by Capt. Jan Stevens

U.S. Coast Guard Photo

Capt. Jan Stevens is the commanding officer of the Operations Systems Center in Martinsburg, W.Va.

Q: What inspired you to serve with the U.S. Coast Guard?

A: My father, a Coast Guard boatswain’s mate chief, taught me from an early age what the chief’s anchor meant about leadership and service. Dad instilled patriotism and family pride in each of his children which I hope that my own daughter, a fourth generation Coast Guardsman, reflects on learning the same lessons from me.