A Hero and a Role Model

Today I will be interviewing Eric joseph chandler. Eric is my uncle and adoptive parent he truly has live a life worth telling the world. From his participation in the coast guard for over 12 years to a full time adoptive parent of 5. Today I asked him about his service and what that meant to him. with respect for Eric I was asked not to record so I wrote a detailed description of our conversation

Jerimiah: Eric, thank you for sitting down with me today. To start, can you tell me a little about your background and what first led you to join the Coast Guard?

Eric Chandler: Absolutely, Jerimiah. I joined the United States Coast Guard when I was young because I wanted structure, purpose, and a chance to serve something bigger than myself. I was drawn to the Coast Guard specifically because of its humanitarian mission — search and rescue, maritime safety, and environmental protection. It felt like a branch where every day your work could directly save lives.

Jerimiah: What were some of your most memorable experiences during your time in the military?

Eric Chandler: There were many, but search-and-rescue missions stand out the most. Being out at sea in rough conditions, knowing someone’s life depended on your crew staying calm and focused — that stays with you forever. I also learned discipline, teamwork, and leadership. The Coast Guard taught me how to make critical decisions under pressure, skills that later carried over into my civilian career.

Jerimiah: After retiring from the Coast Guard, you transitioned into journalism. How did that shift happen?

Eric Chandler: Storytelling was always something I loved. In the Coast Guard, we documented missions and wrote reports, and I realized I enjoyed explaining complex situations in a way people could understand. Becoming a news reporter allowed me to continue serving the public, just in a different way — by informing communities and holding institutions accountable.

Jerimiah: What would you say were some notable successes in your reporting career?

Eric Chandler: I covered a wide range of stories, from local government issues to human-interest pieces. Some of my most meaningful work involved veterans’ issues and disaster response — areas I understood personally. Breaking stories that led to policy changes or brought attention to overlooked communities felt like real wins.

Jerimiah: You also ran a very successful photography business. Can you tell me about that?

Eric Chandler: Yes, from 2004 to 2016, I owned and operated a photography business that generated over half a million dollars in revenue. It started as a side passion and grew into a full operation. I specialized in event photography, portraits, and commercial work. My journalism background helped me capture moments that told stories, not just images.

Jerimiah: That’s impressive. What do you think contributed most to that success?

Eric Chandler: Consistency, professionalism, and trust. Clients knew I would deliver quality work on time. My military background gave me a strong work ethic, and my reporter’s eye helped me see details others might miss.

Jerimiah: Looking back, how do you feel all these chapters of your life connect?

Eric Chandler: They all revolve around service and storytelling. Whether I was saving lives, reporting the news, or capturing moments through a camera, the goal was the same — to make a meaningful impact. Each chapter built on the last.

Jerimiah: what one fond memory that you had of service?

Eric Chandler: My favorite part of my service was getting stories published about the small roles people play in their military service. Finding some hard working service member and getting them published in their home town news agency for something they did. Finding time to escape the public affairs campaign pressures and highlighting human accomplishments.

Jerimiah: Finally, what advice would you give to someone trying to build a diverse and successful career like yours?

Eric Chandler: Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Skills are transferable if you’re willing to learn and work hard. Stay disciplined, stay curious, and always remember why you started. And although I’ve been retired for over a decade, I try not to stray from the core values of my service, which requires honor, respect, and duty to guide me.

Jerimiah: Eric, thank you for sharing your story. It’s been an honor hearing about your journey.

Eric Chandler: Thank you, Jerimiah. I appreciate the opportunity.