OKINAWA, Japan - Ellyn Dunford, spouse of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. visited Okinawa, visiting different organizations focused on the health and well-being of service members and their families on Okinawa March 21-23.
Dunford toured the Labor and Delivery Ward, Postpartum Ward, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Stork’s Nest all at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Lester.
“Kudos to all involved who play a role in making the Pacific region one that attracts our families by fulfilling their health care needs,” said Dunford.
Dunford also visited the offices of the American Women’s Welfare Association and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Okinawa.
“I was very pleased that Mrs. Dunford wanted to take the time to visit Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society while she was on Okinawa,” said Kristin Stephens, director of NMCRS Okinawa. “I know she had limited time on her trip and had to be selective about what organizations she visited.”
Dunford, a board member for the society, showed her dedication not only to the mission of NMCRS, but also to ensuring Marines and sailors have somewhere to turn when they are in a financial emergency, said Stephens.
“I wanted to come out here and see how things are going,” said Dunford, while talking to the employees and volunteers at NMCRS. “I also wanted to say thank you for such an essential service. There’s no one else who fills in for what you do.”
NMCRS Okinawa has tailored its programs to fit the needs of service members while living here, said Stephens.
Dunford and Stephens spoke about the different programs NMCRS offers for their service members, such as the Budget for Baby Workshop and financial assistance.
They also discussed how the volunteers at NMCRS have a great impact on the organization’s ability to serve its clients.
“It meant a lot to all of our volunteers that she understands the importance of who we are and what we do for sailors and Marines on the island,” said Stephens. “They really appreciated the opportunity to personally show her the unique things we do here on Okinawa.”