The 2020 Coast Guard Foundation Tribute to the Coast Guard from our Nation’s Capital may have looked a little different from the prior fifteen years of DC dinners, but the end result- an inspirational, moving tribute to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard –remained the same.

The virtual event raised more than $467,000 and was broadcast live from a studio in Washington, DC. It included pre-recorded interviews and tributes that focused on the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Foundation missions.

“People say that others will not remember what you said or what you did for them, but how you made them feel,” shared Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation president. “That’s what drives us at the Coast Guard Foundation, to create better lives for our heroes while making sure Coast Guard members and their families feel that they are supported, saluted and respected.”

Kyra Phillips, ABC News reporter, and Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.) served as co-hosts. Admiral Karl Schultz and Admiral Charles Ray delivered keynote remarks and shared their support for the extraordinary effort of the Coast Guard during these challenging times. They also expressed their appreciation for the Coast Guard Foundation’s work to support Coast Guard members and families where and when they need it most.

Admiral Allen reflected that the recent tragedies in the Coast Guard family remind us that Coast Guard service often comes with great risk and sacrifice.

“What we can do is what all families do in terrible times…Let us in thought, voice, and deed say, we are here...we care...we are your Coast Guard family and you are not alone.”

The event included an up-close look at a 2019 drug bust from aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Munro that featured a boarding team intercepting a semi-submersible submarine in the South Pacific. A video of the boarding later went viral, driving this particular Coast Guard mission into the spotlight.

Admiral Schultz reflected on the many ways Coast Guard members have pivoted this year while fulfilling their service to the Nation.

“2020 has indeed been a challenging year, but we know with every challenge comes new opportunity,” shared the Commandant. “Challenges offer new perspectives, challenges influence new ways of doing business, and challenges create new growth. Our Coast Guard women and men have and always will rise to the challenge. Thank you to the Coast Guard Foundation for also rising to the challenge of supporting our Coast Guard workforce, who for 230 years has not stopped standing the watch. Thank you for supporting our dedicated Coast Guard men and women in this grand endeavor.”

The event was sponsored by Cheniere Energy and Lockheed Martin. Lead sponsors include: ABS, American Petroleum Institute, ASRC Federal, The Boeing Company, Fairbanks Morse, LLC, Fincantieri Marine Group, Huntington Ingalls Industries, ITA International, LLC. Kirby Corporation, L3Harris Technologies, Leidos, METCOR/LSI, MTU America Inc., Parsons, Phillips 66, SpaceX, and VectorCSP, LLC.

Special thanks to our event co-chairs, Coast Guard Foundation board members Corrine Kosar and Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.) and the DC event committee.