Clemon Terrell recalls the highlights of his 20-year career in the Coast Guard during a ceremony promoting him to Honorary Chief Petty Officer on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, in Burlington, N.C. Terrell, a Burlington native, served as a steward, the only job available to African-Americans, which limited his advancement opportunities but he nevertheless called his military career “the best years of my life.” (Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class John D. Miller)