NORWICH – According to local high school graduate Chris Marchant, standing on the steps of the White House and meeting President Barack Obama, and former President George H.W. Bush, was the last thing he had in mind when he joined the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in June of 2009.

Marchant, who attended basic training at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey, was barely two months into his military career when he received what he now considers the opportunity of a lifetime: A request to join the USCG’s Ceremonial Honor Guard.

“It took me by complete shock, I had no idea,” said Marchant, the first Honor Guard recruit in over six months at that time. “It’s been an amazing experience and it’s a tremendous honor. This has changed my life.”

As stated on its website, the USCG Ceremonial Honor Guard provides presidential support duty to the military district of Washington and the commandant, by representing the USCG through ceremonial operations held before world leaders and dignitaries, and lays to rest, with proper military honors, dignity and respect, the remains of fallen shipmates.

“We’re extremely proud and delighted that he was chosen to do this,” said Doug Marchant, who added that his son is “very bright, talented and capable. He could have done anything, and we’re pleased with his decision to join the military, and the Coast Guard.”