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Arkadelphia High School recently hosted an assembly where students had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the U.S. Coast Guard from Machinery Technician 2nd Class Nicholas Rego. The event, facilitated by DistrictWON, included 10th, 11th, and 12th grade football players and provided a unique chance for these young athletes to explore the values, opportunities, and career paths within the Coast Guard.
MT2 Nicholas Rego, a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, brought his experience to the assembly, sharing insights from his diverse roles in Search & Rescue, Law Enforcement, Drug and Migrant Interdiction, and Logistics.
“I joined the Coast Guard because I was influenced by a friend,” Rego explained. “It’s been an incredible journey that’s pushed me to raise my personal standards in terms of appearance, personality, and work ethic.”
The assembly inspired the football players to think about leadership and teamwork in new ways. Head Football Coach Trey Schucker reflected on the event’s impact, noting how beneficial it was for his team.
“Our players were able to gain new insight into what it means to be a part of something greater than themselves,” Schucker said. “They learned about how to overcome adversity and what it means to be a part of a team working towards a greater goal.”
Rego echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how the values of the Coast Guard align with those cultivated on the football field.
“In the Coast Guard, you are part of a team where everyone relies on each other,” Rego said. “Whether you’re out at sea on a rescue mission or working in logistics, you learn to overcome challenges together. That’s something I wanted to impress upon these students—that they can take those same teamwork skills and apply them to a career that’s fulfilling and impactful.”
The students were particularly surprised to learn about the wide range of roles available within the service, from cybersecurity and medical fields to scientific research.
“There’s a common misconception that the Coast Guard is just about Search & Rescue and law enforcement,” Rego pointed out. “But our service has so many different career paths. We need people with diverse skills and backgrounds to meet the varied needs of our missions.”
“Our students need opportunities like this to broaden their horizons on different career paths,” Coach Schucker emphasized. “The more they know about different careers, the more options they have to choose from. It’s important for them to be shown and given opportunities to ask questions and learn about different careers.”
Rego also took the opportunity to address students who might be considering the Coast Guard after graduation but have doubts.
“Get with a local recruiter, go online, and learn as much as you can. And if you’re serious about it, keep up with your physical fitness—that’s crucial for success in the Coast Guard.”Rego advised
He went on to highlight the personal and professional growth that comes with service.
“Joining the Coast Guard is more than just a job,” Rego said. “It’s a chance to grow as a person, to develop leadership skills, and to build lifelong friendships. You’ll gain experiences and skills that will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
Coach Schucker reinforced this message, encouraging his players to consider the Coast Guard as a viable and rewarding career path.
“I think the Coast Guard is a great option for students,” Schucker said. “It offers good pay right out of high school, valuable work experience, and a strong sense of community.”