Not many people may be aware, but Vicksburg has a United States Coast Guard station, and those assigned to the post are currently being impacted by the partial government shutdown.

The Coast Guard is the only branch of the armed services that is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security rather than the Pentagon. As a result this week, active duty U.S. Coast Guard service members did not receive a paycheck.

The lapse in federal funding has caused a hardship for members of the Coast Guard, which is continuing operations authorized by law for national security or that protect life and property.

The Vicksburg unit is a Marine Safety Detachment that covers inspections and investigations activities along the lower Mississippi River.

Attempts to reach the U.S. Coast Guard public affairs officer in Memphis for comment on how many local members are being impacted were unsuccessful Friday.

But local military veterans want to lend a hand to assist members of the Vicksburg Coast Guard unit during the government shutdown.

American Legion Post 3 in Vicksburg is seeking donations that will be given indirectly to members of the Coast Guard unit.

Some ways Post 3 is suggesting to lend a helping hand is with gift cards of $50 and below, non-perishable food items and monetary donations. The Storehouse Community Food Pantry located at the Good Shepherd Community Center, 629 Cherry Street, can also accept donations.

Community steps up

American Legion Post 3 Adjutant Julia Baker said local businesses have offered meal vouchers and individuals have collected and provided gift cards to Walmart. She said to her knowledge this was the first time Post 3 has assisted the Coast Guard in this manner.

“We’ve gotten good response from the community,” Baker, who also serves as Post 3 auxiliary treasurer, said. “Everyone we have contacted has absolutely stepped up to the plate. Good Shepherd has extended their program to the local Coast Guard and their families.”

She said assisting the Coast Guard during this time fulfills two of the four primary pillars of the American Legion, which is celebrating a century this year. American Legion Post 3 will mark 100 years March 15.

“We are taking care of veterans and also taking care of children of veterans,” Baker said. “We’re just doing what we do to help veterans.”

Those in the community who would like to make donations are asked to either call American Legion Post 3 at 601-634-1114 or message them on their Facebook page.