When the Coast Guard Needed Support, CGMA Delivered — With Speed, Scale, and Compassion. 

The federal government is poised to reopen after the historic 2025 shutdown — the longest in U.S. history. For hundreds of thousands of federal workers, this moment brings tremendous relief.

For the last 43 days, uncertainty loomed large. Coast Guard civilians missed two paychecks, faced rising bills, and made hard choices — but our Coast Guard community did what it always does best: we stood together.

And because of that unity, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) was ready.

Over these past weeks, CGMA provided $2.3 million in support to 771 Coast Guard civilian employees, with an average request of $3,034. Each number tells a story — a rent payment made, a child cared for, a kitchen light kept on. Each one represents a Coast Guard family who didn’t have to face this hardship alone.

As the government reopens, I want to pause and say thank you — to everyone who made this response possible.

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Ready When It Mattered Most

CGMA was built for moments like this. Our systems, partnerships, and people allowed us to respond at the speed of need, ensuring help reached Coast Guard civilians faster than any other source of relief.

While other organizations were still assessing how to help, CGMA was already acting. That’s what being “On Watch. Always Ready. Always Here.” looks like in practice.

This moment proved what sets CGMA apart: we are the organization that delivers for the Coast Guard community — efficiently, compassionately, and at scale.

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The Power of Helping Our Own®

What moved me most during this crisis wasn’t just the response itself — it was who fueled it.

Active Duty and Reserve members who continued to receive pay gave extra to support their civilian coworkers who did not. Retirees and Auxiliarists called to ask how to help. Spouses shared resources and encouragement with one another. CGMA Representatives worked tirelessly around the country to ensure assistance was delivered quickly and compassionately.

Every act of generosity reminded me that CGMA isn’t just an organization, it’s a reflection of the extraordinary strength of our Coast Guard family.

Together, we turned potential despair into solidarity and stability. That’s the Coast Guard spirit — resilient, united, and deeply committed to taking care of our own.

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Moving Forward, Stronger Than Before

The shutdown’s end brings relief, but it also brings perspective. It showed us that preparation, trust, and community matter — and that when tested, CGMA delivers.

We’ll carry forward the lessons and partnerships forged during this crisis to strengthen our readiness for whatever comes next — and continue pursuing our shared vision: a Coast Guard community empowered by a trusted network and shared resources to eliminate financial worry.

Thank you for standing with us — and for proving once again that when challenges come, the Coast Guard family stands ready together.

Semper Paratus,

Brooke Millard, Commander, USCG (Ret.)
Chief Executive Officer
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
The Official Relief Society of the U.S. Coast Guard