Ray Burdeos: Pinoy Stewards in the U.S. Sea Services
Seeking for a better future in the land of milk and honey in America, and reaching to fulfill a dream of travel and adventure to see the world, many young Filipinos during the 50’s and the 60’s enlisted in the U.S. Sea Services (Navy and Coast Guard). I was one of those adventurers who joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1959, starting off as a steward recruit in Sangley Point, Philippines, retiring after 27+ years of service. A new book by Ray Burdeos (see photo), Pinoy Stewards in the U.S. Sea Services: Seizing Marginal Opportunity , depicts the experiences of several of us Pinoy sailors, how we endured the tough life as servants aboard Uncle Sam’s fighting ships and cutters, and how we assimilated into a culture much different from ours to chase the American dream. I am honored that Ray wrote about me in this book. The book is available for purchase online at Barnes & Noble , Amazon and http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=69703"> Authorhouse.