Providing a Life Line for Coast Guard
In the wake of the government shutdown, The American Legion went public to assist active duty Coast Guard members through the Temporary Financial Assistance program. Even though the initial outreach was directed at families with minor children, Project: VetRelief immediately stepped up and began providing assistance to those that did not have qualifying children.
Through both programs, the Department Staff processed nearly 400 applications received from Coast Guard members.
The wave of US Coast Guard member applications has been overwhelming, but all cases in which there was not a minor child in the home have been provided with a $250 gift card to Publix. To date, there have been 29 Coast Guard members funded for a total of $7,250 through PROJECT: VetRelief.
We realize that this immediate support does not quite cover their entire need and have waived the guideline of providing assistance once per year in the case of Coast Guard members. Assistance through the regular program is available by using the traditional form and application process.