National Coast Guard Museum Newsletter (Summer 2024)

SUMMER 2024
WHAT’S INSIDE:
National Coast Guard Museum
Association’s Board of Directors
releases $40 million for building
construction
Highlights from the annual Secretaries’
Circle Breakfast on the Hill
Retired USCG CPO Ronald
“Chappy” Chapman’s summer
matching gift challenge
The National Coast Guard Museum
team supports NYC Fleet Week ‘24
STORIES
THAT
MATTER
SUMMER 2024
PAGE 1

FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Dear Donors, Colleagues, and Supporters,
Let me start by saying THANK YOU. Thank you for all your support in getting us to this
point. Thank you to our Board of Directors for your steadfast leadership. Thank you to our
colleagues at USCG headquarters for your collaboration and commitment to building the
National Coast Guard Museum. And thank you to our federal, state, and local government
officials who have tirelessly worked with us to meet the challenges of this complex and
at times unwieldy project.
Late this spring, our Board voted unanimously to authorize the next phase of construction
– releasing $40 million to construct the Museum building structure. With construction
kicked off in mid-July, we will see this five-story frame take shape along the historic
Thames River waterfront by the end of this calendar year. We are building your National
Coast Guard Museum.
Yet, that is not the only recent milestone. The U.S. Coast Guard has also achieved a
significant milestone of 100% complete exhibit design. This means that they have secured
their themes, storylines, visitor experience, artifact curation planning, and are on track
to build exhibits that will honor those who have served and will inspire generations to
come. This has been an incredible task and journey, considering the 233+ years of Coast
Guard history that must be distilled into a singular compelling Museum experience. My
congratulations to the entire team, particularly the leadership of Rear Admiral Will Watson
and the CG Museum crew on this achievement.
However, our work is not done. Although we are on final approach to achieve our $150
million capital campaign goal to fund and build the National Coast Guard Museum,
we still have much work ahead of us – and we continue to need your support. From
educational programming to Museum membership, we have many important initiatives
ahead of us to ensure this is a vibrant, successful and sustainable Museum for all.
Again, I thank you, and I encourage you to keep up the great work and to continue to
share our progress. We need your help in finding us new supporters and advocates,
and please reach out to us to share your stories and ideas on how you can support us in
opening the National Coast Guard Museum in 2026.
Semper Paratus!
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President
National Coast Guard Museum Association
From left to right: RADM Richard W. Schneider
Ph.D., USCG (Ret.); CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG
(Ret.), President, NCGMA; Jeff Kingsley; Susan
J. Curtin, Chair; CDR Kevin Harkins, Ph.D., USCG
(Ret.), Secretary; Michael Rauh; Stephen Lovelette;
ADM James M. Loy, USCG (Ret.); MCPOCG Vincent
W. Patton, Ed.D., USCG (Ret.); and RADM Richard
M. Larrabee, USCG (Ret.), Treasurer.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

ON-SITE IN
NEW LONDON,
CONNECTICUT
BOARD APPROVES
$40 MILLION FOR
NEXT PHASE OF
CONSTRUCTION
On June 12, 2024, the National Coast
Guard Museum Association Board of
Directors voted unanimously to release
funding for the next phase of construction, which
began this summer. By end of calendar year, this
site will have steel and concrete rising out of the
ground. Under the leadership of Chair Susan
Curtin, the NCGMA is also on final approach to
achieve its $150 million capital campaign goal.
SUMMER 2024
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

THE POWER FAMILY’S
TRANSFORMATIONAL
GIFT TO THE
NATIONAL COAST
GUARD MUSEUM
As we are on final approach to reach our
$150 million capital campaign goal, we
share our heartfelt appreciation for our
lead donor Sue Curtin, chair of the National
Coast Guard Museum Association, and her
family on their tremendous generosity. In honor
of their father J.D. Power III, they have made the
largest cumulative donation over the course of
this campaign in support of the construction and
development of the Museum.
J.D. Power III, a proud Coast Guard veteran
and the esteemed founder of J.D. Power and
Associates, left an indelible mark on his industry
and his Country. His dedication to excellence
and service is a source of inspiration, and we
are honored to recognize his legacy through this
pivotal support for the Museum.
The family’s remarkable philanthropy exemplifies
the spirit of giving their father championed, and
we are deeply grateful for their support and
leadership. This gift not only honors J.D. Power III’s
service but also ensures that future generations
will learn about, and appreciate, the vital role the
Coast Guard plays in our Nation’s history.
The Power Family gift represents transformational
funds that have propelled the Museum’s
construction forward, ensuring a state-of-the-art
facility is created and dedicated to preserving
and sharing the rich history and heritage of the
U.S. Coast Guard.
With the intention of fostering a collective spirit of
generosity and commitment to honor the Coast
Guard’s legacy, the Power Family Challenge
has been created to inspire other leadership
donors to help complete the Capital Campaign.
Through this Challenge, the Power Family is
providing additional funds to amplify donor
impact and recognition within the Museum. To
learn more about the Museum and the Power
Family Challenge, please contact NCGMA’s
Director of Development, Craig Schroeder, at:
cschroeder@coastguardmuseum.org
or call 860-443-4200.
Listen to Sue tell their story:
@NationalCGMuseumAssociation
SUMMER 2024
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

