The CGCVA: Who and What We Are.

The United States Coast Guard has participated in every war, declared and undeclared, since 1790. Its combat veterans have contributed outstanding service and many paid the ultimate price for safeguarding the freedom of this nation.

The Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association is a Non-Profit Association of Active Duty, Retired, Reserve, and Honorably Discharged Former Members of the United States Coast Guard, who served in, or provided direct support to combat situations recognized by an appropriate Military award, while serving as a member of the United States Coast Guard. We were established in 1985 by a group of Coast Guard veterans, whose wartime experiences brought a special kinship and camaraderie that generated an interest in socializing and sharing common experiences.

The Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association is a fraternal organization, dedicated to fellowship among it's members, and dedicated to making the public aware of the Coast Guard’s service and participation in those significant historical events in United States history. The CGCVA provides a living link between the present and past, so that the future may learn and develop from it.

In addition to the above, we continue too provide illumination of the gravesite of U. S. Coast Guard Medal of Honor recipient Douglas Munro, as part of our effort to support the public, and to bring awareness of the United States Coast Guard’s military missions and to reinforce the U. S. Coast Guard's motto Semper Paratus - "Always Ready”

The Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association presents four (4) special challenge coins at Cape May, New London and Petaluma to recruits, cadets or candidates who distinguish themselves in training.

The John H. Campbell CGCVA Physical Fitness Award challenge coin is presented at Tracen Cape May, NJ, to the Recruit with the best physical fitness score in the graduating company. This Physical Fitness award was developed by Past National President Jack Campbell, andbegan in 1997

The Navy Cross Recipient Captain Quentin Walsh challenge coin, given to the male and female cadets with the best obstacle course score, in their swab summer at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy. This award began in 1997.

The Silver Star Recipient CDR. Lonnie L. Mixon Award challenge coin, given to the Direct Commission Officer candidate, at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy for the best Physical Readiness score. This award began in 2023.

The Florence Finch World War II Hero Award challenge coin presented at the U S Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy to the student who exemplifies the "Spirit of the Chief", as nominated by their fellow cadre. This award began in 2024.