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Benefits of Membership -- Above
and beyond the intrinsic benefits we all receive by volunteering our time
and talents, Auxiliarists are privileged to receive many other benefits
not available to other volunteer organizations. Both the Coast Guard and
the National Board, Inc. provide these benefits as an enhancement to our
volunteer service. The following is a listing of some of the benefits
available to members:
Coast Guard Federal Credit Union
The Coast Guard Credit Union provides all the services of a bank, but
returns profits to the members instead of the stockholders. From savings
and checking accounts to home equity lines of credit, the Credit Unit has
a lot to offer.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Mutual Assistance provides an emergency fund that can provide fast
financial relief when a member faces an unexpected or "impossible"
financial burden that would cause personal hardship if no assistance were
provided. Auxiliarists may apply for such a loan and are considered as
"Sponsor Members" under the program. If approved, the emergency loan is
interest free.
Coast Guard Work-Life Programs
Auxiliarists can take advantage of certain Coast Guard Work-life Programs
such as:
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Family
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Wellness
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Dependent Resources
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Employee Assistance
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Relocation Assistance
Insurance
A variety of insurance programs benefit the Auxiliarist operating under
Coast Guard orders. This includes medical, hospitalization, disability and
death benefits should an accident occur in the performance of your duty.
If your boat, aircraft or other
authorized Auxiliary facility is damaged or destroyed while legitimately
engaged in Auxiliary operations, coverage for repairs or replacement would
be provided. Government liability coverage protects the Auxiliarist from
third party claims made as a result of actions that occur when the
Auxiliarist is performing authorized missions and has been properly
assigned to duty.
In order to maintain this coverage, all
incidents and accidents must be reported to your issuing authority for the
mission. As a caution, there must be strict adherence with the terms of
all Coast Guard regulations and orders, as well as the Auxiliary Manual or
the claim will be denied.
Exchange Privileges
Auxiliarists in uniform, with proper identification, can purchase anything
sold in the Coast Guard Exchange Stores except liquor and cigarettes.
Dependents may accompany Auxiliarists to the Exchange, but may not make
individual purchases. Members of the Auxiliary are also welcome at
Department of Defense Exchanges, but only uniform items or accessories may
be purchased.
Publications
Members receive the Auxiliary National publication, The Navigator, their
own District publication, and other bulletins to keep abreast of Coast
Guard, Auxiliary and general boating information.
Uniforms and Awards
The pride of wearing the Auxiliary uniform is amplified by awards and
advancement, with ample opportunities to receive recognition by completing
Auxiliary training courses and participating in programs authorized by
your Flotilla leadership.
Tax Deductions
Uniforms, their cleaning and maintenance, and reasonable out of pocket
expenses incurred in the performance of your duties are "considered"
contributions for tax purposes. The foregoing is not intended to be advice
on deductibility. Your should consult your professional tax advisor.
Fellowship
One of the Auxiliary's trademarks is good old-fashioned hospitality.
Friends, neighbors and interested members of the public are always welcome
to attend one of our flotilla meetings. In addition, you will find a
special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that is hard to beat. Along with
our missions we find time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings,
training sessions, patrols, VSCs, classes, and conferences. Auxiliarists
make lasting, meaningful friendships.
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