAD TO FIGHT THE NAVY EVERY STEP OF THE WAY TO BRING THOSE TALENTS TO BEAR FOR THE NAVY.
COMING INTO OUR NAVY IN 1947 AND SERVING UNTIL 1978, MASTER CHIEF BRASHEAR SERVED HIS CAREER AT A TIME WHEN HE LOVED THE NAVY MUCH MORE THAN THE NAVY LOVED HIM."
Navy Master Diver Carl "Maxie" Brashear was a true "Man of Honor" whom we all should be proud of. It was great to be a part of a positive event to commemorate this pioneer's legacy of courage.
Admiral Harvey,
Sir, thank you for posting your comments from the “Honoring a Legacy of Courage” commemorative luncheon honoring BMCM (Master Diver) Carl Brashear. Yes, the program was well coordinated and my hat goes off to all who had roles in making it happen!
Your comments reflect the man and his contributions to our Navy and country. His inspirational story is yet one of many truly great stories that are uniquely and interestingly found in the greatest military in the world. His ability to achieve his goal of becoming a Navy master diver along with other challenges he faces, proves not only his courage but also his commitment to the Navy, his country and his family. This commemorative event provided an awesome opportunity to hear perspectives on the impact he had on those who know his story, those who served with him, his closest friends and his children. The movie, Men of Honor, based on his struggles and accomplishments, was a really good movie; but to hear the personal aspects about Carl Brashear really put the movie in perspective and is now so much more appreciated.
Reading through the “Reminiscences of BMCM Carl Brashear” is almost like watching an interview on television. This is really good! I’m about one fifth through the document and am learning much more about the man, Carl Brashear.
Admiral Harvey, I am grateful for your leadership and taking the time to share your thoughts and words of encouragement for all. This story is personal to me. It highlights what it means to love what you do and believe in yourself, and that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Without a doubt, this was a very well organized event coordinated by Ms. Arrington and her team. r/Carolyn Talley
Thank you ADM Harvey for speaking at this event and for featuring your thoughts on this blog. As was stated by the Honorable Douglas L. Wilder, Master Chief Brashear didn’t go about dwelling on the bad things he had to endure. He dealt with them by doing his job, raising his family, telling jokes and stories, encouraging other sailors and being a man of honor.
I would like to suggest another way Master Chief Brashear’s legacy can be honored is for people to spend some time with a veteran by visiting a local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) group or the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital. The men and women at these facilities paved the pathway for us and will really appreciate the time we give them.
Conley W.W.Sr.(CMDCM, Ret) said.....
The commerative ceremony for the late BMCM(Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear, held at NAB Little Creek, was a class act and a huge success. It was a fitting tribute to a National Hero. Master Diver Brashear, was not only a "Man of Honor, but a Man of Stature and Dignity". My first encounter with this great man was in 1978, at Naval Station, Norfolk. He was accompanied by dignitaries and undoubtedly had a busy agenda. However, in spite of his pressing commitments, he made time to introduce himself to me. First impressions really are lasting and he did make an indelible impression on me, as he did so many others. I had many other encounters with him, also being at his bedside during his illness. The greatest honor and privilege I had was conducting his Eulogy, at NAB Little Creek, in 2006. He led and paved the way and can rightly be numbered with those that Kai Wright, authored in his book, "Soldiers of Freedom". BMCM(MasterDiver) Carl Brashear's life and courage left a lasting imprint on American History and transformed our military's values and attitudes. He transformed race relations and removed the limitations and barriers for Disabled Veterans. To borrow from the National Veterans' Training Institute Case Management Course, BMCM(Master Diver)Carl M. Brashear rocked the world, for he Inspired us to Dream, Inspired us to overcome and he Inspired us to Succeed, thank you.
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