SAN JUAN ISLANDER

San Juan Island customs officer serving in Iraq

Dave Picinich sent in this photo of Jeff Picinich serving on board a Coast Guard Cutter in Iraq. The San Juan Island customs officer was called up in November, 2003.

Customs officer called up

Jeff Picinich (left) and his uncle Dave Picinich are both U.S. Customs Officers.

posted 11/11/03
San Juan Island resident and Coast Guard Reservist Jeff Picinich heads to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia next month after three to five weeks of training. "I'm really glad to go," he said. "I totally believe in what we're doing. I can't wait to serve."

The 31-year-old served active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1994-99. His work with U.S. Customs in Friday Harbor began in February 2002. He was called up in January, 2003 to help with port security in Seattle. He returned to Friday Harbor in October and resumed his job with the U.S. Customs Service.

His assignment overseas could last from six months to one year. He volunteered for the duty. He is a gunner's mate and expects to serve on one of the patrol boats in the area.

Picinich says family which includes his wife and three daughters -- ages 1 to 7 -- are "totally supportive." He'll be gone for the holidays, so one of the last chores he did was hang up the Christmas lights.

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