Brodsky makes his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and is an avid boater alongside his wife Darla. As a retired real estate investor and developer, Fred now spends much of his time traveling and spending time with family and friends, and volunteering with causes that are close to his heart.

Education is a priority for Fred's philanthropy. He earned his undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He’s given back to both institutions through service on their boards, and is now a Trustee Emeritus at Northeastern.

The Red Stripe Fund, established as an endowment with a $505,000 pledge, will provide support for four key priorities:

• Recurring five-year scholarship for a Coast Guard dependent enrolled in college;
• Discretionary fund for the board chair to direct to an area of high need;
• Support for the health and wellness needs of the Coast Guard;
• Provide for the care and support of Coast Guard animal mascots and enforcement animals.

“We are grateful for Fred’s investment in the future of the Coast Guard Foundation,” said Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation president. “As a director, Fred brings much knowledge and skill to the board, and his commitment to our organization makes a world of difference for Coast Guard members and families.”

Endowment to Recognize Coast Guard Foundation Board Chairman
Fred joined the Board of Trustees in 2018, and began service on the Board of Directors in 2020. His gift also serves as a tribute to the Foundation’s board chair, Will Jenkins.

“Will has been a tremendous leader,” shared Fred. “He has great talent for getting things done with minimal bravado, and he has the ability to bring out the best in people. I want to recognize his leadership and dedication to those who wear the uniform, and thank him for leading our board.”

Will Jenkins joined the Coast Guard Foundation board in 2009, and served as Vice-Chair from 2013-2015, when he assumed the role of chairman when our then-chair, Bob Flynn passed away. Elected to the chairman position in 2016, Will has led the organization through an important period of growth, both in terms of fundraising and in services provided for Coast Guard members and families.

Brodsky’s Coast Guard Foundation Support
With the addition of the Red Stripe Fund, Fred’s support giving will expand to new important areas of need, but his current support is already making an impact.

Education
Support for our spouse education program has contributed to our ability to offer a record number of grants in the last two years.

In 2018, the Coast Guard Foundation awarded the first Red Stripe Scholarship, through Fred’s generosity. Victoria Lanning, now a junior at the University of Florida, was selected to receive a $5,000 annual scholarship for her college studies, and can elect to use the award for a fifth year, should she need time to complete her undergraduate degree.

Health and Wellness
Eleven buoy tenders stationed throughout the Upper and Lower Mississippi River received support for unit morale. These black hull cutters perform important Coast Guard missions and maintain buoys and aids to navigation that keep waterways open and safe for commercial traffic and personal recreation.

Your support means a great deal to us here, especially with the slower, longer winter days that are upon us here in Dubuque, Iowa. – BMC J.R. Link, Executive Petty Officer, USCGC Wyaconda

Coast Guard Station Marquette in Michigan rescued two dogs – Thor and Loki - in June 2019 and care for them collectively as a unit. The 18+ Coast Guard members adore these dogs and regularly feature them on the station’s social media pages on their #SafetyTipTuesday posts. The dogs also provide an opportunity for Coast Guard members to rest and recharge with the companionship of two very special animals. Fred generously supports the care and feeding of the station’s two rescue dogs through a gift from the Coast Guard Foundation.

Other local units in Ft. Lauderdale (pictured above in the cover photo) and Air Station Borinquen received support for their crew lounges, so Coast Guard members on duty have a safe place to work and rest in between assignments.