CEO Update – Winter 2025

As we close out 2025, I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together. As of December 8, CGMA has already delivered $3.1 million in grants — a 6% increase over last year. Even more striking, families turned to us for $8.5 million in loans, a 54% jump from 2024. And when we take out Government Shutdown support, we still see a strong 12% increase year over year.

These numbers tell a simple story: our Coast Guard community is relying on us more than ever — and we’re showing up.  From disaster relief and day-to-day assistance to educational opportunities, your generosity made this possible.

When the government shutdown disrupted lives earlier this year, our community responded with strength and compassion. Thanks to donors and partners, CGMA delivered $2.4 million in assistance to nearly 800 Coast Guard civilian employees—helping families stay afloat during uncertain times. This achievement underscores the power of collective support and the unwavering bond within our Coast Guard family.

We also celebrated connection and camaraderie at the 7th CGMA Golf Invitational, where 190—more than half of those Active Duty Coast Guard—golfers from 23 states gathered in Myrtle Beach. Among them was Octavio Garza, whose story reminds us why we do what we do. After losing his mother and facing financial hardship, Octavio turned to CGMA for help. Our team acted quickly, easing his financial burden and restoring dignity during a painful time. His words of gratitude—and his promise to give back—speak volumes about the impact of your support.

As we look ahead to 2026, opportunities to unite and strengthen our community abound. Early registration for the CGMA Golf Open is now live, and Giving Tuesday showed us what’s possible when we come together: $86,510 raised to support Coast Guard families. Every dollar reflects our shared commitment to the mission: Helping Our Own®.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we make resilience possible—today and every day.

Yours in service,

Brooke Millard, CDR, USCG, (Ret.)
Chief Executive Officer, CGMA