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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E396-E397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BE THE LIGHT FOOD PANTRY FOR U.S. COAST GUARD MEMBERS AND OTHERS
______
HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI
of oregon
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the
generosity and public service of the organizers of the Be The Light
Food Pantry.
More than 500 active duty members of the Coast Guard and their
families live and work in NW Oregon, and their mission is critical to
our nation's safety. The Coast Guard protects our borders and our
national security. They save lives every day, ensuring the safety of
our fishing fleet and the many others who rely on the Columbia River
and the ocean for their livelihood.
Because of the longest-ever government shutdown this winter, the
dedicated members of the U.S. Coast Guard missed two consecutive
paychecks. This was the first time in modern history that a branch of
the armed forces went without pay. It is unconscionable that people who
are protecting our country should be forced to work without getting
their paychecks.
Over the course of the 35-day-long shutdown, I heard from many U.S.
Coast Guard members and spouses who were furious, demoralized, and very
stressed about their personal finances.
Michelle discovered that her 16-year-old was skipping meals because
he was worried there wouldn't be enough food for his younger siblings.
Amanda had to explain to her five kids why the family needed food
assistance, even though their dad was working hard every day to serve
our country.
Robin, a proud Coast Guard mom with three sons and one daughter-in-
law in the Coast Guard, told me that one of her sons lost an apartment
because he couldn't afford to put down a deposit.
Our national security depends on having service members who are
focused on the job at hand, and the mission could be compromised if
Coast Guard members are worried about how they're going to keep a roof
over their heads or put food on the table. The effects on future
recruitment and our standing in the world are also deeply concerning.
In the midst of this calamity, an inspiring effort came together--
the Be The Light Food Pantry for Coast Guard members and all federal
employees affected by the shutdown. U.S. Coast Guard spouses Stacey
Benson, Michelle Somers, and Amanda Gibbs generously led the effort,
giving countless hours of their time. Community members, local Boy
Scout Troop 211, the Masonic Temple of Astoria, the Moms Club of
Astoria, the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association, and many
private businesses contributed thousands of pounds of food and hundreds
of
[[Page E397]]
hours of volunteer time to make the pantry a success.
In its first weekend, the food pantry served 503 families. That's
503 families who could have faced hunger because of the harmful and
unnecessary shutdown. It is inspiring to see how the community came
together to support our Coast Guard members and their families.
____________________