Good morning, Annapolis – and happy Veterans Day! On Monday we asked you to send a story or photo of a veteran in your life and you came through. Here are few stories:
Amy Pantoja – U.S. Marine Corps
Casey Wagnor enjoys life on a sailboat anchored in the Severn. The boat next door belongs to Amy Pantoja, a Marine Corps veteran.
A single parent, Amy went looking for a new sense of purpose once her daughter grew up and moved out. She took a chance on a longtime dream and learned to sail. Through Valhalla Sailing and Warrior Sailing, she found a rewarding trifecta: community, adventure, and healing.
Today, living aboard her own boat, Xena, Amy is excited to be preparing for some new adventures and is passionate about helping other female veterans discover the joys of life on the water. “It's been inspiring to see someone have the courage to chase a dream and build a life that truly makes them happy,” Casey told us.
Amy (right) with her daughter Zoe and Casey's daughter Coral aboard Xena. Photo courtesy of Casey Wagnor.
Mike Pestorius – U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1990
Mike's wife wrote in to tell us that while it's been a long time since he served in the navy, he still serves his community every day.
Mike spent 15 years coaching swimmers ages 10 to 17 and is the friend who’ll drop everything when your hot water heater breaks or your dryer acts up. He’ll sing the National Anthem just about anywhere from Brewers and Reds games to work events. Even without a microphone, he's the loudest and proudest one singing.
A man of many interests and boundless energy, Mike and his wife restored an 1887 downtown Annapolis building that had been converted into USNA offices back into a residence. He co-hosts his USNA class tailgate at every football game and works for a pharmaceutical startup that's bringing a new generic insulin to market. Plus, he just became a grandpa!
Mike (right) at a Navy tailgate. Photo courtesy of the Pestorius family.
Mike sings the National Anthem. Photo courtesy of the Pestorius family.
Sean Price – U.S. Marine Corps
Cynthia Price wants us to know how proud she is of her son, Sean. A lacrosse player at Navy, he went on to serve as a Marine officer. Cynthia’s husband is a veteran pilot, too. Service runs in the family!
Sean Price (No. 25) on the field for Navy. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Price.
Thank you to Amy, Mike, Sean, and every veteran who calls Annapolis home.
