In Honor of the Coast Guard’s 234th Birthday

As the United States Coast Guard celebrated its 234th birthday on August 4, 2024, it is a perfect moment to recognize not only the rich history and vital missions of this unique branch of the military, but also the important role played by organizations like the USO.

While many are familiar with the USO’s support for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Space Force, it is essential to acknowledge that the Coast Guard, too, is a critical part of the military community that the USO supports. In addition to the other branches, we strive to ensure that we not only are there to support the members of the Coast Guard, but also highlight their important work and the important role the USO plays in supporting them.

The Coast Guard, established in 1790 by Alexander Hamilton as the Revenue Cutter Service, originally focused on enforcing maritime law and collecting customs duties to support the nation’s economy. Over time, its mission evolved and expanded to include search and rescue, navigational aids and environmental protection. As the Coast Guard Mission evolved, so has the USO’s role in supporting them.

Across the United States there are 40 Coast Guard bases, dispersed across our coasts, lake regions, river and in often overlooked locations in states considered to be landlocked. The USO’s relationship with the Coast Guard starts with recruits on day one.

“The USO has a unique relationship with the Coast Guard,“ said Brian Loughlin, a USO senior center operations specialist at Philadelphia Airport. “Every Tuesday, known as ‘Coast Guard Tuesdays,’ at Philadelphia Airport, the USO Center hosts about 120+ Coast Guard recruits and our team and volunteers help them make their way to Coast Guard Basic Training in Cape May, New Jersey. We often see many of them coming back through following their training as they head to their next location.”

Our partnership with the Coast Guard in providing this support is a special and cultivated relationship. Brian credits his team of USO volunteers, an extremely dedicated group, to the success of these everyday operations of making sure these service members have a place to rest, eat and navigate the airport and the next steps in their journeys.

“For these new recruits, it’s their first impression of the USO, we take pride in that,” Brian said.

Want to learn more about the USO? Start here once you’re done reading.

Timothy “Tim” Tilghman is currently a commanding officer in the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Chicago. His journey started 24 years ago close to his hometown of Sheldon, Connecticut, at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Right after high school he was looking for the next step in life and was led there. He played football, ran track, studied like other college students, but also went through boot camp. It wasn’t the “normal” college experience, but for him, and thousands of others, it’s their path to the honor of serving in the Coast Guard.

“I’m thankful every day for this unit and this city [of Chicago],” said Tim.

Through the multiple assignments all over the world, Tim maintains an attitude of gratitude for the opportunities afforded him because of the Coast Guard.

“My first interaction with the USO, like many others, was the signs I saw at various airports. But my first real interaction is when I gained a love and respect for the organization,” said Tim.

“I was stationed in Iraq during Iraqi freedom and all the bases I was in were blessed to have the support of the USO. We were given a shoebox of toiletries, girl scout cookies, all the little niceties. It connected us to home. The USO provided that service because someone cared. A complete stranger. People willingly got together on their own time and served us while we were serving our country,” Tim recalled.

Tim is eligible for retirement in the next few months, but he isn’t sure his time with the Coast Guard is complete.

“So many people invested in me, and I get to invest in other people, I’m still waiting to see what the Coast Guard has in store for me.”

Supporting Coasties like Tim is a crucial part of the USO’s mission – by strengthening the well-being of our nation’s service members, we not only ensure that they are ready to carry out their missions, but we also remind them that no matter where their service takes them, they are never forgotten.

“You guys are literally everywhere,” one Coast Guard member told a USO staff member in Boston.

The Coast Guard Base in Boston is a major hub for the Coast Guard, especially in a city with such a rich maritime history. Coast Guard members here handle everything from marine protection to health services. The base runs fast response cutters with crews of about 25 people, and they’re almost always on the move. It’s a team effort involving both Reserve and active-duty members. Coast Guard Base Boston, along with Sector Boston and Division Boston, work together to keep everything running smoothly and ensure the coast is well-protected. And where there are service members, the USO is nearby offering programs for the service members and their families. It’s rare for a week to pass without our USO team receiving a request for support.

In Delaware each year, the USO is invited to Coast Guard Day and with the help of USO volunteers we grill out, bring games and make sure the service members have fun! The USO also makes regular visits wherever the service members may be in the New England region, bringing one of the USO Canine Volunteers, Ranger, down from the USO Dover Center.

Another fun opportunity that the USO provides Coast Guard members is participating in the Philadelphia Eagles training camp, where around 200 service members get a special day with the football team, including experiences like high-fiving players and receiving jerseys, with some moments even featured on ESPN. Recently, the Coast Guard from Indian River Inlet took part in a flag football game with the Eagles.

Opportunities like this create a connection and understanding of the sacrifices people make daily to ensure our nation’s safety.

In commemorating the U.S. Coast Guard’s 234th birthday, it is essential to acknowledge the support of the American public of these brave service members through military support nonprofits such as the USO. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between the Coast Guard and the communities it serves, celebrating a legacy of dedication and looking forward to continued service in the years to come, with the USO by their side.

“I just appreciate the USO so much. I know I’m not the only one. The USO staff and, more importantly, their volunteers go out of their way to organize programs and events that help support us. I need my unit at their best and the USO helps them do that,” explained Coast Guard member, Tim Tilghman.

Interested in volunteering at the USO and making a difference in the lives of service members like Tim? Click here for more information.