ALCOAST 424/24 - NOV 2024 COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE MARKS A CENTURY OF SERVICE

R 071822Z NOV 24 MID120001523700U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 424/24
SSIC 1710
SUBJ: COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE MARKS A CENTURY OF SERVICE
1. On November 1, 2024, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) will
mark 100 years of service and support for members of the
U.S. Coast Guard and their families.
2. CGMA traces its roots to the efforts of Mrs. Clara Billard,
wife of the 6th Coast Guard Commandant, who recognized the need for
a formal support system to assist Coast Guard personnel facing
financial hardships. She founded the League of Coast Guard Women,
the precursor to CGMA, with a mission to "minister to the general
welfare" to provide emergency financial assistance to Coast Guard
members and their families.
3. From the very beginning, interest-free loans and grants made to
members in financial need became the core of assistance.
Coast Guard families expecting babies counted on the delivery of
layettes with baby supplies, another popular program since the
earliest days. Other initial support included visits to members
in the hospital and Christmas gifts for children.
4. As the United States entered World War II, Coast Guard Welfare
was formally established as a staff element of the Coast Guard
and inherited the League's mission. Loans and grants raised from
donations by Coast Guard personnel helped their shipmates endure
financial difficulties often related to illness, the death of a
family member, or debt issues.
5. A final name change occurred when the organization became
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance in 1979. At that time, the Board
voted to include Coast Guard Reservists, Civilians and Auxiliary
members for CGMA eligibility.
6. In 1985, CGMA became one of the four Congressionally recognized
military aid societies. Each Service has just one.
7. In 1996, CGMA was established as a non-profit and shared office
space with Personnel Service Center until 2013. Although physically
separated from Coast Guard headquarters today, CGMA's Board Chair
has always been the Commandant, the Board President has always been
the Assistant Commandant of Personnel/Human Resources, and all
Board members represent the Coast Guard community. This governance
allows CGMA to maintain a healthy lifeline with and quickly respond
to changing needs of the Coast Guard community.
8. Since its inception in 1924, CGMA has provided over $240 million
in assistance through a suite of programs designed to support
Service member's financial resilience. CGMA proudly offers financial
assistance to Active Duty, Civilian employees, Reserve and Auxiliary
members, Retired service members, PHS Officers and Chaplains, and
surviving family members. Our vision as we enter the next century of
service is a Coast Guard community empowered by a trusted network
and shared resources to eliminate financial worry.
9. On this centennial, we celebrate CGMA's enduring commitment to
serving the Coast Guard as well as our Coast Guard community who
makes this mission possible.
10. CAPT Ryan P. Matson, Acting Assistant Commandant for Military
Personnel (CG-1M), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.