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Senior enlisted leaders ban together to support NMCRS

14 Apr 2016 | Valerie O’Berry Marine Corps Base Quantico

To show their support of the Active Duty Fund Drive for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, senior enlisted leaders aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico banned together at a signing ceremony April 13 in which they pledged their individual gifts to NMCRS Quantico. The event was held before the NCO PME at The Clubs at Quantico. The goal of the Active Duty Fund Drive, continuing through April 30, is to raise $150,000, which will be used to support Sailors, Marines and their family members who may be facing an emergency. The NMCRS helps Sailors and Marines who may be facing the unexpected expenses of a funeral or car repair, for example.

“By signing our pledges and giving to NMCRS, we are showing the way rather than just telling people why it is important to give during the fund drive,” said Sgt. Maj. Gerald Saunders, base sergeant major. In addition, he said the signing ceremony was an opportunity to raise awareness of the work of the society, so those who may need the services know they are available to them. “We want the enlisted Marines to know that not only can they come to us when they have a problem, but also that there are resources available to them. If an emergency arises, we want Marines to know that they are not alone.”

In addition to assisting Sailors and Marines facing a financial crisis through no-interest loans and grants, the society also provides visiting nurses, financial counseling, budgeting help, education assistance, health education and post-combat support, emergency travel assistance, disaster relief and thrift shops. And, the NMCRS stresses that all help is provided on a confidential basis.

In addition to helping active duty service members and their families, NMCRS extends help to retired Marines and Sailors and their family members, as well as surviving family members of active duty and retired Sailors and Marines who are deceased.

“Our main goal is to help each person who comes to us get support for their immediate needs. Our long-term mission is to help Sailors and Marines become financially self-sufficient by learning how to better manage their personal finances and prepare for unplanned expenses,” according to the NMCRS web site.

The idea of the NMCRS was born long before its formal inception in 1904. When the U.S. was in its infancy, there were no benefits for widows or orphans of the armed services. In addition, the young nation could not afford health care for family members or retirement benefits for service members. Sailors and Marines were known to “pass the hat,” to help their fellow brothers and sisters in arms.

Today, the NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive is based on the principles that helped found it. Currently, NMCRS Quantico has raised more than $60,000 toward its goal of $150,000.

To learn more about NMCRS, which has locations in numerous states, visit www.nmcrs.org. To make a donation, visit www.nmcrs/locations/entry/quantico.

Marine Corps Base Quantico