Sea Cadets relies on government funding to keep costs low for our families and to make the Sea Cadet experience available to as many young Americans as possible. It is important that our congressional representatives know the value of our program and the impact it has on young people in their states and districts.

You are encouraged to engage your representatives and tell them the importance of Sea Cadets and ask for their support.

Note that Congress did not pass a Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The resulting full-year continuing resolution means that the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps will not receive $4.3 million of our authorized funding. This shortfall impacts our ability to subsidize summer and winter training, uniforms, and other program costs.

TO WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:

1. Find your congressional representative at this link: democracy.io
2. Type in your address.
3. Select the members of Congress you would like to communicate with.
4. Choose “Armed Forces and National Security,” “Defense,” “Labor and Employment,” “Families,” or a related “TOPIC” from the dropdown near the bottom of the form.
5. Copy this into the “Subject” box: U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps – FY26 Funding
6. Customize the following text and paste it into the webform. This letter is written from the perspective of a cadet. Volunteers and parents, please find a second example letter from the perspective of volunteers and parents just below the example for cadets.

CADETS – EXAMPLE LETTER TO YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:

Dear Representative/Senator [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a cadet in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in [District/State]. I attend [School] and am in the [Grade] grade.

Sea Cadets inspires young people like me to serve our country in the military, merchant marine, and industry. Through this program, I have gained leadership experience and training in a wide variety of maritime and industrial fields. My friends and I learn teamwork while living our core values of honor, respect, commitment, and service.

Sea Cadets is a $6.8M program. Normally, we receive $4.3M in Congressional funding, but we did not get that money this year because of the continuing resolution. Congressional funding allows me to attend summer training to learn important career skills in fields like shipbuilding, aviation, submarine training, Coast Guard training, and more.

As you prepare the FY26 NDAA, I respectfully ask you to fully fund Sea Cadets in the Navy’s budget. This support makes our training possible and affordable for thousands of cadets in our state and across the country.

If you have questions, please contact Mr. Doug Denneny at (703) 915-0582 or ceo@coaspire.com.

Thank you for your support.

[Your Full Name]
[Hometown]

VOLUNTEERS AND PARENTS – EXAMPLE LETTER TO YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:

Subject: Please Restore Full Funding for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps

Dear [Representative/Senator Last Name],

My name is [your name here], and I am writing to you as a dedicated volunteer with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in [City, State], and as the proud parent of [number] former sea cadets. I have witnessed firsthand the profound and lasting impact this program has on young people, their families, and our community.

Sea Cadets is not just a youth program but a life-changing experience that inspires young Americans to serve our country, whether in the military, the merchant marines, or vital industries. Through hands-on leadership training and real-world exposure to maritime and industrial careers, cadets develop critical skills, confidence, and a deep sense of responsibility. They learn the true meaning of honor, respect, commitment, and service; these core values help shape them into tomorrow’s leaders.

I have seen my own children grow into capable, resilient adults thanks to the opportunities and mentorship they received as sea cadets. I have also seen countless other cadets, many from underserved backgrounds, find purpose, direction, and a sense of belonging through this program. For many families, including mine, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps has opened doors that would otherwise remain closed.

Unfortunately, due to the FY25 full-year continuing resolution, Sea Cadets did not receive the $4.3 million in authorized Congressional funding, which is essential to our mission. Without this support, thousands of cadets nationwide, including many from our state, will lose access to summer training programs that teach vital skills in shipbuilding, aviation, submarine operations, military service, and more. These experiences are not just educational; they are transformative, often setting young people on a path to lifelong service and success.

As you consider the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, I respectfully urge you to fully restore funding for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in the Navy’s budget. Your support will ensure that this invaluable program remains accessible and affordable for all who wish to serve and lead.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the impact of Sea Cadets in our community, please contact Mr. Doug Denneny at (703) 915-0582 or ceo@coaspire.com. I would also be honored to share my family’s story or connect you with local cadets whose lives have been changed by this program.

Thank you for your time and your steadfast support of our nation’s youth.

Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Tips for Sending:

• Replace any bracketed areas with your specific information.
• Consider including a brief personal story or anecdote about your child(ren)’s experience.

Thank you for your support!