Galley Stories®

My Old Friend joins us today to share his Story, its been a long time coming and he actually looks younger than he sounds, and he is better looking than he needs to be. Please enjoy Mateo's story as much as i have.

Taylor Evenson is a third generation commercial drift fisherman in Cook Inlet, AK where his family lived and homesteaded since 1956. His first commercial fishing trip was in 1989, the year of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, when he was 3 months old, because of the spill this would ironically be a halibut trip. Taylor, though fishing some other areas and gear types, would salmon fish in Cook Inlet for all but 1 of the next 29 years. Taylor did not love fishing growing up but through college, his work at several desk jobs in the realm of politics led him to desire fishing above all else. Salmon and Salmon fishing are his connection to family, place, and spirituality. He believes that salmon and fishing have the power to bring people together from diverse backgrounds, to share common experiences, and make lasting positive change.

WARNING: Language -Captain Sean Dwyer (Episode 11), Brandon Ferris, Deckhand on the Brenna A (2 time Purple Heart), Jake Tawney, Wheelhouse Producer and Camera man (Gold Star Brother), try to picture the link between the world we live in on the Bering Sea and those who serve, this podcast will explain a bit of it. We are delving and stretching the boundaries of Bering Sea and Beyond on this one, take a listen and enjoy. Donate to regorged.org

Marine recalled as the ultimate explorer

By Alyssa Karas

The (Portland) Oregonian via AP

PORTLAND, Ore. — Marine Sgt. Ian M. Tawney always maintained close ties to his roots in the small town of Dallas, but even from an early age, he loved to explore.

Tawney’s strong sense of independence manifested itself when he organized a yearlong trip to Argentina at age 15. And his enthusiasm for life became evident when he returned, spouting fluent Spanish.

“As a very young child, he had a very strong sense of self and was very decisive about what he wanted to do with his life,” said his mother, Theda Tawney.

So when Tawney, 25, joined the Corps five years ago, his work ethic quickly distinguished him, and he won several awards.

But his life was cut short Oct. 16 when he was conducting combat operations and killed when an improvised explosive device blew up in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

Friends and family remember Tawney as a devoted husband, a loyal friend and an avid outdoorsman.

“It’s hard when you’ve lost somebody and you try to define who they were,” said his father, John Tawney.

Tawney was soon to be a father himself. His wife, Ashley, is expecting a baby girl in January.

“He was honored to be a member of the Marine Corps,” his father said. Among Tawney’s numerous awards are the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal and Navy Unit Commendation.

“Even though he didn’t like to call attention to himself, he was a natural leader,” his mother said.

Tawney fought in Iraq in 2007. He served with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Tawney was the 10th Marine from his battalion to be killed in 10 days. Tawney was the 26th Oregonian to die in the Afghanistan conflict.

Tawney was a top student in squad leader school, and he graduated as the honor man of his class, his father said. He had wanted to make the Marines his career.

“He just knew what he wanted in his life, and he went for it,” his mother said. “He was a man of great integrity.”

His wife described him as outgoing and full of life. He loved hunting, snowboarding and riding motorcycles.

“He loved to laugh,” Ashley Tawney said. The two met in preschool and stayed friends throughout high school. Finally, when both of them were working at a retirement facility, they began dating. Tawney was excited about the arrival of their daughter.

“It’s going to be a real blessing to have a part of him through her,” Theda Tawney said.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Tawney is survived by his brothers, Shayne Chandler and Jacob Tawney, and sisters Stacy Barham, Karin Lamberton and Karla Cowan; and his grandmothers, Leona Smith and Kathryn Tawney.

Captain Paul Drennen of the F/V Golden Dawn joins us to share his amazing story and the call to the water. Almost a Legacy fishermen and at the age of 31 already a captain of the most respected vessels in the Pollock fleet. Please like and Share and also don't forget to send in them email about Georgie's Poem, how amazing!

Susan and Jeff Crain share a rare love story at sea, they met in the early 90's, Jeff with his Parachute pants and a Mullet and Susan in culinary school, this story gets better and better, maybe i should stop putting a time limit on this thing! Jeff a seasoned skipper and Susan who started in Alaska and the strong relationship they have built, spoiler, she did not like him at first.

Deck-boss Nick McGlashan joins us today to share a rare look into what has become his ever so public life. Nick was born on the Island of Akutan and was raised primarily on Subsistence gathering. He knew from a very young age that he wanted only to be a crabber, be careful what you wish for, you sometimes get it.

Michael "Munsey" Kennon Joins us today for episode 46. Munsey grew up on the fishing grounds of he East coast, his first Deckhand job was on a Lobster Boat at 12. He has been raised with salt in the veins and always has a quick wit comment for all.  Special thanks to Nathan Parrish for our intro music and of course Penka Jane for the Intro and exit. Please leave a review on Itunes.

Captain Chris Woodley joins us today to share his story from a schoolboy in Alaska, to being called to serve 24 years in the USCG. Captain Woodley and some of his colleagues are credited with some sweeping changes in the Coast Guard regulations in the 90's that continue to save dozens of lives annually of our friends and family who continue to make their living in the Bering Sea and Beyond. Safety comes up so often on almost every episode, it seemed only fitting we get one of the USCG members who was directly responsible for some safety measures that are still implemented today.

Jenny Gore Dwyer joins us today as a third Generation Fishermen/Tender and shares her amazing story from the head and gut line to Boat Ownership and some personal battles along the way. Additionally she share the battle and heartbreak of fighting ALS with Pat, her life long love.  

Captain Gary Hanson joins us today to share his more than 40 years at sea. It's amazing how you can know someone for years and sit down for an hour recording and learn so many new things about them.