It was the middle of September 2017, and the temperature outside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) reached upwards 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat waves simmered on the flight deck as the crew meticulously launched and recovered aircraft. Below deck, one Sailor gets word that something terrible has happened.
Yeoman 2nd Class Christopher King, from Uhland, Texas, was notified that his mother was seriously ill and in the hospital. He was halfway around the world, and a last minute plane ticket would cost thousands of dollars.
That’s where the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) stepped in. They were able to get King a round-trip ticket for $1,100. Just like that, a Sailor was able to get back to the states and see his mother.
“I love what the NMCRS did for me,” said King. “They were able to get me the funds and ticket from Manama, Bahrain. I’m thankful that an organization like the NMCRS is here for us.”
Emergency travel isn’t the only service that is offered by the NMCRS. They also offer no interest loans, which are based on the level of need of the individual, and the quick assist loan can provide up to $500 in less than an hour.
“I’ve used NMCRS three times in my 15 years in the Navy,” said King. “Twice for emergency flights and once for a no interest loan so my wife could get emergency dental care. They have given me so much, so I make it a point to give back more than what I’ve received.”
NMCRS receives its funds through donations and gifts. Every year Nimitz holds a donation drive to help support their mission, supporting Sailors and Marines. The ship is currently doing a basket raffle, as part of a series of events, where proceeds go towards the NMCRS. Nimitz Sailors have raised over $90,000 so far.
“Fund drives held by each command are very important to us at the NMCRS,” said Mary Kay Gombros, director of NMCRS-Bremerton. “The money raised helps the command and the Sailors attached. We rely on donations to keep our services going.”
NMCRS offers more than monetary assistance. They have a vast array of support to provide which includes financial and budgeting classes.
“Not many individuals know about our other programs outside of the quick assist loan,” said Gombos. “We offer travel nurses who come to your house and check up on you and your newborn. We offer courses on baby budgeting, financial budgeting and offer various loans to help with housing and unexpected events like the loss of a loved one.”
NMCRS helps relieve the stress of some financial burdens. They offer their help to every command no matter the size.
“The Nimitz is our largest user,” said Gombos. “There’s over three-thousand Sailors stationed there. NMCRS did $180,706.00 in support for them last year. So the fund drive is huge for us to be able to give them the support they need.”
Emergencies happen unexpectedly, and the effects they can have on even the most well-established budget are rarely easy fixes. NMCRS can be a venue that helps the service member regain financial stability and self-reliance.
“We should be your first choice, not a last resort,” said Gombos. “We get Sailors and spouses that come in, and you can see that they’re uneasy about being here. But at the end of their counseling, they have a smile on their faces and a plan of action along with a check. The service member is our number one priority…It’s why we’re here.”