The American Legion to active-duty US Coast Guard personnel: We’re here to help!

Earlier this week, 41,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard woke up without paychecks in their bank accounts. Since that time, The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance program has received more than 1,000 requests, and additional funds are needed now to continue providing help.

"We are responding as quickly as possible to the outpouring of requests,” American Legion National Commander Brett P. Reistad said. “The brave members of our Coast Guard risk their lives defending us daily, just like branches of service in the Department of Defense. They should not have to worry about bills and living expenses just because Congress and the White House cannot agree on a budget.”

The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance program is funded through generous donations made by American Legion members and the public to The American Legion Veterans and Children Foundation. All donations are tax deductible and can be made online at legion.org.

These one-time grants of up to $1,500 are made available to eligible active-duty military and American Legion members in need, who have minor children in the home, to help to meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses to keep their children in a stable environment during a time of hardship.

“We are asking all Americans and businesses that are not financially impacted by this government furlough to make a donation to The American Legion so we can help as many U.S. Coast Guard and veteran families as possible during this crisis and the next,” Reistad added. “Please donate at www.legion.org because no one deserves our help more than our nation’s heroes.”

The American Legion is also urging all Americans to contact their elected officials in the House of Representatives to demand immediate passage of H.R. 367, the Pay Our Coast Guard Act, so it can quickly be passed by the Senate and sent to President Trump to be signed into law. To speak to your member of Congress and support getting the U.S. Coast Guard paid, call 202-224-3121.

Any U.S. Coast Guard personnel interested in applying for The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance program should go to www.legion.org for more information.