Three Ways Coast Guard Foundation Events Supported Service Members in May

Coast Guard Foundation May Highlights

• May 4 — NY/NJ Scholarship Golf Tournament: Scholarship fundraiser at the South Shore Golf Course, Staten Island.
• May 12 — Seattle Salute: Annual awards dinner honoring the Coast Guard's Northwest District. Air Stations Astoria and Port Angeles were recognized for a December 2025 flood rescue.
• May 18 — DC Scholarship Golf Tournament: Scholarship fundraiser at the Army-Navy Country Club, Fairfax, Virginia.
• All Month — Children's Scholarship Application Review: In 2026, the Foundation plans to award $1.2 million in scholarships to 350 Coast Guard children.
• More than $122 million in support provided to Coast Guard members and families since 1969.

How Does Golf Support Scholarships?

The two May golf tournaments are among the Foundation's primary scholarship fundraisers each year. Participants include Coast Guard members, veterans, maritime and defense industry partners, and community supporters. The 2026 NY/NJ tournament was held May 4 at South Shore Golf Course on Staten Island and raised $41,000. The DC tournament followed on May 18 at the Army-Navy Country Club in Fairfax, Virginia. The tournament had its highest turnout ever and raised a record $156,000 for scholarships. Both used a best-ball scramble format and welcomed golfers of all skill levels.

Why Attend a Coast Guard Tribute?

On May 12 the Foundation's annual Salute to the Coast Guard in Seattle recognized two Coast Guard air stations for a December 2025 inland rescue that saved four from rising flood waters.

Historic flooding in Western Washington had trapped four people inside a home in Sumas, with floodwaters reaching eight to ten feet. Ground responders from Whatcom County Fire District 14 and U.S. Border Patrol could not get through. Coast Guard helicopter crews from Air Station Port Angeles and Air Station Astoria responded. A rescue swimmer deployed from the Port Angeles helicopter accessed the attic through a window and helped two survivors to safety. The Astoria crew arrived moments later, hoisted the final two survivors, and recovered the rescue swimmer. All four people were delivered to emergency medical personnel. No injuries were reported.

The two Pacific Northwest Coast Guard air stations received the 2026 Coast Guard Foundation Award at the Seattle dinner in honor of their bravery and exceptional airmanship.

A Guardian Award, Presented Posthumously

The evening also included the Guardian Award — one of the Foundation's highest honors — presented posthumously to Captain Michael Inman, USCG (Ret.). Captain Inman served 30 years in the Coast Guard before retiring in 2010. He spent the next decade-plus volunteering with the Foundation's Seattle dinner committee, serving as its chair beginning in 2019. The award recognizes individuals whose service, sacrifice, and dedication have made an extraordinary impact on the Coast Guard community.

In addition to providing a patriotic evening for the Coast Guard members, maritime professionals, and Seattle supporters who attended, the event raised more than $210,000 for Coast Guard Foundation programs that support Coast Guard families.

Why Does the Coast Guard Need a Nonprofit?

The U.S. Coast Guard is the only military branch outside the Department of Defense. This means Coast Guard families have historically had access to fewer federal support resources than families in other services. The Coast Guard Foundation exists to bridge that gap, funding scholarships, morale and wellness programs, and emergency relief that the federal budget doesn't cover.

FAQ

Q: How can I support Coast Guard families?
A: Donate at coastguardfoundation.org/donate, play in a scholarship golf tournament, attend a regional awards dinner, or start your own fundraiser to benefit the Foundation's mission to support Coast Guard members and families. Every dollar supports scholarships, morale programs, and emergency assistance.

Q: What do the golf tournaments fund specifically?
A: Coast Guard Foundation golf tournaments fund college and trade school scholarships for children of Coast Guard personnel. In 2025, the Foundation awarded $925,000 to 255 Coast Guard dependent children, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.

Q: Why does the Coast Guard need outside support?
A: The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of Defense, and has historically received fewer federal resources for family support. The Foundation fills that gap.

Q: When are the Foundation's other 2026 events?
A: Upcoming Foundation tribute events include Washington, D.C. (June 9), Honolulu (July 24), Anchorage (August 11), Long Beach (September 22), New York City (October 8), and Houston (November 12). Details at coastguardfoundation.org/events.

How Can I Support Education?

Play or sponsor a tournament. Coast GuardFoundation's scholarship golf tournaments are held each spring. Contact Becky Ketterhagen at bketterhagen@coastguardfoundation.org or 860-457-1413.

Attend a regional dinner. Coast Guard Foundation 2026 events run through November 2026. Contact Jean Brown at jbrown@coastguardfoundation.org for sponsorship opportunities.

Make a gift. Your donation funds scholarships, morale programs, and emergency assistance for Coast Guard members and families. The Coast Guard Foundation is currently holding a special matching campaign where every dollar donated is matched by a generous anonymous donor. [Donate now →] coastguardfoundation.org/donate

Title Image: Coast Guard members from Air Stations Astoria and Port Angeles receive the Coast Guard Foundation award at the Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard in Seattle on May 12, 2026.

Disclosure: AI was used in the creation of this content.