coast guard foundation 2015 annual report coast guard foundation z message from leadership 2015 highlights invite you to take a look at the stories and photos • Awarded 86 new scholarships valued at on these pages — you’ll see an amazing group of more than $400,000 to children of enlisted people who have dedicated their lives to serving Coast Guard members. This includes three I Fallen Heroes Scholarships to children of others, caring for our environment, ensuring our Coast Guard heroes who have died in the line safety on the water, protecting our waterways and of duty. Our three “Sara Statts” scholars will ports, stopping dangerous drugs from making their have 100 percent of their college expenses way into our neighborhoods, and so much more. covered by the Coast Guard Foundation. You’ll also learn about some of our generous support- • Distributed more than $388,000 in ers who have made significant and impactful gifts scholarships and grants for active duty enlisted Coast Guard members who are that make a real difference for Coast Guard members and their families. pursuing college or advanced degrees I’m hard-pressed to say what has made the biggest impression on me while serving in the Coast Guard. this year at the Coast Guard Foundation. Our chairman of the board, Bob • Awarded $60,000 in grants and Flynn, passed away in February of 2015 and in his memory, we established scholarships for spouses of active duty a fund to support the recruitment and retention of underserved popula- enlisted Coast Guard members, our tions at the United States Coast Guard Academy, an initiative that was near largest single award-year yet. and dear to his heart. • Provided more than $500,000 in morale, wellness and recreation support through our Shipmate Fund “…we can all take pride in being part of shaping program, including special capital projects in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and the lives of so many Coast Guard families.” Ft. Lauderdale and Clearwater, Florida. • Established the Robert J. Flynn I do know that we take great pride in seeing Coast Guard children Pathway to Achievement Fund to support recruitment and retention efforts at the succeed and excel in college because of your support; helping families United States Coast Guard Academy. through the terrible tragedy of the loss of a Coast Guard member, and This new endowment fund has raised more opening a new community center in one of the most remote places in than $388,000 to date and made an initial our country that is a critical post for the Coast Guard. It’s all important gift of $50,000 to the Coast Guard Academy. to the men and women of the Coast Guard, and it’s important to the • Supported the future officer corps at Coast Guard Foundation and our generous supporters who recognize the the Coast Guard Academy with $320,000 in support for academic enrichment, athletics, importance of what they do. cadet activities and waterfront programming. We’re proud to provide opportunities which many wouldn’t other- • Celebrated Coast Guard Day, the birthday wise be able to attain without our support, and we can all take pride in of the United States Coast Guard, with 180 being part of shaping the lives of so many Coast Guard families. Thank remote units on August 4, by funding their you for your continued support of the Coast Guard Foundation and I hope picnics and gatherings with families and as you read through the many accomplishments of this past year you take community members. The total support for these celebrations was more than $65,000. pride in knowing your commitment made these achievements possible. • Sponsored Coast Guard Foundation With Gratitude, Run to Remember events around the country, including the first Climb to Remember where two Coast Guard rescue swimmers climbed Denali in Alaska to Anne B. Brengle honor Coast Guard fallen heroes. President support for education coast guard foundation 2015 left: 2015 Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient Michael Werner. center: 2015 Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient Casey Kalita. right: Fallen Heroes Scholar Megan McKenzie. ducation is a core component of the a record-breaking year for our Coast Guard Foundation’s mission and our dedi- spouse support, providing $60,000 for those Ecation to the men and women of the enrolled in college, certification, and training United States Coast Guard. In 2015, our sup- programs. These enlisted grants are used to port for education programs topped $848,000. pay for expenses not covered by the benefits Investing in Coast Guard Families: Our provided through the Coast Guard and the commitment to education helps make the G.I. Bill, such as lab fees and textbooks. dream of a college education a reality for Honoring our Coast Guard Fallen many Coast Guard kids every year. Through Heroes: The Coast Guard Foundation’s our education programs, we awarded 86 new Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund ensures that scholarships valued at more than $400,000 to the children of the service’s fallen are not children of enlisted Coast Guard members denied the opportunity to attend college. We this year. make sure that 100 percent of their college 2015 scholarship recipient “Your financial generosity gives me an Tahlia White celebrating her expenses are covered, so they can focus on advantage in achieving my dreams and takes high school graduation. their studies to the best of their abilities. off much of the stress that accompanies college tuition and In 2015, there were three ‘Sara Statts’ Fallen Heroes expenses. I know that one day my education will allow me to scholars who are now attending college, safe in the knowl- give back to the community as you have given to me,” said edge that they will graduate debt-free. “To receive any Jenna Carey, who is studying at the University of Delaware. amount of financial aid is beneficial, but being debt free is Miranda Saporito, who is studying at the University of a blessing. In return it certainly motivates me to work hard South Florida, said, “Thank you for your generosity which and do well,” said Adriana Nelson. will allow me to concentrate on my education… It means a Megan McKenzie wrote to us, “Words cannot express lot to my family to have received this honorable scholarship.” how much this scholarship means to me. Thank you for giv- Supporting the Education Goals of Enlisted Coast ing me a chance to make my dreams come true.” And Amy Guard Members and their Spouses: The Foundation pro- Belisle said, “It just wasn’t in my budget to pursue further vided more than $388,000 in grants for active duty enlisted education at this point in my life. Though now, knowing that members who are pursuing college or advanced degrees I can further my education, I feel more accomplished… it’s and certifications while serving our country. This was also amazing.” 2 coast guard foundation z annual report fy 2015 who can you be? We asked our scholarship recipients to share their professional and personal goals with us; here are a few of their responses. We are proud to invest in their education to help make their dreams a reality. (860) 535-0786 z coastguardfoundation.org 3 shipmate fund and capital projects coast guard foundation 2015 The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Captain Jimmie H. Hobaugh Coast Guard Community Center in Sault Ste. Marie, July 2015. he Coast Guard Foundation plays a critical role in helping Coast Guard members remain Always Ready through a host of central programs that address education, morale and recreation needs throughout the service. We provided Tmore than $500,000 in support through our Shipmate Fund this year, which included the opening of capital projects in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and in Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater, Florida. More than 160 units, bases, cutters and sectors have new resources on hand to promote their well-being, fitness and community resources. In addition, we supported 182 small units and stations with gifts to help celebrate the Coast Guard’s 225th birth- day on August 4, 2015. The Shipmate Fund allows units around the country to identify their needs so we may direct the funds to make the maximum impact for service members. What type of equipment does the Coast Guard Foundation invest in through the Shipmate Fund? Coast Guard members based in the colder climates of Alaska and the midwest frequently request winter-weather gear and ski equipment. Units in Hawaii and the south request mountain bikes, paddle boards and kayaks. The most requested item across the country remains exercise and training equipment for use on bases and cutters. These smaller, more personalized projects make a huge impact for service members’ morale, especially those stationed in remote areas or those on board cut- In honor of the Coast Guard’s 225th birthday ters for an extended period of time. This support also goes a long way to ensure that and “Connecticut Coast Guard Summer,” the Coast Guard continues to lead the military services in retention by enhancing we presented morale gifts to Coast Guard Station New London and Station New Haven. the professional and personal lives of our service members and their families. 4 coast guard foundation z annual report fy 2015 left: A new playground for families at Coast Guard Air Station Houston was built in April. center: New bicycles for Coast Guard Station Wachapreague were presented by Coast Guard Foundation directors VADM Sally Brice-O’Hara, USCG (Ret.) and Judith Roos. right: Foundation Trustee Joseph Phair hosted a morale and community picnic for Coast Guard Station San Francisco through the Yacht Clubs Who Care outreach program.