The Town Board will recognize the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs Tuesday for its fundraising drive to assist members of the Coast Guard who were working without pay during the 35-day federal government shutdown.
The commanders of Coast Guard stations at Eaton’s Neck and New Haven will attend the 2 pm Town Board meeting.
Jackie Martin, executive officer, and Ian Milligan, commodore, and other officers of the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs, will also be recognized by Town Councilwoman Joan Cergol, joining Eaton’s Neck USCG station Commander Anthony Martinez and New Haven station Commander Mark Williams.
“Many individuals and organizations stepped up to the plate to join us in this effort to raise funds to assist the personnel at the two US Coast Guard stations that serve the Town of Huntington and other North Shore communities,” said Jackie Martin. “These brave and dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard continued to do their vital work even thought they weren’t paid for over a month, and had difficulty paying their families’ bills. Meanwhile, they were out night and day in challenging winter conditions keeping all of us safe.”
Martin said the campaign has raised over $16,000, “in large and small donations, with contributions still coming in.” The donations are used to provide prepaid cards for gasoline and groceries for the Coast Guard station commanders to distribute to personnel.
At the ceremony, the board will thank Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs officers
Commodore Ian Milligan
Executive officer Jackie Martin
Vice commodore Vincent Neefus
Rear commodore Pam Setchell
Secretary Sara Zagaja
Treasurer Matt Joyce
Response to Government Shutdown: Gift Cards for Coasties, Supplies for Workers