Oct. 3, 2004 – The first of September 2004 was a memorable day for one married Coast Guard couple's promotion to the rank of petty officer 2nd class.
Yeoman 2nd Class Claricia Gautier and Storekeeper 2nd Class Daniel Gautier were advanced by their respective commands.
Mrs. Gautier, assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard District 7, is stationed in Miami, Fla. Mr. Gautier is assigned at Coast Guard Station Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
"I could not have asked for anything better," said Claricia, who found out on Aug. 17 that she and her husband had made the promotion list together. "Being promoted together is a blessing," said Daniel. (See also St. Croix couple both serving in the Coast Guard.)
The couple grew up on St. Croix, and lived throughout several states while Mr. Gautier was serving as a U.S. Army sergeant. Mrs. Gautier joined the Coast Guard in October 2002 and her husband entered the Coast Guard six months later after honorable service in the Army.
"Changing career paths can be scary but we're back on track and taking advantage of the opportunity to serve," he said. "I am glad things are working out."
Living in Miami, the couple is making the most of their promotion as they celebrated together. "We have a lot to be thankful for," Mrs. Gautier said. "I believe our Coast Guard careers and lives as sailors are better by being stationed in the same area." Since moving to Miami, the longest the couple has been physically apart is eight hours a day. "It's great," Mr. Gautier said. They have a son, Lionel. Claricia Gautier's parents are Conrad Prevost and Ghislainne Lazarre of St. Croix. Daniel Gautier's parents are Anne Forbes-Samuel and Henry Samuel of St. Croix.
Editor's note: This article was provided to the Source by Coast Guard Lt. Alvin Dalmida Jr.
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