OR THE COAST GUARD, it’s the
Coast Guard Foundation. The
Foundation recently held its annual event in New York City and raised $1.1 million. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was honored by the Foundation at this event. National Commodore Rick Washburn was there as well as many members from First District-Southern.
“Our mission is to focus on the well-being, education and morale of the men and women of the United States Coast Guard and to provide critical support during times of injury and loss” said Susan Ludwig, Executive Director of the Foundation. “This year with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the Coast Guard was tasked to respond quickly with every asset they had in the storm impact areas. Coast Guard men and women responded immediately to protect and save lives and the Coast Guard Foundation responded to get their Coast Guard families to safety. We rescue the rescuers.”
The Foundation provided Coast Guard families immediate relief meeting their needs so their loved ones serving in the Coast Guard could focus on getting the job done. For example, the Foundation contributed over $375,000 to Coast Guard families in Houston for temporary housing, food and clothing.
The Foundation honored the Coast Guard Auxiliary this year. National Commodore Rick Washburn accepted the award on behalf of Auxiliarists. “Whatever the Coast Guard asks us to do we will do” said COMO Washburn highlighting the 78 years of Auxiliary service to the nation.
“Auxiliary members serve in all missions of the Coast Guard apart from law enforcement,” Washburn said. He highlighted the many Auxiliarists who responded to serve in hurricane rescue and relief. “Our members bring special skills to Team Coast Guard, CPA’s, management Consultants, Health Care Practitioners, Financial managers, Communications and Public Affairs professionals, Radio experts, all types of professional skills. For example, through the AuxChef program, we have had Auxiliary chefs serving aboard Coast Guard Cutters at sea for 150-day deployments.”
COMO Washburn saluted the members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, “they serve their country with pride, they are all patriots.”
A very relevant example of COMO Washburn’s message is the example of the Auxiliary response to Hurricane Harvey’s impact in Texas in August of this year.
In Times of Crisis, Who Rescues the Rescuers?
Louis DiGiusto, PA1, DSO-PA 1SR
F