SECRETARIES’
CIRCLE ANNUAL
CONGRESSIONAL
BREAKFAST SUCCESS
More than 100 friends, supporters, legislative officials, and members of United States Coast Guard
leadership joined us for the annual Congressional Breakfast in Washington, D.C., in support of
the National Coast Guard Museum. It was an inspiring and uplifting event where the momentum
of our project was celebrated, and the Kennedy Caucus Room was buzzing with collective enthusiasm.
Former Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater kicked off our event with a personal recounting of
the impact and importance of the Coast Guard as it protects our Nation’s borders, declaring that the
Museum will be a beacon of light and inspiration for the Service and the American public. Commandant
Linda Fagan shared that the Coast Guard is committed to honoring its past and has an eye on the future,
which is bright. In fact, this year, for the first time in quite some time, we learned that the USCG has met
its recruiting goals!
Top left: United States Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan talked shop with Representative Joe Courtney (CT- D).
Bottom left: Coast Guard officials, members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegate, and dignitaries enjoy a breakfast in the Kennedy Caucus Room in
Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Coast Guard Museum Association’s Secretaries’ Circle
Bottom: from left - Mark Mollan, Deputy Chief Historian, U.S. Coast Guard; Wes Pulver, President, National Coast Guard Museum Association; Rear
Admiral Will Watson, Director of Governmental and Public Affairs for the U.S. Coast Guard; Kyle Bernard, Director of Programs & Exhibits, National
Coast Guard Museum; Gabriel Christy, Curator, National Coast Guard Museum; Renee Coleman, Director of Public Affairs, National Coast Guard Museum;
Dwight Martino, Visual Information Specialist, National Coast Guard Museum
SUMMER 2024
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The program continued with remarks from
Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal
and Chris Murphy, as well as Connecticut
House Representatives Joe Courtney and Rosa
DeLauro. Their message was clear—the federal,
state and local governments fully support our
mission and vision to build the National Coast
Guard Museum, and all eyes are focused on an
anticipated opening in 2026.
Together, with the help of all our supporters and
friends, we have moved the needle forward
considerably. The NCGMA’s $150 million
capital campaign goal is well within view, and
construction is moving forward steadily through
the remainder of 2024. While momentum is
strong, we must continue to share the mission
and vision of this project, find new and returning
supporters to meet our funding needs, and
continue to collaborate with all partners to
ensure a sustainable, successful, and worldclass
Museum.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

10THINGS TO
DO AT THE
UPCOMING
NATIONAL
COAST GUARD
MUSEUM
1. Relax in the 5-story atrium under the awe-inspiring Jayhawk
helicopter and rescue swimmer that are suspended in mid-air.
Top left: The room fi lled up as Congressional delegates, Coast Guard leadership,
and dignitaries sat down to enjoy breakfast.
Top right: The Honorable Rodney E. Slater, guest speaker at the event, delivered
his speech as to the importance of the United States Coast Guard and the national
museum that will soon be built honoring that military branch.
Bottom left: Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) delivered her speech about
the regional impact of the Coast Guard and the upcoming National Coast Guard
Museum.
2. Test your skills as a Coast Guard crewmember. Grab a digital
tablet and work through 10 interactive skill stations throughout
the Museum. Earn your operational pin and have some fun along
the way.
3. Grab a bite at the café.
4. Take in the breathtaking views of the historic Thames River and
New London waterfront from the memorial terrace.
5. Attend a special event, or rent the space to host your own event,
in the upper deck event space.
6. Find your commemorative paver and walk along the Revenue
Cutter Argus Promenade—the waterfront gateway to the
Museum.
7. Grab a selfie alongside the Barque Eagle when it is moored at
the adjacent New London City Pier!
8. Sign up for the simulator program and be briefed on three USCG
missions. Dive into the action and find out how you and your
team do in the live debrief!
9. Relax and enjoy the 180-seat theater nestled in the heart of the
Museum, featuring a heartfelt Coast Guard retrospective film.
10. Buy some souvenirs at the Ship’s Store!
Can’t wait for us to open in 2026? Stay tuned for more information
on virtual program opportunities, the Museum membership program,
and online Ship’s store!
Bottom right: Senator Chris Murphy (CT-D) receiving a round of applause as he
fi nalized his remarks.
SUMMER 2024
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MEET “CHAPPY”:
OUR SUMMER
MATCHING GIFT
DONOR
MATCHING
CHALLENGE
Living in Hull Village, Massachusetts, home
of Joshua James, one of the greatest
United States Coast Guard lifesavers in
our country’s history, CPO Ronald “Chappy”
Chapman is surrounded by Coast Guard history
and honors it every day. Chappy joined the
Coast Guard in 1964, and although he was
only able to serve four years due to personal
issues at the time, he not only enjoyed it, he
loved it! In fact, he lived in the old boat house
of the Coast Guard station that later became
the Hull Lifesaving Museum. At the suggestion
of a friend, he eventually rejoined as a
reservist, which he describes as simply “a great
experience.”
Chappy’s primary function was in the Boat
Forces community, but later he became a
member of the maintenance and repair
unit on Cape Cod, and this transformation
moved him from boats to buildings. During
this period, he was transferred, and eventually
put on temporary active duty, which lasted six
years. As a result, he was assigned to Boston
Housing/Facilities Engineering at Base Boston.
His primary duty was to serve as the housing
maintenance, which was eventually converted
to a civilian position. While at this position, he
continued to oversee multiple housing sites,
which included the D1 representational facility
housing. “It was an honor and privilege to serve
17 district commanders and their families over
the years. I continued to work longer than I
needed to and probably should have,” explains
Chappy who retired in 2020 and is turning 80
in October, “but I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Still active in his Hull Village community,
Chappy has now set his sights on building
and supporting the National Coast Guard
Museum. “Every other Armed Service has a
Museum. We need a place where our Service is
displayed and appreciated. We are older than
these other Services, and we need our home.”
While managing retirement and enjoying his
family, especially his grandchildren, Chappy
explains, “When I learned about the ability
to pledge money over several years, I thought
that is something I can do. I can’t wait to bring
my grandkids to the Museum when it opens!”
Always looking to do more, and honoring
his Coast Guard experience and memories,
Chappy is honored to support of the National
Coast Guard Museum Association. “We can do
this,” he adds, “and I can’t wait!”
IT WAS AN HONOR AND
PRIVILEGE TO SERVE 17 DISTRICT
COMMANDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
OVER THE YEARS. I CONTINUED TO
WORK LONGER THAN I NEEDED TO
AND PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE, BUT I
ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

