The Coast Guard has always held a special in my heart. I am a New London native and have spent the better part of 50 years on the water as an instructor and fisherman. Direct contact with the Coast Guard has only been the occasional safety check, but the comfort and assurance that comes from knowing that help is a mere call away is immeasurable. There are thousands of boats that ply local waters and they all do so with the confidence that the Coast Guard will come and assist no matter how dangerous the situation.

These men and women are now stuck in the middle of a political stalemate. It is the only service branch not being paid. It is time to throw them a lifeline.

You can help by dropping off meals at the gate at Fort Trumbull in New London. To make donations of gift cards for groceries or gas, contact Katie, president of the Coast Guard Spouses Association of Southeastern Connecticut. http://cgspouses-sect.org/p/contact-us or call 716-499-7028.

Monetary donations should be directed to CG Mutual Assistance. http://www.cgmahq.org/shutDown/donors.html.

All donations will be greatly appreciated.

Tom McLoughlin

Mystic