Healthy Holidays

Dec 16, 2009 // by Ken Burgess // Blog // No Comments

A Well Coast Guard Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through each state,
Coast Guard families were starting to celebrate.
Just then from the White House came an urgent call,
A crisis had arisen that would affect one and all.
In fact the State Department was frantic,
For Santa Claus had just gone down in the Atlantic!
It was foggy and Rudolph had made a blunder.
Santa, sleigh, and eight reindeer were going under.
Though the stockings were hung by the chimneys with care.
Poor Santa gurgled, “I’ll never get there.”
When what to his wondering eye should appear;
But a Coast Guard Cutter with their rescue gear!
The officers and crew were so lively and quick;
Sure was a lucky break for good old Saint Nick.
With a nod from the Captain they went right to work.
Rudolph was embarrassed, he felt like a jerk.
Poor Santa was soggy, but as anyone could see,
He was very grateful to the U.S.C.G!
And we heard him exclaim as they towed him from sight,
“If it weren’t for my weight, I’d enlist tonight!”

But there in the yonder across the cutter deck,
Shouted Health Promotion Coordinator Chief Beck.
“Santa, there’s hope for your little weight issue”
“The Coast Guard has a Health Promotion Program to assist you.
As Santa reacted to this great news,
He whispered, “Can they help with too much Christmas booze?”
“Yes, yes.” Chief Beck let out a shout.
Let me tell you what our program’s about.
“Our mission’s well-being for all our crew-
Physical, social, and emotional too.
But Santa was growing tired from the day,
So he loaded Wellness goodies on his sleigh.
“One last thing”, called Chief Beck as he waved goodbye,
“Give the CG Weight Management Guide a try.
With a glance at his belly, Santa belted a “HO, HO”.
“Next year I may be Seaman Santa, you never know”.
As he readied his sleigh for the recovered flight,
He shouted to the Coasties, “Merry Christmas all and have a WELL night!”