Service member spotlight: core values Published Oct. 17, 2013 By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE=-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Lt. John LaMorte, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team assistant operations officer, is the joint base's featured service member of the week. LaMorte calls Marlton, N.J., home. Q: Why did you join the military? A: During my prior job aboard fishing vessels, I was often able to see firsthand the heroic job that the men and women of the USCG were responsible for executing. While miles out to sea in rough weather, we often felt at ease knowing that professional life savers were always ready to come to our aid if needed. While working aboard fishing vessels I applied to Officer Candidate School at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. Q: What is your job and what is its impact on the mission? A: As the assistant operations officer, I coordinate and help deploy the AST response personnel to any hazard, anywhere, at any time within the Strike Team's area of responsibility. I am also called upon to assist with any oil and hazardous chemical responses and weapon of mass destruction responses as a qualified response officer. Q: Do you have any past or current family members in the military? A: I had many relatives represent the United States in the Army during World War II including a great uncle who was a General in the Pacific theater. My own grandparents also fought in WWII and after the war my grandfather continued to serve his country in the U.S. Naval Yards. My uncle also served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Q: Who most inspires you? A: My father and mother; both have taught the importance of core values and how to take care of those around us, even if we know them or not. Their lessons carry over with me every day in my job on how best to take care of the men and women I work with in the field as well as how best to protect other civilians who need assistance during any incident. Q: What is one thing you'd like your fellow service members to take away or understand about the military? A: We should always be mindful to take care of each other, look out for each other, conduct our operations as safe as we can, and always maintain our professionalism even in the most stressful conditions as many people are counting on us during desperate times.