EMS Week: Helping Coast Guard Members Advance Their EMS Training

The Coast Guard Foundation’s education grant program supports enlisted members pursuing higher education, training and EMS certifications across the service.

May 18, 2026

During EMS Week, May 17–26, we recognize Coast Guard members who dedicate themselves to emergency medical training and certification so they can help people in their time of need.

The Coast Guard Foundation’s enlisted education grant program helps make some of this training possible. With the support of generous donors, Coast Guard members receive grants to help with EMT classes, recertification courses, books, testing fees and equipment costs.

HS3 Natalya Fox, USCG

Petty Officer 3rd Class Natalya Fox, a health service technician, described the grant as taking a big weight off of her shoulders as she works toward certification and growing her skills in service to others.

She further shared, “Getting my EMT certification means a lot to me and to my future in the Coast Guard. I’m excited to keep improving my skills so I can show up stronger for the mission and for the people we serve.”

Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Alonzo, another health service technician, shared how grateful he was to receive support for his EMT recertification costs.

“I love being an EMT, and it’s fantastic to receive this kind of support from the Coast Guard Foundation. It really means a lot. Thank you again for your generosity,” he shared.

ET3 Jonathan Barnes with his parents (left) and SK2 James Sounder with his family (right)

Some Coast Guard members become EMS certified to strengthen the safety of their crews and communities. Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Barnes said EMT training helps improve safety aboard his cutter while also allowing him to volunteer in emergency medical services in the community in which he lives.

Petty Officer 2nd Class James Souder shared that earning his EMT certification is an important step toward becoming a firefighter and continuing a life of service.

“This opportunity not only eases the financial burden of training but also motivates me to work even harder to serve my community. I am truly appreciative of your investment in my education and future, and I will carry this support with me throughout my training and career. Thank you again for believing in my potential and helping make this next step possible.”

This EMS Week, we thank every Coast Guard member working to earn and maintain EMS credentials in service to others.

We are deeply grateful to our supporters whose generosity helps Coast Guard members pursue this lifesaving training and continue serving their communities every day.

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In the cover photo, Chief Petty Officer Sabrina Stanley, a crewmember aboard the Cutter Polar Star, demonstrates how to use an automated external defibrillator during CPR training for the crew while the cutter transits the Southern Ocean on its way to Antarctica for Operation Deep Freeze, Dec. 30, 2024. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter.