Fundraiser this Thursday for Members of the Coast Guard Affected by the Shutdown

Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman

From a press release:

“One of the most troubling stories arising from the current government shut down is the break in pay for the United States Coast Guard (USCG). While the other members of the uniformed services are receiving pay, the men and women of the Coast Guard are not. The USCG falls under the Department of Homeland Security, which has not received its appropriation due to the shutdown.

One organization that will be called on to meet the short-term needs of Coast Guardsmen in financial distress is Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA). “Established and operated by Coast Guard people for Coast Guard people, CGMA provides a way to extend compassion to one another in times of need. It serves as a vital financial safety net, promoting financial stability and general wellbeing, fostering high morale and encouraging a sense of loyalty to the Coast Guard.”

In response to this looming crisis, Kenneth H. Nash Post #8 on Capitol Hill will be conducting a special happy hour fundraiser at its post at 224 D ST SE Washington DC 20003, from 5:30PM to 8PM on 17 January 2019. The fundraiser will be headlined by Nashville recording Artists ‘Wil Gravatt’ band (https://www.wilgravatt.com/). The cost of the event is $10. In addition, The Post will be conducting a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction. The Post has started a Go Fund Me Page for those who wish to separately donate (https://goo.gl/N4Unca). All proceeds from the event go to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.

“Post 8 will not stand idly while Coast Guardsmen and their families are made to suffer through no fault of their own ,” said Jason R. Secrest Commander of American Legion Kenneth H. Nash Post # 8, Department of District of Columbia “The USCG is essential to the security of this nation and the least we can do is give back to those who are still serving and not receiving their pay.”
Since its inception in 1919, The American Legion has been an outspoken advocate for veterans’ benefits, children & youth, patriotic American values, a strong national defense and quality-of-life issues for those serving in today’s armed forces. Post #8 has been a fixture on Capitol Hill since 1920, supporting the community and neighborhood.
The organization, which spearheaded the original GI Bill, has been advocating reform of the veterans’ health care system by calling for assured funding. Creation of the federal forerunner of the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as the agency’s ascent to cabinet-level status is due in part to The American Legion’s advocacy. The American Legion also was instrumental in the establishment of the veterans home loan, veterans hiring preference and just compensation to veterans suffering from illnesses related to their military service, including those with Traumatic Brain Injuries, Post Traumatic Stress and ailments that stem from exposure to Agent Orange and mysterious Persian Gulf origins.

Equally aggressive are The American Legion’s efforts to instill values in young people through numerous programs, including American Legion Boys State, American Legion Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports, the National High School Oratorical Contest, American Legion Baseball, Teenage Suicide Prevention, Child Health and the McGruff Safe Kids Program. The American Legion has supported Scouting since 1919. Many American Legion posts also support Junior ROTC high school units, fund-raising for handicapped children, the Children’s Miracle Network and partnerships with other nonprofit organizations such as Special Olympics.”