"Butch" Thayer was born in Butte, Montana. After graduating from high school, he applied to and was accepted to attend the U S Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, from which he was graduated in 1933 and commissioned as Ensign. 26 years and 10 assignments later, Captain Thayer moved the OCS and MMS Schools from the Academy to a former Navy school property in Yorktown, VA and commissioned the facility as the Coast Guard Reserve Training Center. His vision was that, over time, the property would be renewed and transformed into a modern, major facility for the training of Coast Guard personnel, both Regular and Reserve, and he laid the groundwork for his vision before being transferred. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1963 and assigned to Coast Guard Headquarters where he held operational control over the Yorktown facility and the renewal process began. In 1965 he assumed duties as Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District in Miami during the turmoil following the Cuban Missile Crisis. He retired from active service in 1967 and accepted a Presidential Appointment as one of five members of the newly-formed National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This biography was created by the contributions of four persons who knew Admiral Thayer well: His son, two of his staff officers, and the author who brought together their combined experiences to form a portrait of the heart and soul of this honorable man and inspiring Coast Guard leader. To honor his memory, in May 1991, the Coast Guard dedicated the newly constructed Administration Building at Yorktown as Thayer Hall, which brought to completion the renewal of the training center as first envisioned by Admiral Thayer in 1959. Semper Paratus (Always Ready).

"Lamar Jolly's book, "From Humble Beginnings," is a simple story about leadership, change, power, politics.and what I enjoyed most of all is the story about how much impact the United States Coast Guard has on the lives of so many." -Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe, U. S. Coast Guard

"A simple story about the life of a young Coast Guardsman who went on to a successful career in an ever changing and competitive world as a real estate developer." -Rear Admiral Raymond H. Wood, U. S. Coast Guard (1927-2006) 1999

"My longtime friend, Lamar Jolly, has written an inspiring book about his life and the lives of some of his heroes, and I'm honored to be included among them." -Commander Orland D. French, (Retired) U. S. Coast Guard

Lessons learned from history bring us encouragement for today and hope for tomorrow.