OSTROM, Thomas P. 1939-

PERSONAL:

Born January 13, 1939, in Rochester, MN; son of John Arthur (a grain commissioner and customs officer) and Ellen (a secretary) Ostrom; married Mary Patricia Lamal (an elementary schoolteacher), August 22, 1964. Ethnicity: "Euro-American."Education: University of Wisconsin—Superior, B.A., 1961, M.S., 1966; attended University of Minnesota—Minneapolis, University of North Dakota, Ball State University, and Winona State University. Politics: Republican. Religion: Roman Catholic. Hobbies and other interests: Fishing, reading, walking.

ADDRESSES:

Home and office—207 5th Ave. SW, Rochester, MN 55902. E-mail—thomaspo@rconnect.com.

CAREER:

Rochester Community College, Rochester, MN, instructor in history, anthropology, and geography, 1967-2000. KROC-AM Radio, commentator. Has also appeared on other media talk shows and has worked as a public speaker. Military service: U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, petty officer, 1961-63.

MEMBER:

Navy League of the United States, U.S. Naval Institute, U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association, Foundation for Coast Guard History, Olmsted County Minnesota Historical Society.

WRITINGS:

The U.S. Coast Guard, 1790 to the Present, Elderberry Press (Oakland, OR), 2004.

Columnist, Rochester Post Bulletin, 1990—.

SIDELIGHTS:

Thomas P. Ostrom told CA: "My academic background and newspaper column contributed to my writing interests. The U.S. Coast Guard has had a long multi-mission history in domestic waters and overseas in war and peace. Presently the U.S. Coast Guard is in the front lines of homeland security in drug enforcement, immigration interdiction, and in the war on terrorism, at home and overseas. The Coast Guard maintains its domestic life-saving and ship inspection responsibilities as well. It is a story worth telling. My academic background contributed to my writing abilities and my textbook organization format. The writing process involves primary and secondary sources, government documents, maritime archives, and interviews. I write at home in my den. I enjoy the creative process.

"I have learned that writing requires enthusiasm, diligence, concentration, research, hard work, time, attention to detail, ongoing learning, editing and revision. The writing experience has made me better appreciate the skills and professionalism that writers, editors, publishers, librarians and book stores contribute to literary affairs."