Happy Thanksgiving from Our Coastie Campers

For the last few years, we’ve invited our Coastie Campers to create artwork to be featured in our annual Thanksgiving greeting. This year, we received fifty amazing submissions from all over the country.

“Thanksgiving Rescue” by Braxton, age 13, child of AETCS Benjamin Rosen, was selected as the top piece for the greeting. The drawing shows a Coast Guard helicopter dropping a rescue basket to pick up a turkey from the Thanksgiving table, under a banner that reads “Eat More Pizza.” The helicopter is piloted by a fellow turkey!

“What I loved about this piece is that there are so many fun details. Every time I look at it, I notice something new, and it always brings a big smile to my face. And you just never know when you might have to go on an unexpected turkey rescue!” said Sage Williams, program manager.

“There were so many wonderful submissions this year, and we are grateful for the time and creativity that each of our artists put into their work,” she added.

Braxton is one of more than 900 Coast Guard Foundation youth enrichment program grant recipients in 2025. Our Coastie Campers attended summer camps and accessed new technology to explore, learn, and have fun during the summer months. 

Every Coastie Camper who submitted artwork received a framed copy of their creation to display at their Thanksgiving feast.

Seven-year-old Kaia submitted a beautiful drawing of a Thanksgiving dinner. 

Her father, LTJG Vincenzo Mazzarella, shared, “My daughter received a Coastie Camper grant for summer camps the last few years. Our family greatly appreciates all that the Foundation does for our members. Kaia LOVES the turkey that our family makes each year (and the leftover turkey several days after) so she decided to draw our roasted turkey. We are very thankful for all we have! Happy Thanksgiving!”