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Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard Event Shines

Published Oct 14, 2014 2:13 PM by The Maritime Executive

The 34th Annual Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard, held in New York City on October 9th, was able to raise more than $1 million for the Coast Guard Foundation.

Of that total, $250,000 will be allocated to the Foundation’s Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides support for the families of Coast Guard members lost in the line of duty. The Fallen Heroes Fund provides emergency assistance to the families, friends and shipmates of those Coast Guard heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. The Foundation helps pay for the immediate and ongoing needs of the families, including the cost of college for the children, of those who have died in the line of duty.

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“As an organization, we are committed to supporting Coast Guard members and their families when they need it the most,” said Anne Brengle, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Our support helps families grieve fully without having to worry about money during these difficult, heart-wrenching situations. Through the generosity of those in attendance last night, we are able to continue to meet that need.”

The black-tie event also focuses on working crew heroes of every day Coast Guard Life, honored with the Coast Guard Foundation Award. Honored this year were two crews: the crew of Motor Life Boat 47212, Station Humboldt Bay, and the crew of CG-6515, Air Station San Francisco.

In attendance and the keynote speaker was Commandant of the United State Coast Guard, Admiral Paul F. Zukunft. In his address, Zukunft touched on the need to secure additional maritime assets to battle the illegal drug trade from Central and South America to U.S. shores.

For 45 years, the Coast Guard Foundation has been committed to inspiring leadership, education and a proud legacy of service to our nation by supporting the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The Foundation provides college scholarships to enlisted members, their spouses and their children, scholarships and support for families of Coast Guard members lost in the line of duty, and support for morale programs, including funding recreation, exercise and family-oriented facilities.