Joe Biden Poses for Photo with Newly Commissioned Coast Guard Officer, Bolingbrook Native

Bolingbrook native Erin Talbot graduated from United States Coast Guard Academy May 22. That's where she posed for the above photo with Vice President Joe Biden. 

Talbot received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, with high honors. Her first duty assignment as a new Coast Guard officer will be at Sector New Orleans, Louisiana. 

While at the academy, Talbot was co-captain of the women's varsity swim team and was named a 2012-2013 North East Women's & Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Women's Swimming & Diving Academic All-Conference Team. 

Talbot attended Bolingbrook High school her freshman year and graduated high school from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora.

During the commencement address, Vice-President Bidden told the 227 class of 2013 graduates, "No graduating class gets to choose the time in which they graduate,'' Biden said. "You are graduating into a world that is rapidly changing … your job is only getting more complicated."

The United States Coast Guard Academy is located in New London, CT. The academy provides a four-year bachelor of science degree program with a full scholarship for each individual. Each year, about 200 ensigns (or junior officers) are commissioned during graduation exercises in May.

Following graduation, newly commissioned ensigns report for duty aboard cutters and at sector offices in ports nationwide. Graduates of the academy are obligated to serve five years in the Coast Guard, though most continue on in service long beyond their five year service commitment. 

Editor's note: Thanks to Bruce Talbot for this article.