Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) rallied together and exceeded their donation goal for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive.

The NMCRS provides financial education and assistance, as well as other programs such as quick assistance loans, budgeting money, emergency travel funds and disaster relief to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows and survivors.

"The purpose of the fundraiser was to raise money for the society," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Chief Sarah Caswell, co-chair command representative for NMCRS. "This year though, we wanted to do things differently."

Normally the command sets a financial goal for the crew to meet, but this year, a new program was implemented.

"Our goal is 100% meaningful contact and education," said Caswell. "That means reaching out and making sure every Sailor understands what services NMCRS provides, and who they can go to for help."

The NMCRS was founded in 1904 by several officers, wives of Naval officers and civilian friends who saw a need for more formal and organized assistance. Throughout the years, the society has grown to one of the largest assistance programs available to military members.

Such a large program requires several volunteers from each command, especially on larger commands such as an aircraft carrier.

"Being a part of the command's fundraising team is a busy job," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Tim Sunderman, enlisted command representative for NMCRS. "Getting the departments to donate and participate in the fundraiser is a tough challenge, especially with the logistics of people being on the ship and on the FAF (floating accommodation facility), it was a tough drive this year."

Even with the unique situation George Washington Sailors are currently in, departmental NMCRS representatives made 100 percent contact, resulting in the command raising approximately $40,000 for NMCRS.

"It all goes back to the Sailors," said Caswell. "If you donate, you're helping a fellow Sailor, a fellow Marine out. We were all blown away by the generosity of some of the junior Sailors at this command. A lot of people came together and their actions are really going to positively impact Sailors and Marines around the world who really need the help."

For more information on the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, contact your divisional representative or visit www.nmcrs.org.

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