The CGCVA was established in 1985 by Coast Guardsmen who served in World War II and Vietnam and wanted to establish an association of Coast Guard veterans to meet and share their common experiences. 

Those who met in July, 1985 were both officers and enlisted veterans and they sought to establish an association for the benefit of it's members. They began recruiting other Coast Guardsmen who were active duty, reservist, retirees or honorably discharged veterans who participated in any combat theatre, while serving in the United States Coast Guard. 

The association grew to over 2,000 members and their stated purpose was to illuminate the gravesite of Medal of Honor recipient Douglas Munro; inform the public of the Coast Guard's participation in this nation's conflicts since 1790, and to promote fellowship with its membership.