One of the most challenging aspects of life in the Coast Guard is balancing responsibilities of family and duty. Because of these challenges, the Coast Guard Foundation supports families in various ways, including college scholarships for dependents of enlisted personnel, education grants for spouses and disaster relief funds that can be used in the wake of a tragedy like the crash of CG-6535.
During these difficult times, we are reminded of the stark danger that Coast Guard personnel face on a daily basis, and the sacrifice these brave individuals are willing to make for their country. The Foundation has a variety of ways we support families following these heart-breaking incidents:
- Family Disaster Relief Fund, which provides care and comfort for family members of those who perish in mission-related events.
- The Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund, which is available to all children of Coast Guard personnel who die in the line of duty.
In addition to disaster relief, the Coast Guard Foundation serves as a leader in the support of Coast Guard members' higher education goals, the Foundation this year has provided more than 788 enlisted men and women and their spouses with grants worth $220,000, helping them attain the dream of a college education. Last year alone, children of enlisted personnel were awarded 79 scholarships, worth nearly $200,000.
The Coast Guard Foundation is proud to be able to help in these ways during such trying times, and our support for families extends beyond these efforts. Over the years, the Foundation has built a number of playgrounds and recreation centers around the country from the Pacific Northwest to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. These locations give families safe places to play and form bonds with other Coast Guard families, and we are honored to support them.
