The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced today it is prepared to assist Coast Guard members and families during this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts will once again be above average. When these disasters occur, Coast Guard members are often first responders – leaving their own families and impacted homes and property behind to aid those in distress.
“Coast Guard members tirelessly answer the call when they are needed most,” said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Keeping their focus on the mission at hand while their families may also be impacted by severe weather is an added challenge. The Coast Guard Foundation is there to give assistance so these brave men and women can concentrate on serving their communities and getting home safely.”
“I think it’s important to recognize that Coast Guard members live where they work,” said Brian Overcast, Coast Guard Foundation regional director of philanthropy. “When a storm comes ashore, whether it’s in New Orleans, South Florida or Texas, those Coast Guard members must be out saving lives, protecting property, helping pull people out of the water, all the things you see on the news. Meanwhile, at home, the power is out, their roofs have been blown off, and their cars are submerged.”
The Coast Guard Foundation offers immediate relief to Coast Guard members who suffer uncovered losses due to natural disasters. It assesses member and family needs and makes sure they quickly get resources to bounce back from the devastation. In 2021, the Coast Guard Foundation provided more than $378,000 in emergency relief to 244 families impacted by natural disasters, with major investments in families impacted by Hurricane Ida. A program partnership with the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association guarantees quick delivery of aid to help Coast Guard members in their time of need.
