Law Firm Throws a Life Line to Active Coast Guard Military Personnel Who Aren't Getting Paid Due to Government Shutdown

    CHARLESTON, SC, January 23, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This morning, in a relief effort to help local Coast Guard personnel and their families stay financially afloat during the government shutdown, George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers announced a donation of $5,000 to the Lowcountry Chapter of the United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA).

The firm also unveiled its online campaign, called the Stay Afloat Challenge, where people can learn how they can help Coast Guard personnel, and urges all who support the Coast Guard to use the hashtag #stayafloat to show their support on social media.

"I'm a veteran and I remember how tough it can be to get by," said George Sink, Sr., a Marine Corps veteran and the founding partner of George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers. "Right now, active military personnel in the Coast Guard aren't getting paid--but they still have to pay rent, buy food, and provide healthcare for their families. Some of these Guardians are having a hard time keeping their family afloat. We wanted to help."

860 Unpaid Coast Guard Personnel in Charleston

On Friday, January 18, ABC News4, published an interview with Coast Guard spokesperson PA3 Ryan Dickinson who explained in very real terms how the government shutdown was impacting the Coast Guard in Charleston.

Dickinson confirmed that all Charleston Coast Guard members had been affected but "continue to work diligently and faithfully," despite the fact that they have not received a paycheck since December 31, 2018. Although some administrative, maintenance, and recreational duties have been temporarily delayed/curtailed, the unpaid members of the Charleston Coast Guard are still responsible for essential services, including search and rescue, port and homeland safety and security, law enforcement, and environmental response, Dickinson explained in his interview.

The situation did not sit right with Sink.

"It's not right," Sink said. "Active military working without being paid. They're working to protect us, but who is protecting and providing for their families? It's a terrible situation, but it's an opportunity for us to serve them and that is what we intend to do."

Sink Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

The decision to donate $5,000 to the Lowcountry CPOA was easy to make, as far as Sink is concerned. "Our military families need our support now," Sink said. "We're here to give it." The donation was presented to Lowcountry CPOA officials Wednesday morning.

Sink Challenges Others to Take the "Stay Afloat Challenge"

George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers has launched an online platform where people can learn how they can help. The page can be found at www.sinklaw.com/stayafloat. The firm is also urging the use of the hashtag #stayafloat in all social media posts related to the effort.

"The Coast Guard keeps our borders safe. They protect us. When we're in danger, they keep us afloat. Now it's time to help Coastie families stay afloat until the government shutdown is ended."

About George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers

George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers is a personal injury law firm with offices throughout South Carolina and in Georgia. The firm proudly plays a consistently supportive role in the community. For more information, visit www.sinklaw.com.

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