VAW-115 raises record amount
for Navy/MC relief

The Annual Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society Fund Drive was a resounding success for VAW-115. Even though it's one of CVW-5's smallest squadrons, the Liberty Bells raised an astounding $8083, the second highest total in Carrier Air Wing FIVE.

The "Bells" also had a very high per capita donation of $45, with the Line Division leading the way with a average donation of $109.

"Per Capita donation is the great equalizer," according to Lt. Russell Hays, the CVW-5 NMCRS Fund Drive Coordinator. "VAW-115 did a heck of a job."

The squadron's success was due in large part to the leadership of division Leading Chief Petty officers and officers, who were integral to getting the word out about the NMCRS.

Many of these officers and chiefs have had first hand experiences with the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, and they know the Society offers a vital safety net for Sailors and Marines. For example, Lt. Matt Jones, the Line Division Officer, benefited from Navy-Marine Corps Relief when he was an Airman Recruit. Jones did not have enough money to attend the funeral of his Grandmother, which required a trip from San Diego to Idaho. His chief took him straight to the Navy Relief office, which arranged an interest free loan for him to attend the funeral. The Society not only provided the money, but "it really seemed like they cared," Jones said. The Society volunteer helped him make travel arrangements and made sure that he had all the necessary documents in order.

"Navy Relief was there for me when I needed them, so I vowed to support them as long as I was in the Navy," Jones said.

Part of the reason VAW-115 was successful is the squadron Executive Officer's offer of special 24 hour liberty for anyone donating $120 or more, the same offer available to ship's company.

Many Sailors took advantage of the offer, happy to get a small reward for helping their shipmates.

"It feels good to know that we're helping our Sailors and Marines in a tangible way," Lt.j.g Brad Brewer said.

The Liberty fund raising effort also included the First Annual VAW-115 NMCRS Fund Drive March Madness Pool. Sailors donated $5 per entry to attempt to choose the winner of the NCAA's March Madness. The pool raised $170, half of which went to the winner -- Lt. Rich Nevitt of VAW-115 who picked Kentucky. The runner up was Aviation Structural Mechanic H (Hydraulics) Airman Russell Broad of VS-21 who chose Utah.

The pool served the dual purpose of raising money and spreading the word about the Society's benefits.

Unlike most charity fund drives, 100% of these donations will go directly to helping Sailors and Marines in need. The administrative costs of the fund drive and the few full-time employees of the society are paid for by a Reserve Fund established during World War II.

With great enthusiastic support, VAW-115 has embraced the true spirit of Navy/Marine Corps Relief: "Taking care of our shipmates!"