U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David Ottignon, Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Rita Fountain, the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Camp Lejeune Director, commenced the annual NMCRS Fund Drive by making one of the first contributions aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, March 3.
The drive began March 1 and will last through April 30 as Marines and Sailors raise money to help the NMCRS mission of assisting active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents in coping with immediate financial emergencies and needs.
“Helping our Marines and Sailors is always a top priority. The uniqueness of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is being fully funded by service members for service members. This drive helps provide financial assistance in the case of any unprecedented events as well as providing Visiting Nurses, Education Assistance, and free financial advisors to our Marines and Sailors,” said Lt. Gen. Ottignon.
Lt. Gen. Ottignon was joined by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. David a Wilson, Sergeant Major, II MEF, and Command Master Chief Christopher Rebana, Command Master Chief, II MEF, in showing support for the drive by contributing.
“Over the course of my career, I have lost count of the number of Marines and Sailors who I have personally seen benefit from the services provided by NMCRS. Whenever I hear of a Marine or Sailor in serious need, NMCRS comes immediately to mind as an accessible and responsive solution. I give back every year, but I don’t know if I could ever repay them for all they’ve done,” said Sgt. Maj. Wilson.
Over $2 million were provided in financial assistance out of the Camp Lejeune office in 2022.
“The purpose of the active-duty fund drive is to educate our Marines and Sailors and give them the opportunity to give back so we can continue to provide the services that we provide worldwide,” said Fountain.
“I’m honored to serve with Sailors and Marines who continue to contribute after they take their unform off at the end of the day,” said Command Master Chief Rebana. “No one knows when trouble comes knocking on the door but having the support of the organizations like the NMCRS helps service members stay at ease and continue to be present for their families and friends.”
Although the mission of the NMCRS was created to help the widows and orphans of service members, it has developed into something much bigger. Service members can learn about volunteer opportunities, ways to donate, and seek assistance by visiting https://www.nmcrs.org/get-involved/donate or your local NMCRS field office located at 316 G. St., Camp Lejeune, NC 28547.