Journeys Through Service

Behind the Camera, and Putting His Future into Focus

Blending creativity and service as a storyteller. 

Meet Anthony

Public Affairs Specialist

The Storyteller

As a public affairs specialist, Petty Officer Third Class Anthony Pappaly captures Coast Guard experiences through photos and videos and coordinates with the media to show the public what service really looks like.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

Videographer, Public Relations Specialist

BRANCH

Coast Guard

RANK

Petty Officer Third Class

Anthony’s Journey at a Glance

Joined straight out of college for adventure and career momentum

Found his calling telling safety and rescue stories

Has filmed Coast Guard videos from Hawaii to Bahrain

What Led Anthony to the Military

Anthony grew up loving movies and military history. At one point, he wanted to be both a Soldier and a comedian. Known for his easygoing, people-first personality, he found a way to combine his passions into a single role.

The Spark

The Spark

As a kid, was fascinated by military history and films based on it. 

The Drive

The Drive

Was seeking adventure and filmmaking opportunities after college. 

The Decision

The Decision

Found he could merge creativity with adventure and new experiences in a military public affairs role.

Benefits Anthony Sees in Service

Anthony joined the Coast Guard as a generalist. When shipmates learned of his filmmaking skills, they steered him into public affairs, where he now brings the mission to life through his lens.

Creative Freedom

Can explore, experiment and develop his own signature style.
 

Pursuing Dreams and Passions

Career-Ready Skills

Has a future-ready, stacked tool kit of production, graphic design and PR skills.
 

Explore Careers

Global Perspective

Broadened his network and confidence through assignments from Hawaii to Bahrain.

Bases Around the World
 

 

 

 

 

“The bond you build with people in the Military ... it’s the coolest thing. We’re strangers from everywhere, but we make it work.”

What Anthony Does on the Job

“We take photos, videos for social media — from search and rescue missions to changing out buoys for the maritime aids and law enforcement. We tell every aspect of it; the bulk of our job is to act as a liaison for the outside world.”

Anthony filming other service members

Captures the Action

Shoots video, conducts interviews and edits stories of service members in the field. 

Anthony reviewing footage

Runs the Channels

As a social media manager for his unit, writes posts and tracks engagement analytics. 

Anthony reviewing footage in front of his work station

Handles the Media

Drafts press releases, conducts press conferences and fields the media.

Want to Learn What It Takes to Be a Public Affairs Specialist?

The role blends communication, creativity and a love for storytelling.

Get the Full Breakdown

From Behind the Camera to Beyond It

 

 

 

In Brooklyn, where he’s stationed, Anthony’s creative streak continues — from performing stand-up comedy to scouting open-mic nights with his wife. The city’s food scene and comedy clubs keep his off-duty life as full as his workdays.

Ready for the Road Ahead

“The Military is diverse in what you can do. If you want to rescue people, you can. If you want to do something creative, you can do that too.”

Future-Proofing

  • Building a social media content and storytelling portfolio
  • Expanding contacts in journalism and entertainment

Life-Shaping

  • Confidence to tackle communications challenges head-on
  • Freedom to keep exploring creative passions while serving

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