Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain's Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) held a recognition ceremony for NSA Bahrain naval tenant commands in the base's multipurpose room, Oct. 23.

The mission of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other need-based assistance to active-duty and retired Sailors and Marines, their eligible family members, and survivors. The award ceremony recognized commands which contributed to the organization.

While the board works year-round to supply Sailors and Marines with assistance and is staffed by volunteers. Every year they appoint a local Sailor to help coordinate and organize fundraising efforts across all commands. This year, Chief Petty Officer Mike Hancock, assigned to NSA Bahrain's Navy Security Forces, worked to train and manage each command's NMCRS representatives.

"Chief Petty Officer Hancock's organization skills and attention to detail were crucial in the success of this year's fundraising campaign," said Jessie Hodges, the chair of volunteers for Bahrain's Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society's efforts.

Hancock was recognized for his efforts at the awards presentation and was given a letter of appreciation from NSA Bahrain's commanding officer and command master chief. Hancock worked in conjunction with Chief Petty Officer Joel Jones, who had already permanently changed stations.

This year, NSA Bahrain collectively was able to raise $88,962, which was twice the amount raised in 2015.

"Based off of the number of people on NSA Bahrain, which is smaller than on many other bases, the participation was great," said Hodges. "I was happy to work with someone as motivated for this organization to succeed as Chief Hancock, who blew this year out of the water."

The command which donated the largest amount of money to the campaign was the base's Navy Security Forces. Second place was U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and third place was USS Sentry (MCM 3). The top three commands were recognized with plaques.

"The success of the campaign generated this year was achieved through the teamwork spread throughout our commands," said Hancock. "It was really rewarding to be a part of a team that doubled the success from last year."

The organization and Sailors are already looking forward to next year's drive to continue the society's legacy of expanding services and programs to support the changing needs of service members and their families.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/.