Last modified Thu., March 29, 2007 - 09:19 AM
Originally created Thursday, March 29, 2007

Annual NMCRS fund drive kicks off at NAS Jax

By MC2(SW/AW) Rebecca Kruck, Staff Writer

Rebecca Kruck Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mark Boensel is presented with a check representing the amount of money given to Sailors in the Southeast Region last year by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Presenting the check during this year's NMCRS Fund Drive Kickoff are (from left), Dave Faraldo, NAS Jax NMCRS director, Capt. Sean Buck, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven, Bill Kennedy, NS Mayport NMCRS director and Gail Tate, NSB Kings Bay NMCRS director. Photos by MC2(SW/AW)

This year's Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Fund Drive began March 19 with an organizational kick-off at the VP-30 auditorium. The fund drive is held each year to generate donations to benefit the local NMCRS - an organization that assists hundreds of Sailors and Marines and their families each month in the Jacksonville area.

Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mark Boensel spoke at the kick-off to the key workers that will be collecting donations during this year's drive. "This one of the most important things you will do this year," he said. "Because you're not just working for Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, but also for your shipmates."

The donations collected during the drive go towards various things including emergency funds for Sailors and Marines, paying off high-interest debts and even college for children of Sailors and Marines killed in combat.

"Children of those who are killed in battle get an automatic scholarship to a four-year college paid for by NMCRS," said Dave Faraldo, NAS Jax NMCRS director. "Last year $1.4 million was given to Sailors and Marines to help them get out of high-interest payday loans and $1.2 million was given in combat casualty assistance because we want to make sure the families are taken care of."

Sandra Jackson and Tanya Williams, who are both visiting nurses for NMCRS also spoke to the group. They described the visiting nurse, combat casualty assistance and combat related assistance programs, which provide both nursing support and financial services for Sailors and Marines injured in combat. The basic visiting nurse program also provides help with newborns, children and elderly who need medical care in the home.

Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mark Boensel speaks to Sailors and civilians at the 2007 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Fund Drive Kick-off ceremony March 19. Boensel encouraged everyone to promote an enthusiastic campaign and make individual contact with donors.

According to Boensel, it is the responsibility of the key workers to inform everyone about what NMCRS is all about. "I encourage everyone to get out there early and make contact with everyone so they understand how importance NMCRS is."

This year's drive is runs through April 27. Numerous fundraising events such as golf tournaments, car washes, bake sales and chili cookoffs are planned throughout the next six weeks. For more information, see your command NMCRS Fund Drive key person or contact the local NMCRS office at 542-3515.