Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Last year, the Quantico branch of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) spent more than twice what it brought in assisting Marines and sailors in financial distress.
According to Presha Merritt, director of the Quantico NMCRS, in 2015 the society spent $465,205 and received a total of $190,760 through grants and donations to the Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD).
NMCRS is in the middle of its 2016 fund drive, which runs through April 30. The goal this year is to raise $150,000. Last year’s campaign nearly reached that goal, bringing in $143,000, the most since 2011.
“It is important for Marines and sailors of all ranks to understand the instant and effective aid that this program can provide,” said Capt. John Irwin, commanding officer of Combat Development Company and this year’s ADFD campaign manager.
On Apr. 1, five Marine Corps Base Quantico commanding generals and six commanding officers pledged their financial support to NMCRS at a signing ceremony held at The Clubs at Quantico.
“The organization can truly help Marines and sailors in a moment’s notice,” Irwin said. “These gentlemen understand that. Therefore, they take part in events like this to demonstrate that every echelon of command supports and appreciates what the NMCRS accomplishes for our service members and their families.”
The society, which is worldwide and has been in existence since 1904, provides financial assistance to active duty and retired service members, their families, and their survivors. It can help with basics such as money for rent, utilities, food, and gas, as well as emergency leave travel and funeral costs, dental and medical co-pays, and car repair and car payments.
“We help people get their finances on a good basis so they can get on with their lives,” Merritt said. “We see people on a one-to-one basis and work with them on their budgets so they understand how to manage their money. We strive to be compassionate and non-judgmental so the experience is positive.”
The Quantico office offers budget counseling and provides loans and grants. It also offers Budget for Baby classes and provides layettes worth $100 to new parents. Other branches have thrift shops.
Merritt said that all contributions to the ADFD go into the society’s bank in Washington, D.C. She then requests checks to be issued to service members who come in for assistance.
“I have a limit of $4,500 on any one case at a time, but I can also go to [headquarters] for an exception if I need more,” Merritt said.
Merritt said she’d like service members to come and see her at the first sign of a financial problem.
“It is so much easier to help with a one month car payment than a repo’d car!” she said.
Donations can be made on the NMCRS website at www.nmcrs.org/locations/entry/quantico.
— Writer: auphausconner@quanticosentryonline.com
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