I just wanted to share some thoughts about my experiences about this weekend as we helped collect donations for Coast Guard families in Benicia and Vallejo affected by the ongoing government shutdown. I clearly saw the underlying value that most Americans share. That value that we are all one people—not red. Not blue. Just Americans that in times of need will form a tight bond and connection to come to the aid of our fellow citizens regardless of political affiliation.

A few examples of this really come to mind:

The elderly gray haired lady who barely was able, with her cane, to navigate the steps down to the entrance of the donation center, and walk to our area proudly donating $20 saying that is what she had left from her Social Security check but wanted the “boys” to know she cared.

The exuberant mother who represented her neighborhood who was giddy as she presented us with $500 in gift cards and a SUV filled with canned goods.

The Purple Heart Vietnam veteran who showed up before we opened up on day one and helped box and organize food throughout the two day event and cheerfully greeted everyone who made a donation.

The three Chief Petty Officers with their small children who were overcome with joy and surprise when they saw the sheer volume of food and more than $7,000 in cash and gift card donations.

I guess in these very difficult times it’s easy to say the system is broken and point fingers and say how terrible America has become.

But sitting for two days and meeting countless people from all walks of life donating their time as volunteers or donating food and money for people they will most likely never know, affirmed to me that there is still goodness in America.

And while the American spirit may be challenged right now, the basic values of Americans helping Americans in need is alive and well and helping to keep the life blood of our country flowing.

Terry Scott

Benicia

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