Good morning, Followers –
This is my final entry into my Captain’s Log for Sea Term 2023. Thank you for participating in Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s Follow The Voyage – Share The Experience Program. The cadets could feel your support over the past seven weeks. Because of you, our cadets worked harder and stood taller – even on their most challenging days.
Over the past few weeks, I have received many emails encouraging me to get nostalgic and talk about what I will miss most about the TS Kennedy. To be honest, that just isn’t my style. As Captain, I remember fondly the officers, faculty, crew members, and cadets that have worked with me aboard the TS Kennedy. I guess you could say that I become more attached to people and experiences, than to the vessels that I work on.
Yesterday, I learned that Wareham Elementary School collected 757 cans of soup in my honor during Sea Term 2023. Because my last name is Campbell, my nickname while growing up was Soup. When students in grades Pre-K through 4 learned that Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be celebrating her 132nd birthday this spring, they set out to collect 132 cans of soup – and didn’t stop. The soup will be donated to Damien’s Place Food Pantry in East Wareham.
The students at Wareham Elementary School students also were featured in Wareham Week, a local newspaper. The students suggested amenities for our new ship, Patriot State. I am pretty sure that the larger beds and the movie theater will not be considered. I like the idea of a frozen yogurt machine. Here is a link to the article.
My wife, Joyce, sent this sweet sign made by my fifteen-year-old daughter, Kyrie. It made my evening! I am looking forward seeing my family on Sunday.
Whether you are five, ninety-five, or somewhere in between, I invite you to let me know what the Follow The Voyage – Share The Experience Program has meant to you. Please let me know what you learned – and what inspired you. I hope to hear from students, teachers, parents, and grandparents. You may send the emails to ftv@maritime.edu. I will be sure to share your words with Admiral McDonald, crew members, and cadets.
If you are a student, I look forward to meeting you when you’re a cadet at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
With appreciation for your support,
Captain Michael J. Campbell
Master, TS Kennedy
