Photo By Cpl. Khoa Pelczar | When service members find themselves in serious financial trouble, like having to ...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — There are times when someone may find himself down on his luck. One day he's cruising down the street in his new car, and the next day it won't start. Now he has a car that's out of order and he can't afford to fix it. So what does he do?
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Camp Pendleton is a private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to helping Marines and Sailors through difficult financial times like these.
"Marines know they can count on each other for support and know they can count on the NMCRS when they or members of our families are in need," said Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers financial help through grants or loans. The difference between grants and loans is that grants don't have to be paid back while loans do, but the loans are interest-free. They also offer money management classes, food lockers and layettes.
Food lockers provide meals for short-term needs, infant formula and diapers, and if a food locker is not available, NMCRS will provide a check for the local commissary for supplies. Layettes, also known as Junior Seabags, are issued to any eligible recipient who has recently had a baby or whose child will be born within six months. It consists of a coordinated set of bedding and clothing, a baby book and a handmade item packed in a tote or duffel bag. Layettes are given away after new parents attend a "Budget for Baby" class or complete an individual budget session with a society caseworker.
The NMCRS loans are designed to help with emergency needs for basic living expenses. Any active duty Sailor or Marine who has no outstanding loans from the society, and who is in good standing, is eligible to receive a Quick Assist Loan.
The Quick Assist Loan has a value up to $500 and takes only 15 minutes to acquire with a service member's most recent leave and earnings statement and their active duty ID card.
Relief Society staff members deal directly with the individual they are working with and don't have to check with the commander or inform them; applications are kept confidential for privacy. Family members are not eligible.
"Emergencies happen to everyone of all ranks," said Mike Hire, 63, Washington D.C., director of the Mainside NMCRS office.
Some of the things that NMCRS helps with are emergency transportation, funerals and medical/dental bills, food, rent, utilities and much more.
When a situation calls for a service member to take emergency leave to respond to the death of a family member, the NMCRS will step up and ensure they make it home if they don't have the money.
Some things they won't help Marines and Sailors with are paying bills for non-essentials, these include things that are wanted, not needed such as cell phones or new rims for a car.
They also will not help finance liberty or vacations, pay fines or legal expenses or help someone live beyond their means.
For more information about the services the NNMCRS provides, contact the Mainside office at 760-725-5337. You can also visit their website at nmcrs.org.
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2009 10:51 |
| Story ID: | 36941 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 249 |
| Downloads: | 210 |
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