Dear Editor:
Government shutdowns,(There have been 21 shutdowns since 1976). Each time one of these occurs, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and their families are left without money to sustain the necessities of life—Why?
Because the Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense, so that, in a shutdown as we have noted above, funding for the U.S.C.G. ceases, leaving the Guardsman and their families wondering how to survive.
The “Pay Our Coast Guard Act” was introduced by both the Senate and the House in the 116th Congress, however, it failed to pass; A National Veterans Organization is again calling on Congress to pass this Act.
Coast Guardsman, in addition to defending our shores, perform search and rescue missions and support our worldwide military forces, also search suspicious-looking vessels for drugs and illegal contraband.
In WWII, the Coast Guardsman fully manned more than 350 naval vessels, including 76 LSTs, 21 cargo and attack-cargo ships, 75 frigates, and 31 transports, 800 cutters, nearly 300 ships for the Army, and thousands of amphibious-type assault landing craft.
“In our Country, the politicians promise the people everything, including the moon; After they are elected, they suffer a severe attack of amnesia –forget about everything they promised.” (Former NYC Mayor Jimmie Walker).
Joe Pettit
Yorktown Hts, NY 10598
