Dear Fellow CGA 96ers,

We have a classmate in need! Gabrielle Strout (Krajenski) is one of the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Her home flooded almost completely. It was not in a flood plain (as many weren't) but was flooded when it was decided to release water from a local reservoir. She does not have flood insurance and it is going to be a long, trying, and expensive road to recovery for her and her family.

I exchanged messages with Gabrielle today. As you can see in the pic, she has the ole '96 fighting spirit (that is her Officer's sword) and sense of humor despite all that has happened. She has a great local support network providing the immediate basics but she expressed a need for financial support for the coming months...if not years...of recovery.

Here is my request, neh, challenge. Let's show Gabrielle some 96 love by donating a minimum of $96 each to support her and her family in this moment of need. I have set a fundraising goal of $9600, assuming 100 of you will respond to this...make me look lame by underestimating the great power and compassionate hearts CGA Class of 96!

For donation verification purposes:
1.  This is Tony Russell, stationed at USCGA in New London CT.
2.  I am one of about 230 CGA Classmates of Gabrielle's and all donations would go direct to her.
3.  Your donation's will be used by Gabrielle to help her and her family recover from Harvey, which completely flooded their home.
4.  Gabrielle will be a direct beneficiary through GoFundMe and be able to withdraw your donations directly herself.