The Boston Red Sox and Red Sox Foundation today hosted an appreciation luncheon for close to 500 Massachusetts Coast Guard members and their families as a way to thank them for their service during the partial government shutdown. The Coast Guard was the only branch of the military on duty without pay during the 35-day shutdown. 
In addition to a catered lunch at the Coast Guard Base in Boston with the World Series trophy and Wally the Green Monster, gift cards were handed out to each Coast Guard member in attendance by Red Sox Foundation Board member Linda Henry, Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy, and Red Sox Foundation Executive Director Bekah Salwasser. 
"Today's lunch was a way to personally thank the many Coast Guard members who worked without pay for over a month," said Linda Henry. "Despite the challenges they faced during the shutdown, they continued to stand watch to ensure the safety of our coast lines and that critical services went uninterrupted. We cannot thank them enough for their service."
"We're used to being the rescuers, not the ones being rescued," said Admiral Andy Tiongson, First Coast District Commander for New England. "The amazing support of the Red Sox Foundation and hundreds of other organizations and individuals helped our Coast Guard family though a challenging time. This outpouring of generosity was incredibly heartwarming and humbling."
Also participating in today's lunch was Boston Bruins Foundation Executive Director Bob Sweeney and mascot Blades who brought goody bags for the service members.