Top left: CPO Ronald “Chappy” Chapman, USCG, outside of Boston Housing/Facilities Engineering.
Left: Retired CPO Ronald “Chappy” Chapman, USCG, poses with VADM Thomas Allan, USCG, and retired RADM Richard Larrabee, USCGC, Treasurer of the National Coast
Guard Museum Association, at the Secretaries’ Circle Breakfast on the Hill in Washington, D.C.
Middle: Chapman (right) on the USCGC Eagle in the Parade of Sail for the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in July 1986. Pictured with Chappy is Walter Cronkite, who was
aboard for the transit into NY harbor.
Right: Chapman working with a team from the CGC White Sage to restore and repaint Sankaty Lighthouse on Nantucket.
SUMMER 2024
PAGE 11

THE POWER OF YOUR WILL:
EMPOWER YOUR FUTURE, LOVED ONES, AND
THE NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM!
August is National Make-A-Will Month,
and at the National Coast Guard
Museum Association, we are exercising
our willpower to achieve our goals and more.
Did you know that it is estimated that 68% of
Americans do not have a will? This month, we’re
inviting you to consider your own “will power”
by creating a will with our partner, FreeWill.
Their free and intuitive online resource (www.
freewill.com/ncgma) will guide you through the
process of creating your plans online in just 20
minutes while also:
• Giving you peace of mind and security
through finalizing your plans
• Establishing your values by including the
people and causes you love the most
• Extending a legacy with the National
Coast Guard Museum Association with an
impactful gift that will last for generations
to come
Your “will power” helps you achieve your
personal goals, and your legacy helps us
reach ours. By including a gift to the Museum
Association in your will, you are taking the
initiative and ensuring that our work can carry
forward well into the future.
If you’re among those who have already taken
this important step, you may now be wondering:
how often do I need to update my will?
It’s a good rule of thumb to review your will
every four to five years, even if you don’t think
anything is different. This helps ensure your
family stays protected and your final wishes are
respected. Estate attorneys also recommend
updating your will any time you experience a
major life event, such as:
• You have a child or become a grandparent
• Your marital status changes
• You enjoy a financial windfall or setback
• You move to a different state
• Your health changes
Take the power of a will into your own hands
during Make-A-Will Month.
www.freewill.com/ncgma
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

2024 CHALLENGE COIN
JOIN.
UPGRADE.
SUPPORT.
Honor the 210’ Reliance-Class cutters, a venerable platform
for the modern U.S. Coast Guard’s fleet, which is celebrating
60 years of service. To get your coin, become a plankowner
or upgrade your current plankowner gift ($5 per month
minimum) before September 30, 2024. For more information,
please visit:
www.cgmuseumassociation.org/plankowner
SUMMER 2024
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U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Hillard
FLEET WEEK
NY
MAY
22 - 28
2024 U.S. Coast Guard photo by Renee Coleman, Director of Public Affairs
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Renee Coleman, Director of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Renee Coleman, Director of Public Affairs
FLEET WEEK
ROUND UP
The National Coast Guard Museum attended Fleet Week New York 2024. This was a
first for the museum team, and it was an incredible adventure! They met with more than
20,000 visitors over the four-day event. The first two days were spent aboard the CGC
Calhoun and the last two days were spent along the pier at the Intrepid Museum. Fleet Week
was an opportunity to educate and inform the public on the museum project and explore Coast
Guard history through educational artifacts that visitors could handle. One of the most rewarding
parts for the museum team was the smiling faces as visitors learned about their Coast Guard
and its history.
SUMMER 2024
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION