05/25/2026
“My grandfather was a longshoreman. When I was little, he’d let me help drive his boat. He’d flip over a blue plastic milk crate and say, “Stand on that, Little Bit!” so I could reach the controls. He was from Wilmington, N.C., where the water is just where you spend time. That’s where I learned to become a part of the mariner life.
Nothing compelled me to join the Coast Guard other than I wanted to do service. My uncle Thaddeus—he retired from the Air Force as an E9—felt it was important you give back. Our whole family believes you look for people with giving souls. Every chance I get, I volunteer. When I was stationed in central California, I’d take airmen, sailors, soldiers, and marines out to farms to collect vegetables for soup kitchens. In D.C., I’d put wreaths on soldiers’ graves. Here in Boston, I go listen to the stories of the men at the Veterans Home.
As a Coast Guard officer, I started to love technology, so I got my master’s in IT. In my mind, serving is great, but serving by doing what you love to do is even better. Because the Coast Guard did not have an IT program for officers, to really excel even more, I knew I needed to transfer.
God gives us leadership positions for many reasons, but my favorite reason is helping others. That’s why I love the military: you’re constantly helping your sailors create better lives for their families, you’re helping them get promoted and to get everything they want in life. Then, when you’re done for the day, you’re like, ‘Okay, I got some free time. Let me go help some homeless people, or help with the church drive, you know?’ It makes me feel good to give.
On Memorial Day, I recognize those service members who have passed away and the ones we lost and never found. I know if they could speak, they’d say, ‘Celebrate us, cherish us, don’t mourn us—instead, be with your family and friends.’ When I’m not on deployment, I’m spending Memorial Day with my family and friends.
Many people sacrificed for my opportunities. Giving back to their children and future by securing the safety of our country, it’s a great honor.”
—CAPT Hannah L. Bealon, U.S. Navy, and Fletcher School Fellow
The views here expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
is a series of personal stories shared by members of the Tufts community.
[📸: Alonso Nichols/Tufts University]
