Paul J. Mason developed a love and awe of the Great Lakes while growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Paul's natural draw to the history of the Lakes grew with his special interest in the U.S. Lighthouse Service, U.S. Lighthouse Tender Service and the U.S. Coast Guard. His grandfather, Richard H. Burdeno, was chief engineer on the USLHT Clover. Paul joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and currently serves as a volunteer crew member on a Coast Guard 25-foot patrol boat at U.S. Coast Guard (AUXOP) Station Green Bay (Wisconsin).